Since the 16th century, Estonia has been a predominantly protestant (Lutheran) country. Baltic Germans built most of the country’s churches. Up until the 19th century, the church was the only source of education in the countryside and few villages are without an architecturally impressive church at its centre.
Though with a population of a little more than one million, Estonia still boasts a rich history of art, literature, cinema and theatre. The Estonian language and culture are the main vehicles for maintaining Estonian identity, and the people of Estonia have always revered their cultural treasures.