The size of the Estonian population has been shaped by the fact that demographic transition, i.e. a unique period in demographic development when the population increases due to decreasing mortality and a high birth rate, began relatively early (in the 18th century) and followed the French type, i.e. the growth of the population was small.
Eesti rahvaarvu on kujundanud asjaolu, et demograafiline üleminek ehk unikaalne periood rahvastiku arengus, mil rahva arv langeva suremuse ja endiselt kõrge sündimuse tõttu mitmekordistub, algas suhteliselt vara (18. sajandil) ning toimus prantsuse tüübi kohaselt, s.t rahvastiku kasv on väike.