Läänland

Läänland is a historical region located in western Estonia. It was one of the earliest settled areas of Estonia, with archaeological evidence pointing to human habitation as far back as the Neolithic period. Historically, Läänland was part of the ancient Estonian tribal territories, specifically associated with the Ugaunians and later the Oeselians who inhabited the neighboring island of Saaremaa.

During the medieval period, Läänland came under the control of various powers. It was part of the Principality of Saare-Lääne, a semi-independent state that existed from the 13th century until the Livonian War. The German crusaders, particularly the Livonian Order, exerted considerable influence in the region. After the Livonian War, Läänland became part of the Duchy of Livonia under Polish-Lithuanian rule, and subsequently, it was ceded to Sweden in the early 17th century.

Swedish rule lasted until the Great Northern War, after which Läänland, along with the rest of Estonia, was incorporated into the Russian Empire. The region retained its distinct cultural and linguistic characteristics throughout these periods of foreign rule.

In the modern era, Läänland is primarily associated with the Lääne County (Läänemaa) of Estonia, which was established in its current form in 1990 following Estonia's independence. The county's administrative center is the city of Haapsalu, a historic coastal town known for its castle ruins and spa traditions. Läänland's landscape is characterized by its coastline, numerous islands and islets, forests, and agricultural areas, reflecting its long history of human settlement and interaction with its natural environment.