Estonia is a small, self-sufficient country. Its most important energy source is oil shale, which is mined in the north-eastern parts of the nation. Power plants use the oil shale to produce electricity and heat. 

The most important industrial regions of Estonia are also located in the north-eastern parts of the country, as well as near the capital city of Tallinn on the shores of the Baltic Sea. The most important sectors of Estonian industry include the paper, forest and textile industries. 

Tourism is also an important livelihood. Especially Finnish tourism is common in the northern parts of the nation, mostly focused in the beautiful, medieval capital city of Tallinn.