n length. Only 3 rivers in Estonia have a runoff of over 50 cubic meters per second: Narva (399), Emajogi (72), and Parnu (64).
             With regard to zonal distribution of vegetation, Estonia belongs to the northern part of the mixed forest zone. In prehistoric times, forests covered the territory. Coniferous trees, pine and spruces as well as ash and maple were predominant. Forests cover approximately 40% of Estonia today. This figure has doubled since the land belonging to private farms (abandoned due to forced collectivization) has been forested and grasslands have been overgrown with alder and birch. The abundance of these woodlands has provided a suitable habitat for game. Present wildlife includes wolves, bears, lynx, wild boars, elk and otters. Estonia currently has 59 plant and 198 animal species under state protection. There is 1 national park (Lahemnaa, 649 square kilometers), 1 water reserve, 5 state nature reserves (630 square kilometers in total) and 57 other nature reserves. The main problems today in preserving nature are the ever in decreasing levels of air and water pollution.
             Administratively, Estonia is divided into 15 counties. The counties, in turn, are divided into about 190 parishes. There are about 40 towns in Estonia in addition to numerous smaller villages. Tallinn is the nation's capital as well as the largest city. Tallinn is located on the northwest coast of the country. Cities with significant levels of population are:
             The climate of Estonia is determined by its location in the northwestern part of the Eurasian continent, near the North Atlantic. The closeness of the Baltic Sea has strong influence on local climatic differences, especially in the coastal regions. In general the climate is temperate,
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