I (being an Estonian), recently started using the phrase "was occupied by USSR..." instead of "was part of USSR". We never wanted to be a part of that evil empire and never _formally_ were (when looking in from outside), so after seeing someone point it out in a forum, I also started usign the better description.

But yeah, USSR didn't manage to break our culture (and our own language is a noteworthy part of that). Although there was corruption in various government institutions after USSR collapse, systemic open corruption wasn't part of our culture.

Most (many?) people are ok to work for their own success instead of cheating others as the first choice, that helps the startup culture. And Skype is the most notheworthy company affecting Estonian startup culture. Although not founded/funded by Estonians, the tech & business was built in Estonia from scratch, by mostly Estonians. And now there are multiple generations of ex-Skypers who've successfully built startups & businesses more than once.

Culture & neighbors - that's what I usually tell other people, when they ask about our quick recovery after the USSR occupation.