LääNe County
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
Municipalities in Lääne CountyThe 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.
