Society in Estonia

An overview of key social indicators. Select a category for detailed trends, charts, and insights.

Explore Social Domains

Demographics

Coming Soon
Population Growth
1.6%(2023)
Death Rate
11.7 per 1k(2023)

Public Health

Coming Soon
Under-5 Mortality
2.1 per 1k(2023)
Health Expenditure
7%(2022)

Education & Human Capital

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Literacy Rate
99.9%(2021)
Primary Enrollment
93.7%(2017)
Secondary Enrollment
112.6%(2022)
Tertiary Enrollment
71.4(2022)
Education Expenditure
5.3%(2021)

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Coming Soon
Internet Users
93.2%(2023)
Access to Electricity
100%(2023)
Access to Basic Drinking Water
100%(2022)
Urban Population
956.6K(2023)
Rural Population
413.7K(2023)

Current Social Overview of Estonia

A summary based on key social and demographic indicators.

  • Estonia has an estimated population of 1.4M
    2023
    A steady annual growth rate of 1.6%
    2023
    supports sustained population expansion, providing a stable base for economic development. The critically low fertility rate of 1.3 births per woman
    2023
    presents severe demographic challenges, including accelerated population aging and contraction, impacting economic and social systems. Substantial net emigration of approximately 8K individuals annually (or 5.6 per 1,000 inhabitants)
    2024
    exacerbates demographic challenges, potentially leading to 'brain drain' and diminished economic capacity.
  • Regarding public health, robust public health systems are evident in a strong life expectancy of 78.5 years
    2023
    , indicating effective healthcare delivery. Concurrently, healthcare system effectiveness is further validated by favorable maternal and child health outcomes, reflected in a child mortality rate (under 5 years) of 2.1 per 1,000 live births
    2023
    and a maternal mortality rate of 5 per 100,000 live births
    2023
    . These outcomes are supported by a moderate commitment to health system development, with 7.0% of GDP directed to healthcare expenditure
    2022
    .
  • The country boasts exceptional educational attainment with a near-universal adult literacy rate of 100%
    2021
    , establishing a robust foundation for a knowledge-based economy. Complementing this, educational access shows solid progress through 94% primary enrollment
    2017
    and 113% secondary participation rates
    2022
    . This educational framework is supported by moderate public support, with 5.3% of GDP allocated to public educational expenditure
    2021
    , reflecting a balanced approach to funding.
  • In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, the predominantly urban character, with 70% urban population
    2023
    , supports modern economic structures while maintaining important rural-urban linkages. Furthermore, infrastructure modernization is highly advanced, with near-universal electricity access and high digital connectivity (93% internet penetration
    2023
    ), strategically positioning the country for robust participation in the global digital economy.

Key Development Insights

Population Dynamics

The combination of low fertility and net emigration poses significant long-term risks to workforce sustainability and economic vitality.

Public Health System

Public health outcomes are a core indicator of national development and quality of life. Access to healthcare is essential for sustainable growth.

Human Capital Formation

A highly educated populace positions the nation for success in the global knowledge economy. Keeping talent is a vital strength.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Infrastructure shapes economic efficiency, urbanization patterns, and digital integration, being critical for modern economies.

More About This Country

Note: The information on this page has been compiled from authoritative sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that some figures may not be current or entirely precise.