Puudega

Puudega is a small village in the eastern part of Estonia, situated within Jõgeva Parish in Jõgeva County. The settlement lies in a largely flat area characterized by mixed forest and arable land, and it is approximately 10 kilometres west of the county capital, the town of Jõgeva. The geographical coordinates are 58°54′N 26°15′E.

The village is part of the historical region of Võru, which has been predominantly an agricultural zone since the medieval period. The first documented mention of Puudega dates back to the 17th century, when it was referred to in parish registers as a small hamlet belonging to a nearby manor estate. Over the centuries the population has remained modest; the 2011 Estonian census recorded 29 residents, and estimates in 2020 suggest a similar figure, indicating a stable but slowly declining population.

Puudega's economy is largely based on small-scale farming, with crops such as rye, barley, and root vegetables grown in family plots. Livestock farming also contributes to the local economy, primarily through dairy cattle and poultry. In recent years, rural tourism has begun to develop, with guests visiting the area for its natural scenery and traditional Estonian countryside experience. The village is accessible by the regional road network that connects it to Jõgeva and the major rail line between Tartu and Narva, though it does not have its own railway station.

Culturally, Puudega maintains local traditions associated with the Võru subregion, including folk music, handicrafts, and seasonal festivals that celebrate the agricultural calendar. Though small, the village’s community engages in cooperative efforts to preserve its rural heritage and sustain local development initiatives.