Lääne County
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| Capital | Haapsalu | ||||
| Area | 2,383 km² (11th) | ||||
| Population (as of 2004) - Density |
28,101 (14th) 11.8/km² (14th) |
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| ISO 3166-2 | EE-57 | ||||
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Lääne County (Estonian: Lääne maakond), or Läänemaa, (Latin: Rotalia) is one of 15 counties of Estonia. It is located in western Estonia and borders Baltic Sea to the north, Harju County to the north-east, Rapla County to the east, Pärnu County to the south, and the island counties of Saare and Hiiu to the west. 2.0% of the total population of Estonia live in Lääne County.
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[edit] History
In the first centuries AD political and administrative subdivisions began to emerge in Estonia. Two larger subdivisions appeared: the parish (kihelkond) and the county (maakond). The parish consisted of several villages. Nearly all parishes had at least one fortress. The defense of the local area was directed by the highest official, the parish elder. The county was composed of several parishes, also headed by an elder. By the 13th century the following major districts had developed in Estonia: Saaremaa (Osilia), Läänemaa (Rotalia or Maritima), Harjumaa (Harria), Rävala (Revalia), Virumaa (Vironia), Järvamaa (Jervia), Sakala (Saccala), and Ugandi (Ugaunia).[1]
After the German conquest in 1227, Lääne County became the center of Bishopric of Ösel-Wiek, an independent principality within Livonian Confederation. Parts of bishop castle are still preserved in Haapsalu.
[edit] County Government
The County Government (Estonian: Maavalitsus) is led by Governor (Estonian: maavanem), who is appointed by the Government of Estonia for a term of five years. Since 19 November 2004, the Governor position is held by Sulev Vare.
[edit] Municipalities
The county is subdivided into municipalities. There are 2 urban municipalities, Haapsalu and Lihula (Estonian: linn - town) and 11 rural municipalities (Estonian: vallad - parishes) in Lääne County.
Urban municipality:
- 1 Haapsalu
Rural municipalities:
- 2 Hanila
- 3 Kullamaa
- 4 Lihula
- 5 Martna
- 6 Noarootsi
- 7 Nõva
- 8 Oru
- 9 Ridala
- 10 Risti
- 11 Taebla
- 12 Vormsi
[edit] Geography
[edit] Miscellaneous topics
[edit] References
- ^ Estonia and the Estonians (Studies of Nationalities) Toivo U. Raun p.11 ISBN 0817928529
[edit] External links
- Läänemaa Portal (in Estonian)
- Lääne County Government Official website (in Estonian)
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