Estonian Human Development Report

Dear Reader,
You are holding another illustration of the current state of Estonia, which, this time, provides a reflection of our society
in 2008. As in previous years, I call upon you to immerse yourself in the statistics and commentaries that elaborate on the
numerical indicators disclosed by the research.
I express my sincerest thanks to those who commissioned and compiled this compendium, and who have found a
new, quality of life angle for evaluating Estonia. I believe this provides us with a truer sense of reality than simply looking
at Estonia’s position in rankings, which measure various aspects of human development.
Generally, an increase in the standard of living gives rise to an improvement in the quality of life. This is confirmed
by the considerable progress in well-being made by the Estonian population in 2003–2007. However, life satisfaction in a
developed society is not determined only by an increase in material wealth. “Money does not bring happiness” is a familiar
adage.
But then, what does? Read this report and find out.
We need this information now: at a time when the economic growth curve has taken a sudden downturn and yesterday’s
insouciance has been replaced by uncertainty about the future; at a time when Estonia’s human development, or in
other words, the society’s true strength – what we are worth as a country and people – is being tested. Are we a mature
society that searches for the best solutions in the course of open dialogue and resolves complicated problems with the
analytical ability of adults? Or do we behave like sullen teenagers and withdraw to our separate corners in order to declare
the “truth”, look for guilty parties, and lament the loss of a brighter yesterday?
I share the position of Professor Marju Lauristin, the report’s editor-in-chief, when she says that the quality of life
based on spiritual values, deep human relations, healthy lifestyles, happy children and a strong sense of solidarity cannot
be achieved with the help of money, but by investing one’s time, intellect and will. If we look at Estonia from this standpoint,
it seems possible that “the economic crisis may even help to re-establish the balance between tangible and intangible
values”.
As a citizen and the Head of State, I believe in the Estonian people’s wisdom and ability to understand the reasons
behind the problems we face and to overcome the difficulties together, thus emerging stronger. This is why I want to
emphasize one of the statements in this compendium, which is actually an appeal to all of you whose decisions affect Estonia’s
ability to cope in complicated times:
“Since money is in short supply during the economic crisis, more attention should be devoted to the non-material
aspects of the quality of life, especially the psychological sense of security. It is particularly important to maintain confidence
that the state is acting in the public interest and is concerned with people’s problems.”
Money or economic growth percentages cannot be used to measure attentiveness, trust or thoughtfulness. Yet,
these form the greatest capital of any functioning and developing society. The quantity and application of this capital is
expressed in the indices for human development and quality of life.
Hoping that you enjoy the read and acquire new knowledge,
Toomas Hendrik Ilves
President of the Republic
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