Estonian men are the third tallest in the world

Estonian men have maintained their ranking of being the third tallest people in the world. According to World Health Organisation data, Men from the Netherlands and Belgium continue to dominate the top spots followed by Estonia. Factors such as genetics, nutrition, and environment can influence a population’s average height.

 

 

Estonian women also rank highly on the height scale, they too are considered the third tallest in the world.  The average height of an Estonian woman is 168.67cm (5 feet 6.40 inches) compared to the world average that is currently 162cm.

Fun fact: According to Guinness World Records, the world's tallest living woman is Rumeysa Gelgi from Turkey. She stands at a towering 215.16 cm (7ft 0.7in).  The world's tallest living man is Sultan Kösen, also from Turkey,  his height is 251 cm (8 ft 2.82 in).

Five old Estonian proverbs

Estonian wisdom passed from generation to generation through the ages.

 

     

Night of Ancient Bonfires will take place on August 26

Once a year, on the last Saturday of August, bonfires will be lit at sunset along the coastline of Estonia and neighbouring countries. The Night of Ancient Bonfires (Muinastulede öö) is a tradition that originated during the Viking Era and was revived in Estonia in 1992. The tradition of lighting bonfires along the coast pay homage to the historic seaside beacon fires of the past that guided seafarers safely ashore. On Saturday night bonfires can be seen on the coasts of Finland, Åland, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania and all over Estonia.

 More information can be found on the Muinastulede öö website. Night of Ancient Bonfires

Informative video about Estonia by Countries Explained

34th anniversary of the Baltic Way

The Baltic Way was a peaceful political protest that took place on 23 August 1989. The event was organised to draw attention to the 50th anniversary of the signing of the  Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and the illegal Soviet occupation of the three Baltic States. The Baltic Way saw approximately two million people join hands from Tallinn through Riga to Vilnius to form a human chain that span 690 kilometres. The Baltic Way was the longest human chain in history.  

 "Vabadust!", "Brīvība!", "Laisve!" sounded across the Baltic States on 23rd August 23 1989.

32nd Anniversary of Estonia's Restoration of Independence

Today, Estonians around the world celebrate 32 years since Estonia restored its independence. For fifty years Estonia was forced to endure Soviet occupation which finally ended in 1991. Estonians know the price of freedom, the pain of occupation and longing for liberty. On this day we remember the struggle that was and the jubilation felt when independence was finally restored. Elagu Eesti! Long live Estonia!

Over the past three decades, Estonia has achieved unprecedented success and progress. From the depths of oppression and tyranny, Estonia has risen to become a shining example of democracy, transparency, innovation, and resilience. Our nation's accomplishments serve as a testament to the unwavering spirit of the Estonian people, who have worked tirelessly to build a society which values freedom, equality, and human rights. There is now a whole generation of young Estonians who have no first hand experience of life under the Soviet occupation. All they've ever known is freedom. Estonia has gone to great lengths to secure its freedom for now and for future generations of Estonians.

Head Tasiseseisvumispäev!