Date and place of birth: 14 August 1962, Tallinn
Marital status: Married, one son
Education: University of Tartu, MA in history 1998; University of Tartu, psychology 1985; Saku Secondary School 1980
Career: 9th, 10th and 11th Riigikogu 1999–; Chancellery of the Riigikogu, adviser 1993–1999; Estonian Institute of Humanities, lecturer 1992–1993; 
Eesti Elu/Kultuur ja Elu journal, editor-in-chief 1991–1992; Journal Vikerkaar, editor 1990–1991; ESSR Institute of Pedagogical Research, researcher 1985–1989
Party affiliation: Pro Patria and Res Publica Union 2006–; Pro Partia Union 1995–2006; National Coalition Party Isamaa 1994–1995
Membership in representative bodies: Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Vice-President 2009–; 9th, 10th and 11th Riigikogu; Estonian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, member since 2003–, chairman since 2007–; Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Monitoring Committee, Rapporteur on the Azerbaijan 2004–; Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Sub-Committee on Belarus, chairman 2005–2008
Social activities: Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, member of the Board of Governors 2008–; Estonian Academic Oriental Society, member since 1989– and VP since 2000–; Board member of the Buddhism Institute Council; member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Tartu; Estonian Broadcasting Council, member
Scientific activities: Master’s thesis Mythological Psycology in Ancient Indian Texts, 1998
Creative activities: Kuuba südames (Cuba in My Heart, with Mart Laar, Tallinn, 2008)  Vene mõistatus (Russian Puzzle, Tartu, 2007); Müüt ja mõtlemine (Myth and Thought, Tartu, 2002) collection of articles Ajalugu on rikas (History is Rich, Tallinn, 1997) Numerous articles and publications in Estonian and international press
Awards: Grand Cross of the Order of Leopold II of the Kingdom of Belgium 2008
; Order of the White Star, 4th class 2005
11.03.09