Study: Estonian Adults Among the Best in the World in Skills, Especially in Younger Generations
The latest results from The Survey of Adult Skills PIAAC highlight that Estonian adults perform exceptionally well in key skills, with the share of highly skilled individuals increasing since the last survey. At the same time, socioeconomic gaps have widened, and the proportion of low-skilled adults has grown. Estonia ranks 6th globally in overall skills, following Finland, Japan, Sweden, Norway, and the Netherlands.
GDP flash estimate: the economy contracted by 0.7% in Q3
According to Statistics Estonia’s preliminary estimate, the decline in the gross domestic product (GDP) slowed down in the third quarter of 2024. The GDP fell by approximately 0.7% compared with the third quarter of 2023.
Tallinn as the statistics capital of Europe for three days: new technologies and evolving user needs mean significant changes in the role of NSIs
In order to better meet the changing needs of society, the national statistical institutes across Europe can assume new roles and provide new data services in addition to official statistics. At the same time, they must remain a reliable source of high-quality data. These are the key takeaways from the annual DGINS conference held in Tallinn last week.
Which smart devices do people in Estonia use at home?
According to Statistics Estonia, there has been a considerable rise in the use of Internet of Things devices over the last four years. The use of smart TVs has risen by 30%, and the use of smart watches has increased by as much as 60%. Internet-connected home appliances and voice-activated virtual assistants are also increasingly popular among households.
1,369,995 people: Estonia's population declined
According to Statistics Estonia, on 1 January 2025, the population of Estonia stood at 1,369,995. There were 9,690 births and 15,756 deaths in Estonia last year.
The rise in construction prices in the first quarter was curbed by the lower cost of materials
According to Statistics Estonia, in the first quarter of 2025, the construction price index increased by 0.1% compared with the fourth quarter of 2024 and by 1.2% compared with the first quarter of 2024.
Higher prices of wood products had the biggest impact on the producer price index in March
The producer price index of industrial output, which expresses changes in the producer prices of industrial goods manufactured in Estonia for the domestic market and for export, fell by 3.5% in March 2025 compared with February and rose by 2.8% compared with March last year.
The number of foreign tourists reached 2019 levels
According to Statistics Estonia, accommodation establishments served 230,000 tourists in February 2025, which is 2% more than in the same month a year earlier. There were 3% more foreign and 2% more domestic tourists.
Exports of goods up by 12% in February
According to Statistics Estonia, in February 2025, exports of goods increased by 12% and imports by 10%. Exports of goods amounted to nearly €1.5 billion and imports to more than €1.7 billion at current prices. The trade deficit was €264 million, which is €5 million higher than in February last year.
Consumer price index down by 0.5% in March
According to Statistics Estonia, in March 2025, the consumer price index decreased by 0.5% compared with February and increased by 4.4% compared with March 2024. Goods were 2.1% and services 8.1% more expensive than in March last year.
Industrial production up by 2.3% in February
According to Statistics Estonia, in February 2025, the total production of industrial enterprises increased by 2.3% at constant prices compared with February 2024. Among the three main sectors, output increased by 1.6% in manufacturing and by 6% in energy production but decreased by 14.3% in mining.
Retail trade volume increased for the third consecutive month
According to Statistics Estonia, in February, the turnover of retail trade enterprises was 785 million euros. Compared with February 2024, the volume of retail trade turnover increased by 4%.
Estonian residents made 8% more domestic trips last year
According to Statistics Estonia, Estonian residents made over 1.5 million overnight outbound trips in 2024, which is 2% more than in 2023. There were nearly 3.5 million overnight domestic trips last year, up by 8% from 2023.
General government debt continued to grow in 2024, while the budget deficit decreased
According to the preliminary data of Statistics Estonia, in 2024, the Estonian general government deficit was 1.7% and the debt level was 23.6% of the gross domestic product (GDP). At the end of last year, the total expenditures of the general government exceeded revenues by 665.7 million euros.
The dwelling price index rose by 6.1% in 2024
According to Statistics Estonia, in 2024, the dwelling price index increased by 6.1% compared with the average of 2023. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the index was up by 3.6% compared with the fourth quarter of 2023 and down by 0.7% compared with the third quarter of 2024.