How Estonia has built the first successful digital society

Estonia, a small country in Northern Europe with a population of just 1.3 million, has emerged as a global leader in building a digital society. The country's success in creating a high-tech infrastructure has earned it the nickname "e-Estonia."

The country's journey towards a digital society began in the 1990s after it gained independence from the Soviet Union. Estonia invested heavily in technology, and the government introduced a range of digital services that made it easier for citizens to access government services.

Today, Estonia is home to a range of innovative digital solutions, including e-voting, e-residency, and e-health. The country's digital infrastructure allows citizens to complete almost all government-related tasks online, including paying taxes, registering businesses, and accessing medical records.

One of the country's most innovative solutions is its e-voting system. Estonia introduced e-voting in 2005, becoming the first country in the world to do so. The system allows citizens to vote from anywhere in the world using their national ID card and a special PIN code. The process is entirely secure, with each vote encrypted and stored on a secure server.

Another popular digital service in Estonia is the e-residency program. This program allows non-Estonians to become digital residents of Estonia, giving them access to a range of digital services and allowing them to start and run a business in Estonia remotely. The program has been a huge success, with over 80,000 e-residents from 174 countries signing up since its launch in 2014.

Estonia's digital society has also had a significant impact on its economy. The country has attracted a range of tech companies and startups, and its government has made it easy to start and run a business in Estonia. The country's digital infrastructure has also made it easier for businesses to operate, reducing bureaucracy and cutting costs.

However, Estonia's success in building a digital society has not been without its challenges. The country's digital infrastructure has been the target of cyberattacks, with a major attack in 2007 bringing down many of the country's digital services. Estonia has responded by investing in cybersecurity, and the country now has one of the most advanced cybersecurity systems in the world.

Despite these challenges, Estonia's digital society continues to thrive. The country's innovative solutions have been recognized globally, and many other countries are looking to Estonia for inspiration in building their own digital societies.

In a world where technology is becoming increasingly important, Estonia's success in building a digital society serves as an inspiration to others. The country has shown that with the right investment and innovation, it is possible to create a society where almost everything can be done online.