Estonia's Education System: Why are Estonians so Smart?

The 1st of September marks the beginning of the new school year in Estonia. This year 14,700 children started first grade in Estonia, receiving their Aabits book and wearing their 'kooli tekkel' (school cap) for the first time with pride. Approximately 160,000 Estonian pupils will be attending general education this year, 26,000 students will commence vocational education and more than 47,000 students are enrolled at the country's universities. Estonia has one of the best education systems in the world and ranks number one in Europe for reading, mathematics, and science.

On this day in history

After half a century of brutal Soviet occupation, Russian troops finally left Estonia on 31 August 1994. On this day World War II officially ended for Estonia when the last occupying Russian military forces left Estonian soil.  It was a day of great celebration for Estonians all around the world.

Today in history

90 years ago today, on August 30, 1936, a memorial monument dedicated to writer Anton Hansen Tammsaare was unveiled in front of the Albu Municipal Hall. Tammsaare himself did not attend the event, either out of modesty or he was offended about a farm he was rumoured to receive as a gift for his 60th birthday, that it was given to Olympic champion Palusalu instead. A record book was signed by all people who attended the unveiling of the monument and it has been preserved in the local area. I was very pleased to view the record book in 2014 and saw the signature of my great-grandfather Arthur Lesthal. Arthur was both the village photographer aad bookkeeper at the Albu Muncipal Hall.

Photo flashback: Narva-Jõesuu 1890

This beautiful colourised photograph of a family in Narva-Jõesuu was taken in1890.

New 2 euro coin dedicated to Kõpu Lighthouse

A new coin featuring Hiiumaa's Kõpu Lighthouse will be released by the Bank of Estonia next year. The coin will be part of a new series 'Counties of Estonia'. The new two euro coin series will highlight the variety and cultural uniqueness of the different regions in Estonia.

The coin for Hiiumaa will be the first in the series and depicts Kõpu Lighthouse which is one of the oldest still operating lighthouses in the World. Construction of the lighthouse began in 1504 and was completed in 1531. Hiiumaa is known for its unique landscapes and long maritime traditions.

Kaupo Kangro designed the coin and one million coins will go into circulation next year.

Fun facts:

World's Oldest Operating Lighthouses

1. Tower of Hercules (A Coruña, Spain) Built in the 1st century AD by the Roman Empire.

2. Hook Lighthouse (County Wexford, Ireland) Built around 1210 to 1245.

3. Kõpu Lighthouse (Hiiumaa, Estonia) Functioning continuously since 1531.

4. Lantern of Genoa (Genoa, Italy) The current towering stone structure was built in 1543 (replacing earlier versions on the same site dating back to 1128) and remains a functioning beacon and symbol of the port city.

5. Cordouan Lighthouse (Gironde estuary, France) Known as the "King of Lighthouses," construction began in 1584 and finished in 1611.

No Estonian celebration is complete without a glass of Vana Tallinn

While Estonia's Restoration of Independence Day officially fell on Thursday, August 20 this year, many cultural events and community gatherings took place on the weekend for the Estonian diaspora. The iconic Vana Tallinn liqueur that was created in Estonia in 1960 is very popular drink amongst Estonians living at home and abroad during times of celebration.

Estonian Facts and Figures: 1991 vs. 2025