Valgamaa

Valgamaa, known in English as Valga County, is a county in southern Estonia. It borders Latvia to the south and lies within the historical region of Southern Estonia. The administrative center is the town of Valga, situated on the Estonian–Latvian border opposite the Latvian town of Valka; the two towns form a notable cross-border link.

Geography and environment: The landscape is largely gently rolling, with extensive forests interspersed with farmland and several lakes and rivers. The county contains nature reserves and protected areas that preserve local habitats and biodiversity, reflecting its rural character.

Economy and transport: The economy combines agriculture, forestry, small-scale manufacturing, and services, with cross-border trade linked to Latvia contributing to activity. Valga serves as a regional gateway, with road connections that facilitate movement between Estonia and Latvia and support local commerce and commuting.

Administration and population: The county is governed by a county council and is divided into several municipalities, including urban and rural communities. The population is predominantly ethnic Estonian, with communities of Russian and other minorities. The region’s settlement pattern emphasizes villages and small towns, characteristic of rural southern Estonia.

Culture and points of interest: Valgamaa features historic churches, traditional rural architecture, and cultural events that reflect the borderland heritage and its twin-town relationship with Valka. The area offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, local gastronomy, and exploration of the Estonian–Latvian border landscape.