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Although bilateral ties are limited, Estonia's strong economy, EU membership and close ties with its Scandinavian and Baltic neighbours make it of increasing relevance to New Zealand. In April 2007 New Zealand commenced a Working Holiday Scheme with Estonia under which young people are able to live and work in each other's countries for up to a year.
There is a small Estonian community in New Zealand - the most famous Estonian New Zealander is Ortvin Sarapuu, New Zealand's best known chess player. His career of 20 national titles and 10 Olympiad appearances stretched from 1951 to 1990.
Although in recent years Estonia has played an entrepot role for New Zealand's exports to northern Europe, bilateral trade levels are low and concentrated on a few niche products.
Estonia has also continued an interest in Antarctica, following on from the involvement of Estonian scientists in Soviet Antarctic activity.
Estonia's foreign policy priorities include the EU, NATO and relations with Russia and the United States.
Land Area: 45,227 square km
Population: 1.3 million (2006)
Capital City: Tallinn
Language: Estonian is the official language.
Finnish and Russian are widely understood
Political system: Parliamentary democracy
National
government: Coalition Government comprising
the Reform Party, Pro Patria-Res Publica Union and the Social Democrats
National legislature: Unicameral Parliament, the Riigikogu, of 101 members
Last election:
September 2006 (president)
March 2007 (parliament)
Next election
due 2011: (President)
2011 (Parliament)
Head of State: Mr Toomas Hendrik Ilves, President
Head of Government: Andrus
Ansip (Reform Party), Prime Minister
GDP: US$16.1 billion (2006)
Real
GDP growth: 11.4% (2006)
Exports:
US$
9.68
billion (2006)
Imports:
US$ 12.03 billion (2006)
Main exports:
Machinery and equipment, wood and paper, metals and metal products, clothing
and footwear, furniture
Current account balance: US$1.96 billion (2006)
Inflation:
4.3% (2006)
NZ Exports (FOB): NZ$2.9 million
Main Exports: wool, semi-conductors, wine, fish
NZ Imports (CIF): NZ$1.8 million
Main Imports:
medicaments, fishing and sports equipment,
human / animal blood products, electrical equipment
(Year ended June 2007)
The first Estonian Ambassador to New Zealand will present his credentials on 5 December 2007.
New Zealand is accredited to Estonia through the Embassy in Warsaw, Poland.
The Safetravel website provides a travel advisory for travellers to Estonia [external link].
