Vastaspoolile

Vastaspoolile is a small settlement located in the southwestern part of Estonia, within the jurisdiction of Pärnu County. It lies approximately 12 kilometres southeast of the regional centre of Pärnu and is part of the administrative district of Lääne-Häädemeeste Parish. The village is situated on the edge of a mixed coniferous and deciduous forest, with a modest river that flows into the Gulf of Riga to the west.

The history of Vastaspoolile dates back to the 15th century, when it was first mentioned in medieval land registers as a homestead belonging to a local noble estate. During the 19th century, the village saw modest growth as agricultural practices modernised and a communal mill was established on the nearby riverbank. In the 20th century, Vastaspoolile remained a predominantly agrarian community, with small-scale farming, forestry, and occasional sea fishing shaping its economic profile.

Demographically, Vastaspoolile is home to a population of roughly 140 residents as of the latest census. The population is largely Estonian, with a small number of Russian-speaking minorities. The village has a low density of residential buildings and features a central communal hall that hosts local events, market days, and other gatherings.

Economically, Vastaspoolile depends heavily on primary sector activities: the surrounding forests provide timber and non-timber forest products, while the fertile soils support the cultivation of rye, barley, and various root vegetables. Many residents also commute to nearby Pärnu for employment in retail, hospitality, and public services. Recent development initiatives have focused on eco-tourism, promoting the area's natural beauty and traditional Estonian countryside.

Transportation in and around Vastaspoolile is serviced by a regional bus line that connects the village to Pärnu and other nearby towns. A local road network links the settlement with surrounding villages, and access to the railway system is available via the Pärnu–Pukerød line, which provides both passenger and freight services to Tallinn and the wider Baltic region.