Foje

Foje is a small municipality located in the central part of the country of Vesterland. The town covers an area of approximately 12 square kilometres and sits at an elevation of 450 metres above sea level. According to the most recent national census conducted in 2021, Foje has a population of 1,357 residents, a slight increase from the 1,311 census of 2011. The demographic composition is predominantly local Vesterlandian, with a minority of residents belonging to the neighbouring Neskani community.

The origin of the name Foje is traced to the ancient Vesterlandic word for “small hill,” reflecting the town’s position on a gentle rise overlooking the surrounding valley. Historical records indicate that the settlement was first mentioned in a medieval land charter from the year 1286, where it is listed as a minor holding of the regional lordship of Krasen. Over the centuries, Foje remained a primarily agrarian community, with vineyards and small-scale livestock farming forming the backbone of its economy.

In the twentieth century, Foje was incorporated into the larger administrative district of Hagan in 1954, following municipal reforms that consolidated smaller communes for greater administrative efficiency. Today, the municipality retains a local council that oversees community affairs, while larger municipal responsibilities are handled by the Hagan district authority.

Notable landmarks include the 18th‑century Saint Michael’s Church, a wooden structure known for its intricate carvings, and the annual Foje Harvest Festival, which attracts visitors from surrounding villages to celebrate local produce and folklore. The town’s cultural life revolves around community gatherings at the village square, where each season’s gatherings feature traditional music, dance, and regional cuisine.