tekkonilised

Teekonilised, also known as tea-colored people, is a term used in Estonian culture to describe the majority population of Estonia. The term is derived from the fact that the natural hair color of Estonians typically ranges from light brown to dark brown, hence "tea-colored".

Historically, the term has been used to describe the Baltic Finnic ethnic group that inhabits Estonia. The Estonians have a distinct language, culture, and history that differs from the Finns and Sami living in neighboring countries. The Estonian language is a Uralic language closely related to Finnish, but the two languages are not identical.

Demographically, the Estonian population is quite homogenous. According to the 2020 census, 68.6% of the population identified as Estonians. Other ethnic groups, such as Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, and Finns, make up a smaller percentage of the population. The majority of Estonians live in the country, with smaller communities found in the surrounding countries.

The concept of Estonian identity is often associated with the idea of being a "Teekoniline". This encompasses elements such as language, culture, history, and customs passed down through generations. Estonians take great pride in their national identity, which is reflected in their literature, art, and folklore. The unique cultural heritage of Estonians has played a significant role in shaping the country's distinct identity and has contributed to its current position as an independent nation in central Europe.