15 years ago today the Republic of Estonia became a member of NATO

Fifteen years ago, on 29 March 2004, after more than 10 years of effort and negotiations, the Republic of Estonia became a member of NATO. Since then, Estonia has been a proud member of an alliance that is as important today as it was at the time of its establishment 70 years ago. The allies are united in their resolve to protect the peace and security of its citizens. This mission can never cease to be relevant.

Timeline of Estonia's accession to NATO.

During the Warsaw Summit in July 2016, four multinational battlegroups were established to deter potential threats.These forces send a clear message that an attack on one ally would be met by troops from across the alliance. Estonia takes its commitment to NATO seriously and is one of the few countries in the EU to fulfil its defence spending target.

Today marks 200 years since Tzar Alexander I signed the Livonian Peasant Law, which released Estonians from serfdom and enabled them to have surnames

Fred Puss from the Estonian Biographical Centre speaks with ETV about the history behind Estonian surnames. He discusses the common names found in Estonia and also some of the strange ones.

To watch the interview (in Estonian) please click here:
200 aastat perenimede panekust: nime võis saada kurjalt mõisnikult, aga ka atlasest

Video: Tallinn Old Town in 3D

Ah, my beloved Tallinn! Can't wait to see you again soon!

Candles will shine bright in memory of the victims of the second mass Soviet deportation in Estonia

Today marks 70 years since the March deportations in Estonia. In 1949 Estonia lost 3% of its population when the Soviet army forcibly removed over 22,000 people from their homes and sent them to remote parts of Siberia. Many of them perished in the harsh conditions, some were lucky to make it back home. In total Estonia lost 20% of its population due to the Soviet occupation that lasted 51 years.

Memorial events will take place all over Estonia today and in Estonian communities abroad. We will never forget.

Estonia's Sauna marathon - BBC Travel Show

Estonian word search puzzle

Inspired by Emakeelepäeva (Mother Tongue Day) last week, I designed this word search puzzle featuring popular Estonian words. The words can be found up, down, forwards, backwards and diagonally. The puzzle is free to use, there is no copyright. I hope you like it!

Tammsaare's Truth and Justice sets new record as most-watched film in Estonia

In celebration of the Republic of Estonia's centennary, a new film version of Tammsaare's "Truth and Justice" was produced. The film was released in cinemas on February 22 and has set a new record. It is now officially the most watched film in Estonia since the country regained its independence in 1991.

During the four week period after the films release the total cinema attendance was 205,595. This figure has eclipsed the previous all-time record held by James Cameron's "Avatar," which saw cinema attendance in Estonia at 194,327.

According to film production company Allfilm, 51,239 people saw "Truth and Justice" in cinemas during its opening weekend. That number rose to 90,550 in the first week.

"Truth and Justice" was written and directed by Tanel Toom as still screening across Estonia. No doubt Estonians living abroad are eager to purchase the DVD.