Estonia follows Eastern European Time (EET), which is UTC +2:00, and UTC +3:00 during Daylight Saving Time (DST).

Yes, Estonia observes DST. The clocks are set forward by one hour during the last Sunday in March, shifting to EEST, which is UTC +3:00.

Estonia shares its zone with Finland, and during the DST period, it also shares its time zone with Latvia and Lithuania. Russia's western regions also observe the same time, but some neighboring areas like Finland do not shift time at the same moment.

The difference with the United States depends on the U.S. location. For example, Estonia is 8 hours ahead of EST and 11 hours ahead of PST.

There is a diverse economy with key industries that include:

Information Technology: The country is known for its innovative e-government services and high-tech sector, including digital services like e-residency and online banking.

Energy: Estonia has a strong energy sector, particularly in oil shale extraction, which is used for electricity generation. The country also invests in renewable energy sources.

Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector includes electronics, machinery, textiles, and food processing.

Tourism: The's tourism industry is growing, with visitors drawn to its medieval architecture, forests, and the capital city, Tallinn.

The nation is known for its unique geography and rich cultural heritage:

Islands: There are over 2,000 islands, with Saaremaa and Hiiumaa being the largest. These islands are known for their unspoiled natural beauty and historic sites.

Forests: Nearly half of the country is covered by forests, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching, and mushroom picking.

Medieval Tallinn: The capital city, Tallinn, is famous for its well-preserved medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site that attracts tourists from around the world.

There is a rich cultural heritage shaped by its history and geographical location:

Language: Estonian is the official language, which is a Finno-Ugric language closely related to Finnish. Russian is also spoken by a significant portion of the population.

Religion: The majority of Estonians are non-religious, though Christianity, particularly Lutheranism, has played a significant role in the country’s history.

Festivals: The country has many traditional festivals, including Midsummer Day (Jaanipäev), which celebrates the summer solstice with bonfires and folk dancing. Other notable festivals include the Tallinn Music Week and the Viljandi Folk Music Festival.

Sauna Culture: The sauna is an essential part of Estonian culture, often used for relaxation and social gatherings. It is common to visit a sauna with friends or family.

Estonia celebrates several important national holidays that reflect its history and culture:

Independence Day: February 24th marks Estonia’s independence from Russia in 1918, and it is celebrated with parades, concerts, and other patriotic events.

Midsummer Day: Celebrated on June 24th, Midsummer Day is one of the most important holidays, marked by bonfires, folk songs, and dancing to celebrate the summer solstice.

Christmas: Christmas is widely celebrated with family gatherings, festive meals, and the traditional Christmas market in Tallinn.

Victory Day: June 23rd commemorates Estonia’s victory over German forces in 1919 during the War of Independence. It is celebrated with ceremonies and public events.