Estonia

From 1987 to 1991 mass singing gatherings, some drawing around 300,000 people, became a peaceful protest.

The medieval center was inscribed in 1997 and is among the best preserved in Northern Europe.

The largest islands are Saaremaa and Hiiumaa.

It separated from the Soviet Union, which had annexed it in 1940.

Internet voting was used in local elections in 2005 and in parliamentary elections in 2007.

Over half of Estonia's land area, approximately 50%, is covered by forests. This makes it one of the most heavily forested countries in Europe, providing vast natural landscapes for wildlife and outdoor activities.

While the official Wife Carrying World Championship is in Finland, Estonian teams historically dominated it for over a decade, even lending their name to the "Estonian Carry" technique. It's a quirky testament to their athletic prowess.

With a thriving tech ecosystem, Estonia consistently ranks among the top countries globally for the number of startups per capita. This small Baltic nation has a remarkable track record of producing successful tech companies and unicorns.

While often associated with Luxembourg and Sweden, the initial code for Skype was largely developed by Estonian engineers Ahti Heinla, Priit Kasesalu, and Jaan Tallinn. This groundbreaking communication platform emerged from Estonian tech talent.

Non-Estonian citizens can apply for e-Residency, granting them access to Estonia's digital services, including company formation and banking, without ever stepping foot in the country. It offers a truly borderless digital identity.