SAAREMAA

LOCATION AND COMMUNICATION LINKS

Saaremaa, literally ‘Island’s Land’, the second largest island in the Baltic Sea, lies in the Gulf of Riga, and has an area of 2,668 square kilometres. It has given the name to an archipelago of about 600 smaller islands and islets around it with a total area of 2,900 square kilometres. Saaremaa is also the biggest island of the Republic of Estonia, situated close to the western or mainland coast of Estonia, the nearest point being the harbour of Virtsu, 8km away.

The nearest IGA member islands are Gotland (160km) and Aland (280km). Regular sea ferry links are maintained between Kuivastu and Virtsu. Kuivastu is situated in the smaller island of Muhu, which has a permanent connection with Saaremaa. There are some six harbours around Saaremaa that have facilities for boats and yachts. The airport is close to Kuressaare, which caters for both small aircraft from the mainland, and flights to and from other countries.

GEOGRAPHY

More than ten thousand years ago, the first parts of Saaremaa rose from the Baltic Ice Dam Lake. The uplift of the earth’s crust continues today, at about 2mm per year. Saaremaa consists of low-lying plains resting on limestone, with an average elevation of approximately 15 metres above sea level. These plains have become denuded in many places, resulting in cliffs, pits and quarries.

The winter’s mean temperature is 0°C or below, and in the summer the mean day temperature is 20°C. Precipitation: 24-28inches. Because of its mild maritime climate, and a variety of soils, Saaremaa is rich in flora, with 80% of the plant species found in Estonia being found here.

Saaremaa is a real botanical Mecca, protected by both international conventions for scenic preservation as well as those of the Republic of Estonia, and even more so by the love of the islanders themselves. Altogether 1,200 species of vascular plants can be found in Saaremaa, of which 120 are rare species. The best known plant reserve is at the Viidumäe Nature Reserve. An area amounting to about 50% of Saaremaa is covered by forests, another feature being the wooded meadows and alvar (limestone areas covered with thin soil and stunted vegetation). The major local minerals are dolomite, limestone, curative mud, and on a smaller scale mineral water, sand, gravel and ceramic clay.

The coastal areas are famous seal habitats, the grey seal can be found on the islets off the south-western coast. The western Estonian islands lie within the east Atlantic migration path of waterfowl. This ‘bird road’ connects north-eastern Europe with the arctic regions, and each year, thousands of migratory birds visit Saaremaa in the spring and autumn. The Vilsandi National Park was founded in 1910, as the Vaika Bird Sanctuary, and includes Vilsandi island and some 100 islets. Today, it is a Reserve for 250 species of birds. The woods of Saaremaa are rich in game, mainly wild boar, elks, deer and roe-deer.

POPULATION AND MAJOR CENTRES

There are approximately 40,000 inhabitants in Saaremaa. There is an increasing trend towards urbanisation, at present 41% of the population, some 16,500 are resident in the capital town of Kuressaare. The larger rural centres are Kärla (1,500) and Orissaare(1,400). Saaremaa is one of the most homogeneous districts, with 98% of the islanders being ethnic Estonians. There are more women than men, in the ratio of 11 to 1.

HISTORY

The territory of Saaremaa has been inhabited for at least 5,000 years. Due to its geographical location between the East and West, it has come under the rule of different countries, and in the past 700 years the Germans, Danes, Swedes and Russians have all had turns at possessing this island. During this period, castles, old fortifications, churches and manors were constructed, and in Kuressaare houses, lighthouses, chapels, harbours and bridges were built. The most attractive ancient monuments, are the strongholds situated in the old parish centres.

Employed in trade, commerce and the service industries.The creation of new enterprises, employing less than 10 workers is now in full swing. The majority of country people work in agriculture and cattle breeding. Fishing and wood processing are now becoming important branches of the economy. The old traditions of boat building remain, but today both wooden and fibre glass boats are manufactured. Tourism is taking on more and more importance in the island’s economy.

The most famous buildings are the l3th-l6th Century Kuressaare Castle, and the l4th-l6th Century medieval Gothic churches. Saaremaa, like Estonia was independent during 19 18-1940 and got independence again in 1991. The Soviet Army occupied it in 1940, followed by German troops 1941-44. During the period 1940-199 1 the country was part of the Soviet Union.

GOVERNMENT

Saaremaa County is divided into 17 municipalities, each with its own local authority, the largest, Kuressaare having had municipal rights since 1563. The municipality Councils (7-17 members), are elected for a period of four years. Saaremaa County Government is the governing body, recognised by the State Government. The County Governor is nominated by the Estonian Government, and confirmed by the representatives of the municipality Councils.

LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

Living under different powers and countries with different cultures has influenced the beliefs, education and broader outlook of the people, which has created the peculiar culture of Saaremaa. This culture is reflected in the characteristics of the people themselves. who are modest, hard-working, tough, hospitable and with a sense of humour. The islanders are bright-minded people, they worship fire, and love singing.

The folk costumes are very rich and diverse, and are still worn today at public festivals. The local song and folk festivals have always been popular.

Saaremaa has its own distinctive dialect of the Estonian language, with a slightly Swedish pronunciation.

ECONOMY

Saaremaa is changing from a relatively closed economic structure based on local natural resources, to a more open economy affected by events in Estonia and the Baltic Sea.There is an increasing number of tourists visiting the island, and more and more people are being

SPORTS AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES

The most popular sports are athletics and volleyball, as well as basketball, cycling, swimming, cross-country skiing, and orienteering. There is an athletic stadium in Kuressaare which meets with international standards, and there are sports halls and swimming pools on the island.

The Island Games Association was pleased to welcome Saaremaa as a member, and they have been represented at the Island Games since 1991 in Aland, and achieved considerable success, particularly in volleyball and cycling.

Tarmo Pikner