maakonnast

Maakond is a term used in Estonia to refer to a county. Estonia is administratively divided into fifteen counties, or maakonnad. These maakonnad serve as the primary level of local government and are responsible for a range of public services. The current system of maakonnad was established in 1990, following Estonia's re-independence. Each maakond is headed by a county governor, or maavanem, who is appointed by the national government. The county governor's role is to represent the central government in the county and to oversee the implementation of national policies at the local level.

The maakonnad vary in size and population, with some covering large rural areas and others being more urbanized. They are further subdivided into municipalities, which can be either rural or urban. These municipalities handle more localized matters such as education, social welfare, and local infrastructure. The maakond system is designed to provide a balance between central government control and local autonomy, ensuring that public services are delivered efficiently across the country. The borders of the maakonnad are largely based on historical administrative divisions, though some adjustments have been made over time.