More information about Estonia is available on the Estonia Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S.-ESTONIA RELATIONS
The United States and Estonia are strong allies and partners. The United States established diplomatic relations with Estonia in 1922 following its declaration of independence during World War I. Estonia was annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940 during World War II. In 1991, Estonia declared full independence, and international recognition followed. The United States had never recognized the forcible incorporation of Estonia into the Soviet Union, and it views the present Government of Estonia as the legal continuation of the interwar republic.
Since 1991, Estonia has undergone a tremendous transformation. Through hard work, innovation, and a pursuit of strong democratic ideals, enhanced security, and greater cooperation, Estonia has emerged as an example to the region and the world. The country’s integration of technology into public and private partnerships demonstrates the endless possibilities that technology can have when harnessed to benefit societies. Estonia is an effective and reliable trans-Atlantic partner in advancing peace, stability, and democracy in Europe and beyond. Its cooperation with the region has made it an invaluable ally in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and the United States appreciates Estonia’s commitment to the shared mission in Afghanistan.
U.S. Assistance to Estonia
U.S. security assistance to Estonia provides the opportunity to sustain and expand the partnership the United States has formed with Estonia, contribute to improved NATO interoperability, and support Estonia’s military commitments abroad.
Bilateral Economic Relations
The United States and Estonia have signed a bilateral investment treaty. Principal imports from the United States include computer and electronic products; chemicals; machinery; transportation equipment; and wood products. U.S. imports from Estonia include computer and electronic products; petroleum products; chemicals; electrical equipment; and optical, medical, or precision instruments. Estonia participates in the Visa Waiver Program, which allows nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for certain business or tourism purposes for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.
Estonia is a member of the European Union (EU). The U.S. economic relationship with the EU is the largest and most complex in the world, and the United States and the EU continue to pursue initiatives to create new opportunities for transatlantic commerce.
Estonia's Membership in International Organizations
Estonia and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Estonia also is an observer to the Organization of American States.
Bilateral Representation
The U.S. Ambassador to Estonia is Jeffrey D. Levine; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.
Estonia maintains an embassy in the United States at 2131 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20008; tel: (202) 588-0101.
More information about Estonia is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
Department of State Estonia Country Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Estonia Page
U.S. Embassy: Estonia
History of U.S. Relations With Estonia
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Library of Congress Country Studies
Travel and Business Information
