Lääne County (Estonian: Lääne maakond), or Läänemaa, 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.

History

---

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 19 November 2004, the Governor position is held by Sulev Vare.

Municipalities

---

The county is subdivided into municipalities. There are 1 urban municipality (Estonian: linn - town) and 11 rural municipalities (Estonian: vallad - communes) 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

---

External links

---

• Läänemaa Portal (in Estonian)
• Lääne County Government Official website (in Estonian)

Counties of Estonia

Comtat de Lääne | Kreis Lääne | Lääne maakond | Condado de Lääne | Läänemaa | Konteth Lääne | Läänemaa | Judeţul Lääne | Lääne Coonty | Länsimaa (Viro)