The Republic of Estonia is a country in Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea to the west and the Gulf of Finland to the north. Estonia has land borders with its fellow Baltic state, Latvia , to the south, with Russia to the east, and maritime border with Finland to the north. Its a country of great scenic beauty with many forests, lakes and islands, is bordered by the Baltic Sea, the Russian Federation and Latvia . Tallinn , the ancient Hanseatic city and capital, has many historical and architectural monuments, particularly in the old town centre which is dominated by the steeple of the medieval Town Hall (14th - 15th centuries), the oldest in northern Europe .

Its medieval prosperity has given the romantic city a wealth of attractions for modern-day tourists to explore. Historical and natural attractions are only one reason why Estonia is experiencing an upsurge in tourism. The country is sandwiched between east and west Europe , also easily accessible from the south, offering fresh and unspoilt opportunities for those who enjoy the Nordic experience. The country lies along the Baltic Sea, just below Finland , with Russia to the east and Latvia to the south. Estonia has only recently (in 1991) thrown off the shackles of Soviet domination, and a vibrant spirit of freedom and rebirth pervades the air not only in the capital but also the lively university town of Tartu, the busy industrial centre of Narva and the idyllic summer vacation capital of Pärnu on the south-western coast.