Estonia considers itself a Nordic rather than a Baltic country, with close ties to Sweden, Finland and Denmark.

Writers
*  Jaan Kross – much translated author
*  Friedrich Reinhold Kreutzwald – author of the national epic – Kalevipoeg
*  Lennart Meri – writer, film maker, diplomat

Music
*  Arvo Pärt – composer
*  Singing – Estonian Song Festival – one of the largest amateur choral events in the world

Art – Järi Arrak

Attractions
*  Tallinn – one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe
*  Long established spas and health resorts
*  Cross country skiing

Education
*  The oldest university – the University of Tartu was established in 1632 by the Swedish King Gustav II Adolf.
*  There are a moderate number of other universities.

Cuisine – influenced by the many nations that ruled the region over the centuries – Danes, Germans, Swedes, Poles and Russians.  Marinated eel, blood sausage, black bread, sauerkraut stew with pork.