Estonia is a small nation, but a proud one; when it achieved its
independence from the Soviets in 1991, seven centuries of foreign domination
drew to a close. Now, the country busily endeavours to adapt to modern society;
but while for other Western states this has come to mean a loss of heritage,
Estonia has kept its traditional look. This is nowhere more obvious than at
Tallinn, the capital: architectural design from six centuries ago survives
proudly, as people stroll down cobbled streets with spires shooting upwards
overhead.
Estonians also take considerable care of their environment, making this one
of Europe's most interesting places for nature lovers. Whilst geographically
unspectacular, this is more than made up for by extensive forestation, a lengthy
coastline and numerous islands providing a home for several species of protected
eagles, as well as the quirky flying squirrel.