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 An islander from Kihnu shipping her cow to the mainland |
Besides economic success, rapid reforms have brought to the surface, and reinforced economic and regional inequalities, hidden during the Soviet period.
Even about a dozen years after restoring their country's status as a free nation, Estonians still occasionally worry: "Does the world know and recognise us?"
Having achieved the primary political goals — memberships of the EU and NATO — there are further and even more challenging tasks ahead, such as finding recognition to the vitality of Estonian culture. Besides international acknowledgement — e.g. the winning of Grammy for the best choral performance 2004 — it is increasingly about refinding the sheer joy of participation in national events, such as Song Festivals, named a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
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An islander from Kihnu shipping her cow to the mainland
Former Estonian PM Mart Laar introducing Estonia's achievements in e-Government to the Prince of Wales
Tiia-Ester Loitme and her Ellerhein Girls' Choir receiving the Grammy award in Los Angeles
The weather-challenged parade of the Song Festival 2004 made the best-ever opening in mind of many a festival oldie