The first consecration of a bishop in Saaremaa since the 16th century took place: Anti Toplaan was installed as bishop of the new Saare-Lääne diocese after more than 400 years

Funding for extracurricular education has decreased by a third in the last five years, and most hobby schools are now concentrated in larger municipalities; the Saare County has seen a 60% decline

To contrast the city's off-season slump, Pärnu entrepreneurs have proposed building an indoor bathing facility downtown

Services accounted for 68% of Estonian GDP 15 years ago and this year they will reach 74,5%; the service sector of the economy is growing steadily, while the share of industrial activities is declining