ТӘУЕЛСІЗДІК ЖЫЛДАРЫНДАҒЫ ЭСТОНИЯ МЕМЛЕКЕТІНІҢ ӘЛЕУМЕТТІК-ЭКОНОМИКАЛЫҚ ДАМУЫ

Abstract

This article describes the socio-economic development of the Estonian state following the collapse of the Soviet Union, focusing on the current stage. The article examines the country’s physical and geographical location and provides information about its natural-territorial complexes (relief, climate, distribution of water systems, soil, flora, and fauna), as these are key factors in the nation’s economic development.

The article also explores the distribution of the population and its ethnic characteristics—language, mentality, worldview, consciousness, character, customs, traditions, and way of life. Patterns of rural and urban population settlement are also discussed.

In addition, the article presents data on the formation of mineral resources in accordance with natural features, the location of industrial enterprises, the importance of their production to the national economy, and the role of imports and exports in economic growth.

Special attention is given to the development of the transport system and the factors influencing its growth.

Due to its natural specificity and unique location of industrial enterprises, Estonia is home to the Silmet plant, which is one of the largest producers of rare earth elements and rare earth metals in Europe. It was originally a metallurgical plant established in 1946 for processing dictyonema shale to extract uranium oxide. In 1997, the enterprise was privatized, and since 2011 it has been owned by the American corporation Molycorp Silmet.Currently, SILMET holds leading positions worldwide in the production of tantalum and niobium, and ranks second globally after China in the production of neodymium.