Makseviide

Makseviide is a fictional rural village used in encyclopedic examples to illustrate a typical Baltic small settlement. It is placed in the imagined county of Väikejala in the country of Eestimaa, and lies on a flat to gently rolling plain near the Mäe River at about 58.3°N, 25.0°E.

The name combines Estonian elements makse and viide, reflecting a traditional site where a local payment point was recorded. In the fictional toponymy, the term is linked to a once-active market clearing.

Makseviide developed in the late 19th century as a forestry and farming community. A small sawmill operated from 1895 to 1952, supporting gradual growth; after the mid‑20th century, population declined as residents migrated to larger towns.

As of 2023, the village has about 320 residents. The population is predominantly ethnic Estonians, with small minorities of Russians and others. The main language is Estonian; some older residents also speak Russian.

The local economy centers on agriculture, dairy farming and wood processing. A minority of residents commute to nearby towns, and a few run small craft businesses or guest accommodations for visitors to the countryside.

Infrastructure includes a primary school, a post office, a volunteer fire brigade, and a weekly bus connection to the nearest town. There is no railway service.

Cultural life centers on an annual Harvest Festival in September, a village library, and a small museum on forestry and local history.

No notable real-world figures are associated with Makseviide in this fictional setting.