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Tartu, Estonia

Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Estonia accepting of differences?

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When we asked people about diversity in Estonia and whether locals are accepting of differences, they said...

"Estonia is a culturally diverse country, with a population that includes Estonians, Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, Finns, and Jews. People in Estonia are generally accepting of differences, and the country has a long history of multiculturalism. The government has taken steps to ensure that all citizens are treated equally, regardless of their background," wrote a member who made the move to Estonia.

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"About 35% are of Russian ancestry, and that is their usual language. They like going to Karaoki bars and paying a little to sing their hearts out. Many businesses function as much in Russian as in Estonian. It is hard to tell Estonians from Russian ancestry people unless you listen to them speaking with each other. Many Estonians do not like this group of people, and have made laws concerning their obtaining a total Estonian passport, with passing an Estonian language test )which the EU will probably rule to be a violation of human rights on Estonia joining that body). The Russian oriented people here are very different from Russians in Russia, in fact they think more or less alike with fellow Estonians. Religion is not strong here. The population is pretty broad minded in a Scandinavian manner in terms of sexual mores, which anyone will find out quickly if they get cable TV, as after midnight anything is shown. They think of sex as a completely norman bodily function, like eating breakfast, and they are not prudes. There is also a high level of gay tolerance, with as many clubs here in this city of only 500,000 as are found in Moscow with its 15m. I do not think black people would find problems here like they do in Russia, but I haven't direct experience on this subject in this 100% white nation. I think there is very little experience here in meeting black people, as they have only been free of the ex Soviet Union for 11 years. I know there is no prejudice against Hispanic peoples," explained one expat living in Tallinn, Estonia.

Other Questions:

Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Estonia accepting of differences?

If you live in Estonia, newcomers to Estonia would love to hear your answer to this question.

If your answer relates to a specific city or town in Estonia, please include the name of the city/town below:


Tartu, Estonia

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