Pärnumaa

Pärnumaa is a county in southwestern Estonia. It is bordered by Läänemaa to the north, Raplamaa and Järvamaa to the northeast, Viljandimaa to the east, and Latvia to the south. The Baltic Sea lies to the west. The county's administrative center and largest city is Pärnu. Pärnumaa has a total area of 4,807 square kilometers and a population of approximately 78,000 people.

The landscape of Pärnumaa is characterized by its extensive forests, bogs, and the Pärnu River, which flows through the county and empties into the Gulf of Riga. The county is known for its natural beauty, including the Soomaa National Park, which is famous for its "fifth season" – the seasonal flooding of its rivers. Pärnumaa also boasts a long coastline with numerous beaches and a mild maritime climate, making it a popular summer resort destination.

Historically, Pärnumaa has been an important agricultural region. In recent decades, tourism has become a significant economic driver, with Pärnu city serving as Estonia's summer capital. The county also has a developing industrial sector, particularly in food processing and wood products. Transportation links are well-established, with the Via Baltica highway running through the county, connecting Estonia with Latvia and Lithuania. The county comprises one city, two rural municipalities, and eleven smaller municipalities.