Country explorer: Estonia

Estonia has experienced significant economic growth, with substantial reductions in poverty and unemployment rates coupled with consistent, although at times fluctuating, levels of inflation, showcasing its resilience and adaptability in comparison to its peers in the region.

Estonia has experienced a gradual population decline driven by emigration and low fertility rates, but it has seen positive shifts in net migration and a significant improvement in life expectancy, mirroring trends common in high-income and some Eastern European countries.

Estonia has consistently maintained high standards in fulfilling basic needs, with 100% access to clean cooking fuels and electricity, alongside significant improvements in access to safely managed drinking water and sanitation facilities, aligning closely with other high-income countries.

Estonia has shown considerable improvement in human development indicators, including a significant increase in the Human Development Index, a marked decrease in child mortality rates, nearly universal literacy, and growth in average learning-adjusted years of schooling, reflecting its commitment to enhancing the quality of life and education, akin to high-income countries.

Estonia has made significant progress in transitioning towards cleaner energy sources, marked by a reduction in CO₂ emissions per capita and an increase in renewable energy production, particularly in wind and bioenergy, while maintaining its renewable freshwater resources and forest area, showcasing a balance between environmental sustainability and energy needs, akin to its Baltic neighbors but with a distinctive leap in wind energy adoption.

Estonia has emerged as a leader in digital innovation and internet usage, demonstrated by rapid increases in internet accessibility, mobile phone subscriptions, and investments in research & development, setting it apart as an exemplar of digital transformation among high-income countries.

Estonia has emerged as a distinctive nation within its peer group by demonstrating substantial progress in reducing gender inequality, increasing life satisfaction, and managing ageing population dynamics, while maintaining a relatively stable share of foreign-born residents, reflecting its unique blend of societal resilience and integration.

Estonia has significantly bolstered its governance frameworks, particularly standing out with high scores in rule of law indexes, corruption perception, and political civil liberties, showcasing its robust commitment to law compliance, government transparency, and citizen freedoms that aligns with or surpasses many high-income country standards.