The Estonian SSR reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004
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Estonian SSR

The Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic (Estonian S.S.R.) was the name for Estonia when it was part of the USSR.

Eesti Nõukogude Sotsialistlik Vabariik
Image:Estonian_SSR_flag_medium.png Image:Estonian SSR coa small.png
(In Detail) (In Detail)
National motto: none
Image:SovietUnionEstonia.png
Official language According to the constition, all languages were equal. However, Russian was supposed to be the language of international communication, thus putting Estonian at a disadvantage
Capital Tallinn
Chairman of the Supreme Council Arnold Rüütel (at the time of regaining independence)
Area
 - Total
 - % water
Ranked 13th in former Soviet Union
45,226 km²
4.56%
Population
 - Total (1989)
 - Density
Ranked 15th (last) in the former Soviet Union
1,565,662
xxx/km²
Currency Ruble
Time zone UTC + 3
Anthem Anthem of Estonian SSR

Table of contents
1 History
2 Politics
3 Geography
4 Economy
5 Demographics

History

Estonia was invaded and occupied by the USSR on 17 June 1940. It was subsequently conquered by the Germans before being re-annexed by the Soviets in 1944.

The Estonian SSR became the Republic of Estonia in 1990 and ceased to be a Soviet republic in 1991. On 20 August of that year, Estonia declared its independence.

Politics

The Estonian SSR was a constituent republic of the communist USSR.

Geography

The Estonian SSR was one of the smallest republics of the USSR and was also smaller than most European countries. It also had over 1500 islands.

Economy

The standard of living in the Estonian SSR was better than most other Soviet republics.

Demographics

Approximately 65% of the population were ethnic Estonians (1979), although there was a large Russian minority (28%). Other statistically noteworthy minorities included Ukrainians (2.5%), Belarusians (± 2%) and Finns (± 1.5%).

See also: Republics of the Soviet Union