Nine positive facts about life in Estonia
Text Ingel Kink Photo Visit Estonia / Renee Altrov
Statistics Estonia reveals impressive progress in various sectors over the past decade, including housing, healthcare, transport, and sustainability.
1. Significant growth in new homes
The number of new homes built in Estonia has surged, with 8,424 new homes constructed in 2023, compared to just 2,079 in 2013. This fourfold increase in new housing is a notable achievement for the country’s urban development.
2. Fewer preventable deaths
There has been a decline in avoidable deaths, dropping by over 500 between 2014 and 2023. The number decreased from 2,662 in 2014 to 2,128 in 2023, reflecting improvements in healthcare and preventative measures.
3. Increased use of public transport
The number of train passengers in Estonia has jumped by 88 per cent over the past 11 years, from 4.2 million in 2013 to 7.9 million in 2024. This growth indicates a shift toward more sustainable transport options.
4. Reduction in waste generation
Estonia has reduced its waste production by approximately 7.4 million tonnes over the last eight years, including a decrease of 5.5 million tonnes between 2022 and 2023 alone.
5. Growth in organic farming
The area of land used for organic farming has increased by 74,000 hectares in the last decade. From 151,164 hectares in 2013, the total reached 225,256 hectares by 2023.
6. Increase in beehives
The number of beehives in Estonia has grown by 40 per cent over the past ten years. From 39,000 beehives in 2013, the country now has nearly 55,000, supporting both local agriculture and biodiversity.
7. Rising investment in research and development
Spending on research and development has grown by over 50 per cent in the last decade. In 2023, Estonia invested approximately 702 million euros, compared to 326 million euros in 2013, demonstrating commitment to innovation.
8. Improvement in internet access in rural areas
The number of households with internet access has risen significantly, with a 20 per cent increase in rural areas alone. This improved connectivity is essential for rural development and access to services.
9. Higher production of dairy and honey
Estonia’s agricultural output has also improved, with milk production increasing by 122,665 tonnes in the past decade, reaching a total of 894,713 tonnes in 2023. Honey production has also risen, with around 1,600 tonnes produced in 2023, up from 979 tonnes in 2013.
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