Tallinn

Tallinn is the capital and largest city of Estonia, located on the northern coast by the Gulf of Finland opposite Helsinki. The city has a population of about 450,000 and serves as Estonia’s political, economic, and cultural center. Its historic core, the Tallinn Old Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its medieval streets and well-preserved architecture. The area centers on Toompea hill, where the government buildings and the old castle are situated, and it features landmarks such as Toompea Castle, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Mary’s (Toomkirik), and the Town Hall in Raekoja plats.

Tallinn's history stretches back to the 13th century when it was founded and became a member of the Hanseatic League, linking it to Baltic trade. It later came under Swedish rule in the 17th century and then the Russian Empire. Estonia declared independence in 1918, endured occupations during World War II, and restored independence in 1991. Since joining the European Union and NATO in 2004, Tallinn has developed as a modern European capital.

Economically, Tallinn is Estonia’s principal hub for information technology and services, known for its digital governance and e-services, including e-residency initiatives. The city is served by the Port of Tallinn and Tallinn Airport, with frequent ferry connections to Helsinki and other regional routes. A comprehensive tram network links the city center with its suburbs. Higher education institutions in Tallinn include Tallinn University and Tallinn University of Technology, reflecting the city’s role in education and research.