Estonia Cultural Groups

Europe Estonia

Population Statistics
When Estonia was conquered by the Teutonic Knights at the beginning of the 13th century there were some 100,000 Estonians. The estimated population in 2002 is 1.4 million, which is a down about 150,000 from the census of 1989 count of 1,565,662. As of that census, the ethnic composition was: Estonians 62%, Russian 30%, Ukrainians 3%, Belarussians 2%, Finns 1%, and other 2%. Tallinn is the capital and largest city with a population of 472,000. Other important cities are Tartu (formerly Dorpat), Narva, and Kohtla-Järve.

Estonians are traditionally Lutheran. In 2002 Lutherans constituted 75% of the population; Orthodox 19%. Baptist and other Protestant churches are also represented in the country.