Eestlaste

Eestlased are the ethnic group that forms the majority of the population of Estonia. The form eestlaste is the genitive plural of eestlane and is used in Estonian to denote something of Estonians, for example eestlaste keel (the language of Estonians) or eestlaste kultuur (the culture of Estonians).

Origins and history: The Estonian ethnogenesis traces back to Finnic-speaking peoples in the Baltic region. The Estonian language developed from Finnic roots, and a distinct national identity formed over time. The area was ruled by Baltic German nobility, then by Sweden and the Russian Empire. Estonia gained independence in 1918, endured occupations during World War II, and restored independence in 1991. Since then, eestlaste identity has been expressed through language, culture, and state institutions.

Language: Estonian (eesti keel) is a Finnic language closely related to Finnish and is the official language of Estonia. It uses a Latin-based alphabet and is spoken by the great majority of eestlased, with diaspora communities also speaking it abroad.

Geography and demographics: In contemporary Estonia, eestlaste form the majority of the population. Minorities include Russians, Finns, Ukrainians and others. Diaspora communities exist in Finland, Sweden, Russia, Canada, the United States and elsewhere due to migration and historical ties.

Culture and identity: Estonia is known for a strong folk tradition, the Song Festival, literature and a modern digital society. The concept of eestlaste identity incorporates language, history and contemporary civic life in Estonia.