eilokaliselle

Eilokaliselle is a term that refers to a type of local government in Estonia, specifically a rural municipality. The term is derived from the Estonian words "ei" meaning "not" and "lokaliseerima" meaning "to localize," indicating that these municipalities are not centralized but rather decentralized. Eilokaliselle municipalities are characterized by their small size, typically with a population of fewer than 1,000 people, and their close-knit communities. They are responsible for local governance, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure, but have limited administrative powers compared to larger municipalities or cities. The concept of eilokaliselle was introduced in the 1990s as part of Estonia's decentralization efforts, aiming to promote local self-governance and community development. Today, Estonia has over 200 eilokaliselle municipalities, covering approximately 40% of the country's territory.