Foreign relations of Estonia originates in the Nordic countries (principally Finland and Sweden), to which Estonia sends 42% of its exports (as compared to 6.5% going to Russia, 8.8% to Latvia, and 4.7% to Lithuania). On the other hand, the Estonian political system, its flat rate of income tax, and its non-welfare-state model distinguish it from the other Nordic states, and indeed from many other European countries. Estonia is a party to 181 international organizations, including the BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EU (member since 1 May 2004), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, International Maritime Organization, Interpol, IOC,
Geography of Estonia clay, limestone, sand, dolomite, arable land, forest Land use: "arable:" 14.65% "permanent crops:" 0.14% "other:" 85.21% (2012) Irrigated land: 4.58 km Total renewable water resources: 12.81 km (2011) Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural): <br>"total:" 1.8 km/yr (3%/97%/0%) <br>"per capita:" 1,337 m/yr (2009) Geography of Estonia Between 57.3 and 59.5 latitude and 21.5 and 28.1 longitude, Estonia lies on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea on the level northwestern part of the rising East European Platform. It borders the Gulf of Finland, between Latvia and Russia. Average elevation reaches only . The climate is maritime, wet, with moderate winters and cool summers.