Immigrants in Estonia
Estonia is a small country located in the northeastern part of Europe. It has a population of approximately 1.3 million people, and the majority of the population are ethnic Estonians. However, like many other European countries, Estonia has seen an increase in immigration over the past few decades.
According to the Estonian government, there were 260,000 foreign-born residents in Estonia as of January 1, 2021. This represents approximately 24% of the total population. The largest groups of immigrants in Estonia come from neighboring countries such as Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. There are also significant numbers of immigrants from Finland, Latvia, and other European Union countries.
Immigration to Estonia has been influenced by several factors, including economic opportunities, family reunification, and the country's membership in the European Union. Estonia has also implemented policies aimed at attracting skilled workers and entrepreneurs from abroad. However, the country has not been as welcoming to refugees and asylum seekers as some other European countries.
Despite the growing immigrant population, there have been some concerns about integration and discrimination in Estonia. Many immigrants face language barriers and difficulties accessing education and employment opportunities. There have also been incidents of xenophobia and racism towards certain immigrant groups.
Overall, immigration is a complex issue in Estonia, as it is in many other countries. The country's government and society will need to work together to ensure that immigrants are integrated successfully into Estonian society and that they are treated fairly and with respect.
