The Wolf is Officially Declared Estonia's National Animal

Much debate has taken place in recent years in determining a national animal for Estonia.  In 2011 Postimees conducted an online poll revealing that the hedgehog was the people’s favourite but the debate went on. This week, after much deliberations, several local organisations including the Estonian Natural History Museum, the Estonian Nature Society, and Tallinn Zoo reached a final decision. They announced that the grey wolf would now be officially recognised as Estonia's national animal.

The wolf was chosen above the hedgehog, beaver, roe deer, badger and fox for several reasons. In many ways the wolf shares many characteristics similar to Estonia itself. The wolf is a survivor, they appreciate privacy and prefer to be left alone. Wolves are respectful towards their parents and are very protective of their family and territory. Wolves are also quite prominent in Estonian folklore and are either depicted as feared predators of the forest or heroes.

The decision-makers said in a statement that the wolf was a “symbol of wild and untouched nature”.

Today there are believed to be 200 - 250 wolves in Estonia.

The University of Tartu named best research university in 'New Europe' - ERR NEWS

British weekly higher education magazine Times Higher Education (THE) has ranked the University of Tartu (TÜ) as the best research-intensive university in "New Europe," or the 13 member states to join the EU since 2004.

To read the full ERR News article, please click here: The University of Tartu

Special vinyl release of the Estonian National Anthem for EV100

The Estonian Music and Theatre Academy, have released a special recording of the Estonian national anthem "My Fatherland, my happiness and joy' (Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm) in honour of EV100 celebrations. The record can be purchased from the national archives research halls in Tallinn and Tartu and online. The price of the record is 20€. 

For more information, please click here: vinüülplaat: Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm

Thinking about moving in Estonia? Learn about the 'Welcoming Programme'

Starting a new life in a new country is exciting but can also be daunting. To help make your transition run smoothly, the Estonian government has put together a comprehensive free-of-charge welcoming programme to assist new arrivals.

The programme consists of an adaptation course and basic Estonian language tuition (A1 level). The course comprises different modules – a basic module about Estonian society, culture, the state, rights and obligations etc. and complementary modules on work and entrepreneurship, research, studying and family. There is also one aimed at children and young adults.

The modules last for 5-8 hours each and you can choose which ones to attend. Language tuition is a core part of the programme consisting of approximately 80 academic hours of study.

The Welcoming Programme - Your Guide to Settling in Estonia is open to all foreign nationals who have legally resided in Estonia for less than 5 years. The programme contains a wealth of information and aims to answer all your questions. For more information, please click here: Welcoming programme Your guide to settling in Estonia  

VIDEO: Tartu - a city full of good thoughts

I'm thinking of joining my sister in Tartu next month. It's always good to head back to the homeland for a little R&R. This short video gave me a bit of inspiration about things we can do.

Wild Souls: Symbolism in the Baltic States - Âmes sauvages: Le symbolisme dans les pays baltes

A new art exhibition has opened in Paris celebrating the works of Baltic artists to commemorate the centenaries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The exhibition “Wild Souls. Symbolism in the Baltic States”( Âmes sauvages. Le symbolisme dans les pays baltes) opened on 10th April and will run until 15th July 2018 at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris.

A total of 150 works are currently on display featuring iconic Baltic artists such as Konrad Mägi, Janis Rozentāls, Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, Kristjan Raud, Nikolai Triik amongst others. The artworks date from the 1800s to the 1930s.

For more information, please click here: Wild Souls. Symbolism in the Baltic States

Kamille Saabre: Apples are like Estonians

Estonian artist Kamille Saabre recently completed a series of paintings dedicated to Estonia's 100 birthday. Each apple painting is accompanied with a short story and is symbolic of Estonia and its people. 

So why apples? The artist explains:

'Apple, for me, is Estonian national fruit. Every Estonian has a memory associated with the apple or apple tree. Traveling through Estonian countryside one notices apple trees in most peculiar places. In the middle of desolate field, by the road or even in the forest. That is how you know, once there has been someone's home, house or farm. Even when the buildings are long gone, apple tree still stands. And not only stands, but bears fruit. Apple tree does not give up easy. Here is a similarity to Estonians. Despite of hard times, tough circumstances, painful events, Estonians do not give up easy. As a nation and as a individual. Each of us has a scratch, spot or taint, but despite all of that we persevere. Stubbornly withstand. Just like the apple tree.'

100 things you should do in Tallinn in 2018

In 2018 the Republic of Estonia celebrates its 100th birthday, Kadriorg Park turns 300 and the Tallinn Card is 20 years old. Lonely Planet also chose Tallinn as the Best Value Destination 2018. There’s really no better time to visit Tallinn and Estonia than right now!

Visit Tallinn have created a list of the best things, sights, events and activities to participate in Tallinn this year. All the places mentioned on the list have links provided in order for you to easily explore and seek further information.

Click here ot view the list. 100 things you should do in Tallinn in 2018