Political overview
Estonia declared the restoration of its independence from the Soviet Union on 20 August 1991. Estonia’s Constitution, adopted on 28 June 1992, established a democratic system based on a Presidency and a unicameral 101-seat parliament, known as the Riigikogu. Parliamentary elections are held every four years. In the Estonian system, the President is elected indirectly (by parliament) and is Head of State.
The Government is headed by the Prime Minister who is supported by a cabinet of 13 ministers. Estonian Governments are often formed from multi-party coalitions.
Foreign policy
Estonia’s foreign policy is based on the values and principles enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia and international law, respect for democracy and freedom, including freedom of conscience, religion and thought, market economy, human rights and the rule of law and global sustainable development and climate policy goals.
Estonia has pursued a foreign policy of close cooperation with European countries and institutions. Estonia has close ties with the Nordic countries, especially Finland and Sweden. Estonia is a member of the Baltic Assembly, the Council of the Baltic Sea States, the Nordic-Baltic Eight and the European Union's Nordic Battle Group.
Since regaining independence, Estonia has been a strong supporter of multilateral institutions based on internationally agreed rules and norms. Estonia became a member of the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 1991, the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1999, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 2004 and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in 2010. Estonia joined the European Union in 2004, including the Schengen Area in 2007 and the Eurozone in 2011.
Bilateral relations
Australia was one of the first countries to recognise Estonia's return to independence in August 1991, pushing strongly for the withdrawal of all Russian troops from Estonian territory. Australia and Estonia established diplomatic relations in 1991.
Australia and Estonia share a commitment to democratic values, protecting human rights, gender equality, cyber security, defending the rules-based international order and trade liberalisation. Australia and Estonia work closely on digital and cyber security issues. An Australian cyber security expert is seconded to the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn.
Estonia is represented in Australia by an embassy in Canberra and consulates in Adelaide, Hobart, Perth and Brisbane.
Fast facts
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Estonian visitors to Australia (visitor arrivals - 2024)
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4,720
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Australian visitors to Estonia (resident returns - 2024)
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2,240
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Estonian citizens granted Australian Working Holiday Maker visa (June 2023-24)
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1,360
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Resident Australian population born in Estonia (2021 census)
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2,665
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Australian residents of Estonian descent (2021 census)
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11,598
High level engagement
- 2022 – Then Minister for Government Services and Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, the Hon Bill Shorten, visited Tallinn, Estonia for meetings with counterparts.
Agreements with Estonia
- Social Security (2015)
- Working Holiday Maker (2006)
A comprehensive list of bilateral agreements and texts are available at the Australian Treaties Database.
Public diplomacy
Australia promotes creative industries and academic exchanges through partnering with local cultural and non-governmental organisations. This has included supporting Australian artists at the Tallinn Fringe Festival and an exhibition of Australian art at the Tallinn Botanical Gardens. The Embassy also supports a ceremony in Tallinn on 25 April to mark ANZAC day.
Economic diplomacy
In 2024, two-way goods and services trade between Australia and Estonia was valued at $159 million. This was dominated by imports from Estonia including telecom equipment and parts, measuring and analysing instruments, simply worked wood and recreational travel.
Australia's principal exports to Estonia that year were recreational travel, education-related travel and non-alcohol beverages.
More economic and trade information can be found in the Estonia country economic fact sheet [PDF].
Business
Austrade's Vilnius office opened in 2023 with responsibility also for Estonia.
Australian representation to Estonia
The Australian Ambassador to Estonia undertakes regular visits to Estonia and engages virtually throughout the year to maintain relations.
Travel
See Smartraveller for Information on travelling to Estonia.