A study in Estonia shows that Finnish men are the largest single group of clients of prostitutes in the capital Tallinn

Of the 210 women interviewed, 172 had sold sexual services to Finnish men.

For the study, Estonia's National Institute for Health Development interviewed 210 prostitutes in Tallinn, most of whom reported that they have had Finnish clients. The next largest groups using their services are men from Estonia itself and from Sweden.

The main purpose of the study was to investigate the health of prostitutes in the city. Half of the women interviewed in 2011 reported that they had contracted a sexually transmitted disease during the previous 12 months. The most common was chlamydia, which was diagnosed in around one-quarter.

Those taking part in the study were tested for HIV. Six percent were found to be carriers. Almost all said that they used condoms when with clients.

The study was reported in the Estonian daily Postimees.