Tartu, with its population of around 100,000 in an area of 38.8 square kilometres, is the second largest city of Estonia. Lying 185 kilometres south of Tallinn (the capital city of Estonia) it is also the centre of southern Estonia. The Emajõgi River, which connects the two largest lakes of Estonia, flows for the length of 10 kilometres within the city limits and adds colour to the city.
The first written records of Tartu date from 1030.
Tartu has all the best of the globally new, but with the local advantage: the costs are lower, security is higher and the air is cleaner than in Tallinn, Helsinki or New York. Access to Estonian’s central market region, a well-educated and qualified work force, a good transport system and a fully modernised business infrastructure has made Tartu an attractive location.
The geographical location makes the city very attractive logistically. By car/bus it takes no more than 2.5 hours to travel to Tallinn, or 3.5 hours to Riga.
Facts about Tartu
- The second largest city of Estonia
- Area: 38.8 square kilometres
- Population: about 100,000 inhabitants
- Distances from Tartu: Tallinn 186 km, Narva 184 km, Pärnu 178 km, Riga 250 km, St. Petersburg 315 km
- Ethnic composition: Estonian 76%, Russian 19%, others 5%
Tartu – the Smart Location in Estonia
Tartu is a city that promotes innovation via competitive enterprises, being attractive to investors and facilitating entrepreneurship and knowledge-based production and services.
If you are considering Estonia as a source of investment opportunity, you should really take a look at the City of Tartu and the surrounding county.
Tartu is a city in motion, empowered by the changes that have taken place over the last decade. These changes have been radical with a substantial influence on citizens´ welfare and business growth.
The region´s infrastructure has been extensively updated and is ready for further expansion. A development strategy and detailed action plans have been prepared and put into force in most areas, to maximise the potential development. Recognising that the city and county are mutually dependent, the administrations of both are actively coordinating at every level to continue the rapid tempo of positive change.
Long traditions and high competence in electronics, information and biotechnology have made our enterprises internationally competitive.