Estonia is a Baltic country that lies between Latvia and Russia. A country that covers 45,338 square kilometers and has a population of about 1.23 million people.

The list of the 10 largest cities in Estonia (by population)

1. Tallinn, the country’s capital

The city of Tallinn is a multicultural city composed of the majority of Estonian but also more than a third of Russians but also by a Ukrainian minority. This city which extends nearly 160 square kilometers is the largest city in the country with a population of nearly 460 000 inhabitants.

This city is also the largest port city in the country.

2. Tartu, one of the largest cities in Estonia

The second-largest city in the country has only 94,663 inhabitants. This city is located in the eastern part of the country about 180 kilometers from the Estonian capital Tallinn and about 40 kilometers from the Russian border. The city is watered by the river Emajogi, which crosses the country from west to east.

This city has the particularity of being considered the cultural capital of the country. The presence of a university dating back to 1632 and founded by the ruler of the time is undoubtedly for much. Almost 20% of the city’s inhabitants are students. In addition to its influence on Estonia, Tartu is recognized as the intellectual and cultural capital of the Baltic States.

3. Narva

Narva is located in the northeastern part of the country and occupies a key position between Lake Narva and the Baltic Sea. Indeed, the city is located on the border between Russia and Estonia. The population of Narva is estimated at 65,800.

This city would have been founded by the Danes around the XIIIth century. Hermann’s fort is the symbol of the geostrategic and military position of this Estonian city. It is located on the road connecting Tallinn to Saint Petersburg. Between Narva and Tallinn, there are two hundred kilometers. But it is only 130 kilometers from St. Petersburg.

4. Parnu

With its 40 000 inhabitants, Parnu is considered to be one of the largest cities in Estonia. Even though it must be admitted that it is far from the 460 000 inhabitants of Tallinn.

This small city, only 32 square kilometers, is located in the west of the country on the Baltic Sea and about 50 kilometers from the Latvian border.

5. Kohtla-Järve

There are 35,000 inhabitants in Kohtla-Jävre. This town is also located in the northeast of the country, not far from Narva.

The town’s economy revolves around the industry, but also oil and shale mining. In addition to the exploitation of raw materials, there is significant agricultural and forestry activity.

6. Viljandi

This city in the center of the country is located in the county of the same name. Viljandi covers an area of about 15 square kilometers and has a population of 17,200.

It is not far from Tartu (60 kilometers) and 155 kilometers from the Estonian capital Tallinn.

7. Maardu

With 16,530 inhabitants, Maardu is one of the most populous cities in Estonia. The city covers an area of 22.8 square kilometers and is located on the shores of the Baltic Sea, just off the coast of Finland. The city has the distinction of having a high proportion of Russian speakers.

8. Rakvere

Rakvere is located in the county of Laane-Virumaa (West Virumaa), in the northeast of the country. Rakvere has a population of about 15,500 and covers an area of about 11 square kilometers. It is a very old town, built on the site of an old Danish town. In the past, this Estonian city was called Wesenberg.

9. Sillamäe

Located in the northeast of the country, like many other Estonian cities, Sillamäe has 14,500 inhabitants. It is watered by the river Sotke and has an area of 10.5 square kilometers. It is a city with more than 80% Russian speakers.

10. Kuressaare

This city is located on an island in the west of the country. An island that separates the Baltic Sea from the Gulf of Riga. This city on the island of Saaremaa has nearly 14,700 inhabitants spread over 15.5 square kilometers.