Estonian SSR

The Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic (Estonian S.S.R.) was the name for Estonia when it was part of the USSR.

Eesti Nõukogude Sotsialistlik Vabariik


(In Detail)	(In Detail)

State motto: Kõigi maade proletaarlased, ühinege

Official language

According to the constition, all languages were equal. However, Russian was supposed to be the language of international communication, thus putting Estonian at a disadvantage.

Capital

Tallinn

Chairman of the Supreme Council

Arnold Rüütel (at the time of regaining independence)

Area
- Total
- % water

Ranked 13th in former Soviet Union
45,226 km²
4.56%

Population

- Total (1989)
- Density

Ranked 15th (last) in the former Soviet Union

1,565,662
31,6/km²

Currency

Ruble (rubla)

Time zone

UTC + 3

Anthem

Anthem of Estonian SSR

Contents

History

Estonia was invaded and occupied by the USSR on 17 June 1940. It was subsequently conquered by the Germans before being re-annexed by the Soviets in 1944.

The Estonian SSR became the Republic of Estonia in 1990 and ceased to be a Soviet republic in 1991. On 20 August of that year, Estonia declared its independence.

Politics

The Estonian SSR was a constituent republic of the communist USSR.

Geography

The Estonian SSR was one of the smallest republics of the USSR and was also smaller than most European countries. It also had over 1500 islands.

Economy

The standard of living in the Estonian SSR was better than most other Soviet republics.

Demographics

Approximately 65% of the population were ethnic Estonians (1979), although there was a large Russian minority (28%). Other statistically noteworthy minorities included Ukrainians (2.5%), Belarusians (± 2%) and Finns (± 1.5%).