Economy at a glance

• Estonia has a modern market-based economy with a modified currency board monetary system

• Estonia's national currency the kroon is pegged to the Euro (1 EUR = 15.65 EEK). Estonia will join the euro area as of January 1, 2011

• Estonia has the highest per capita income levels in Central and Eastern Europe

Cornerstones of economic success

• Monetary reform - currency board arrangement since 1992

• Privatization - completed, with 4 infrastructure companies in state ownership

• Liberal foreign trade regime - market is open for all competition

• Modern tax system - flat income tax with 0% on reinvested profits

Consistent economic values

• Liberal trade and price policy

• Fixed exchange rate system

• No restrictions on free movement of capital

• Balanced budget of central government

• Conservative foreign borrowing policy

• Simple and proportional tax system

Credit ratings

Estonia has some of the highest international credit ratings in the region.

• Standard & Poor: A

• Moody's: A1

• Fitch IBCA: BBB+

Key economic indicators

• GDP at current prices: €13,7 billion (2009)

• GDP per capita: €10 245 (2009)

• Annual FDI: €1,204 billion (2009)

• FDI stock: €11,268 billion (2009)

• Unemployment: 13.8% (2009)

• Exports: €6,5 billion (2009)

• Imports: €7,3 billion (2009)