Health

Each person in Estonia has the right to live in a healthy environment and make healthy choices. The healthier we are, the longer we lead fulfilling lives and the greater is our life expectancy.

Health has a significant impact on coping with everyday life, on the social and economic contribution to a country’s development and overall success of a country. In 1948, the World Health Organization defined ‘health’ as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. According to the Constitution of Estonia, protection of one’s health is a fundamental right.

Statistics Estonia publishes data on:

• access to health care;
• health status;
• general data of disabled persons, their employment and coping.

Access to health care covers accessibility of family doctors, specialised doctors and dentists. Statistics on illnesses and use of medical assistance show how often people see a doctor in Estonia or how many had a viral infection. Health status indicators provide information on the state of health of people of different ages in Estonia and on disability-free life expectancy. Statistics on disabled persons focus on their employment and coping.