HICP flash estimate: prices up by 0.5% in September
According to the preliminary estimate of Statistics Estonia, in September, the harmonised index of consumer prices (HICP), which includes the expenditures of tourists, increased by 0.5% compared with August and by 3% compared with September 2025. This is a flash estimate which will be refined once more detailed data on September prices are received.
Confidence remains the highest in the retail trade sector and the lowest in construction
On 25 September, Statistics Estonia published the results of the business and consumer surveys for September. Compared with the previous month, confidence has improved slightly among retail trade and construction enterprises and has fallen a little in the services and industry sectors. Consumer confidence has remained at the same level as in August.
65% of people and 34% of enterprises use AI
The latest information technology surveys conducted by Statistics Estonia show that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) increased significantly in 2026 compared with the year before. AI use was up both among enterprises and among individuals, with the use of AI tools for private purposes rising by 53%. There was also a rise in the use of internet-connected devices, such as smart TVs and smart watches.
HICP flash estimate: prices up by 0.3% in August
According to the preliminary estimate of Statistics Estonia, in August 2026, the harmonised index of consumer prices (HICP), which includes the expenditures of tourists, increased by 0.3% compared with July. Compared with August last year, the HICP rose by 1.3%. This is a flash estimate which will be refined once more detailed data on August prices are received.
There are people of 224 different ethnic nationalities living in Estonia
According to Statistics Estonia, the population of Estonia as at 1 January 2026 was 1,360,745. Based on ethnic nationality, 932,603 people (68.5%) were Estonian, 276,125 (20.2%) were Russian and 146,619 (10.8%) were of other ethnic nationalities. Compared with the 2021 population census, the number of ethnic nationalities represented in Estonia has grown by 23. Most of these new ethnic nationalities have just one or two representatives in Estonia.
1,360,745 people: Estonia’s population declined for the second year in a row
According to Statistics Estonia, on 1 January 2026, the population of Estonia stood at 1,360,745. This is 9,250 persons fewer than at the same time the year before. Estonia’s population decreased for the second year in a row. There were 9,240 births and 15,688 deaths last year. 15,212 persons immigrated to Estonia and 18,014 persons emigrated.