There’s a country in the world where citizens receive free internet services. It might sound surprising, especially when people in most countries pay for internet usage monthly. In the 21st century, there’s a country where homes, cafes, restaurants, petrol pumps, schools, and universities all offer free internet.

Not only that, but public transport is also completely free in this country. We usually allocate a significant portion of our monthly budget for transport and internet bills. Imagine how beneficial it would be if these services were entirely free, meaning you wouldn’t spend a single rupee on them all month.

The government of this country provides its residents with free internet. Moreover, everything there is digital, with all transactions and services conducted online. The country is called Estonia, a small European nation with its capital being Tallinn. People here don’t have to spend a single cent to use the internet.

Estonia is the world’s first e-country. From voting to digital signatures, everything is a digital service. You can even become an e-resident from your home. In this country, you can conduct business and open bank accounts from anywhere in the world.

Free internet has been available in Estonia since 2000, 24 years ago. All schools and colleges in the country have also provided free internet since 2000. Around 90% of its population uses internet connections.

Every facility is available online here. From filing tax returns to paying for parking, everything is done via the internet. Estonian citizens also make online payments.

According to Freedom House, a US-based non-profit organization, Estonia is a model country globally for free internet usage. Besides free internet, several other factors make this country special.

Located on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea in northeastern Europe, this country was once part of the Soviet Union. It separated from Russia in 1991, after which its economy rapidly improved. In Estonia, not only is the internet free, but its people also receive free public transport.

In 2013, the then-mayor of Tallinn, Edgar Savisaar, first introduced this free public transport service. His rationale was that since there was much division among the people during its time as part of Russia, he believed they should be given as many opportunities as possible to interact.

Initially, a referendum was held for free transportation, and after receiving overwhelming support, buses and trams were made free for the public. Besides Estonia, France and Germany are also considering making public transport free to combat air pollution. In Wales, UK, buses are free on weekends.

Estonia’s Ministry of Economic Affairs aimed for every citizen to learn to use free internet within the next year. There are over 3,000 free Wi-Fi spots nationwide. Coffee shops, petrol pumps, restaurants, schools, colleges, hospitals, hotels, and all government offices offer free Wi-Fi. Voting in elections is also done online, allowing citizens to vote for their preferred candidate from home.

When it comes to clean air, Estonia’s name is among the top. According to data released last year by the World Health Organization, Estonia is one of the few countries with the best air quality. Finland, Sweden, Canada, Norway, and Iceland are also on the list.

The country is also world-renowned for freedom of expression and media. There is an opportunity to express any opinion. Law enforcement agencies will not imprison or harass anyone unnecessarily for this. The European Union member state gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Within just 26 years of independence, it has reached the pinnacle of success.