The Estonian people are the native inhabitants of Estonia, a country located in Northern Europe. They are known for their unique language, Estonian, which belongs to the Finno-Ugric language family, closely related to Finnish and Hungarian. The population is approximately 1.3 million, with a rich cultural heritage that includes traditional music, dance, and festivals. Estonians have a strong connection to nature, often enjoying outdoor activities like hiking and swimming in the numerous lakes and forests. The country has a history of resilience, having regained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, which has shaped their national identity and pride.