Lääne County

Infobox_Maakond
name=Lääne
fullname=Lääne maakond

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capital=Haapsalu
governor=Sulev Vare
area=2,383
arearank=11th
population_as_of=2004
population=28,101
populationrank=14th
populationdensity=11.8
densityrank=14th
isocode=EE-57

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Lääne County ( _et. 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.

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). [ Estonia and the Estonians (Studies of Nationalities) Toivo U. Raun p.11 ISBN 0817928529]

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.

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 18 February 2008, the Governor position is held by Neeme Suur.

Maavanam First Republic 1918 - 1941
[http://www.lmv.ee/?id:26326] Aleksander Saar 1917 - 1927
[http://www.lmv.ee/?id:26336]
Artur Kasterpalu 1930 - 1941

Maavanam Second Republic 1993 -
[http://www.lmv.ee/?id:26334] Andres Lipstok 14 December 1993 - 12 August 1994
[http://www.lmv.ee/?id:26335] Hannes Danilov 01 November 1994 - 03 January 1999
[http://www.lmv.ee/?id:26337] Ander Vali 23 February 1999 - 20 July 1999
[http://www.lmv.ee/?id:26338] Jaanus Sahk 22 September 1999 - 22 September 2004
[http://www.lmv.ee/?id:27491] Stulev Vare 19 November 2004 - 14 September 2007
[http://www.lmv.ee/?id:26289] Neeme Suur 18 February 2008 -

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

Geography

Miscellaneous topics

* Matsalu National Park

References

External links

* [http://portaal.laanemaa.ee/ Läänemaa Portal] (in Estonian)
* [http://www.lmv.ee/ Lääne County Government] Official website (in Estonian)

Template group
title = Geographic locale
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