Rahvusvähemuste

Rahvusvähemuste refers to national minorities in Estonia. These are groups of people who are citizens of Estonia but have a distinct ethnic, cultural, or linguistic background from the majority population. Historically, the largest national minority group in Estonia has been Russians, who constitute a significant portion of the population. Other national minorities include Ukrainians, Belarusians, Finns, Tatars, and others.

The rights and status of national minorities in Estonia are protected by the Constitution and various laws, including the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia and the Law on Cultural Autonomy of National Minorities. These legal frameworks aim to ensure the preservation and development of their cultures, languages, and traditions, while also promoting integration into the broader Estonian society.

Estonia has implemented policies and programs to support the integration of national minorities. These include funding for cultural organizations, support for minority language education, and initiatives aimed at fostering inter-ethnic dialogue and understanding. The government also works to ensure that national minorities have equal opportunities in education, employment, and public life. The concept of cultural autonomy allows minority communities to establish their own cultural institutions and manage their own cultural affairs.