Harju

Harju, or Harjumaa, is a county in northern Estonia. It lies along the northern coast with the Gulf of Finland and forms part of the country’s urban and economic core. The largest city and administrative center is Tallinn, which is also the capital of Estonia; Tallinn is a self-governing municipality but serves as the county seat.

Geography and administration: Harju combines densely developed urban areas around Tallinn with rural municipalities and coastal towns. It includes Maardu, Keila, Rae, Saku, Saue, Viimsi, Jõelähtme, Kuusalu, Anija, Harku, Kiili, Paldiski and others. The county comprises several municipalities organized as urban and rural municipalities.

Economy and transport: Harju accounts for a large share of Estonia’s GDP due to Tallinn's finance, IT, services, and logistics sectors. The Port of Tallinn is a major international gateway, and Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport provides international access. The region is a hub for transportation and business services.

History: The name Harju derives from the historic Harju region. The modern Harju County was formed in the course of Estonia’s post-independence administrative reforms in the 1990s. The area has long been central to Estonian trade and governance, with Tallinn shaping its economic and cultural development.

Culture and notable features: The county is home to Tallinn’s medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as numerous museums, cultural institutions, and architectural landmarks. The region hosts coastal towns, parks, and coastal biodiversity.