maakond

Maakond is the Estonian term for a county, the primary first-level administrative division of the country. There are 15 maakonnad that cover the national territory, including both mainland areas and island regions such as Hiiumaa and Saaremaa. The concept serves as a framework for regional coordination and statistical reporting, and it helps connect national policy with local governance.

Each maakond has a regional administration, historically known as the county government (maavalitsus) led by a government-appointed maavanem (county governor). The county administration coordinates state functions at the regional level, supports regional development, and collaborates with the municipalities within the county to implement national programs and ensure coherent planning across education, transportation, culture, and social services.

Within a maakond, municipalities include cities (linn) and rural municipalities (vald). The city of Tallinn, the capital, lies in Harju maakond and operates its own city government, while the wider Harju County coordinates at the regional level. This structure allows both local self-government by municipalities and centralized coordination through the county level.

The 15 counties are Harju maakond, Hiiumaa maakond, Ida-Viru maakond, Jõgeva maakond, Järva maakond, Lääne maakond, Lääne-Viru maakond, Pärnu maakond, Põlva maakond, Rapla maakond, Saare maakond, Tartu maakond, Valga maakond, Viljandi maakond, and Võru maakond.

Historically and administratively, maakonnad provide a link between national policy and local life, reflecting both modern governance needs and regional identities across Estonia.