“Statistical Yearbook of Estonia” describes life in Estonia in figures

While the Yearbook comprises the annual overviews of the environment, population, social life and the economy, the presentation held by Statistics Estonia focuses on two subjects.

At the presentation, Director General Mr Andres Oopkaup, will discuss the aims that Estonia has set in the framework of the Europe 2020 strategy. “Looking at the five objectives which have been established for 2020 in the strategy and which concern employment, promoting research and development, energy, education and fighting poverty, we can say that according to its ambitions and starting point, Estonia is an average EU Member State,” said Mr Oopkaup. “The situation in Estonia is good in terms of the indicators of energy sustainability, while poverty indicators have the most room for improvement with regard to achieving the aims set in the strategy,” Mr Oopkaup pointed out.

Principal Analyst Mr Siim Krusell gives an overview of the changes that occurred in Estonian life in 2013 and discusses the developments of the last ten years when Estonia has been a Member State of the European Union. Mr Krusell points out as a positive development that, in 2013, unemployment decreased and real wages continued their moderate growth. “However, increasing income and job opportunities do not mean that there are no problems with managing”, he said. “Managing continues to pose more problems to single parents, lone older people and households with many children,” Mr Krusell noted. “If we look at the last ten years, when Estonia has been a Member State of the European Union, it can be said that the prosperity of Estonian people has increased, but we still continue to be significantly outperformed by wealthier states,” Mr Krusell stated.

The presentation of the Yearbook to journalists will take place today, on 25 July, at 11:00–12:00, at Statistics Estonia (Tatari 51, 5th floor).