# Hiiumaa

> second largest island in Estonia

**Wikidata**: [Q146530](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q146530)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiiumaa)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hiiumaa

## Summary
Hiiumaa is the second-largest island in Estonia, located within the West Estonian archipelago in the Baltic Sea. It serves as the sole municipality of Hiiu County and is home to the town of Kärdla. Historically known by aliases such as Dagö, Hiidenmaa, and Dago, the island has a population ranging between 8,220 and 8,995 people.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Second largest island in Estonia
- **Aliases**: Dagö, Hiidenmaa, Dago
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 58.884166666667, Longitude 22.644444444444
- **Population**: 8,220 (recorded) and 8,995 (recorded)
- **Administrative Status**: Sole municipality of Hiiu County (Hiiumaa Rural Municipality)
- **Municipality Inception**: October 25, 2017
- **Parent Archipelago**: West Estonian archipelago
- **Major Settlement**: Kärdla (town located on the island)
- **Country**: Estonia (Republic of Estonia)
- **Sitelink Count**: 76
- **Wikipedia Title**: Hiiumaa
- **Wikidata Description**: second largest island in Estonia

## FAQs
**What is the administrative structure of Hiiumaa?**
Hiiumaa functions as the sole municipality within Hiiu County, officially designated as Hiiumaa Rural Municipality since its inception on October 25, 2017. It encompasses the entire island territory, including the town of Kärdla.

**Where is Hiiumaa located geographically?**
The island is situated in the Baltic Sea as part of the West Estonian archipelago. Its precise geographic coordinates are latitude 58.884166666667 and longitude 22.644444444444.

**What are the historical names for this island?**
Throughout history, the island has been known by several aliases, including Dagö, Hiidenmaa, and Dago, in addition to its current Estonian name, Hiiumaa.

**How many people live on the island?**
Population records for Hiiumaa indicate figures of 8,220 and 8,995, reflecting the demographic data available for the region.

## Why It Matters
Hiiumaa is a critical component of Estonia's geography and administrative landscape, representing the nation's second-largest landmass after Saaremaa. As the sole municipality of Hiiu County, it serves as a unique administrative unit where the entire island functions as a single local government entity. Its integration into the West Estonian archipelago highlights its strategic importance in the Baltic Sea region. The island preserves distinct historical identities through its various aliases and maintains a specific demographic profile that contributes to Estonia's rural and island heritage.

## Notable For
- Being the second largest island in Estonia.
- Serving as the exclusive territory of the Hiiumaa Rural Municipality.
- Housing the town of Kärdla, a key settlement on the island.
- Possessing historical aliases such as Dagö, Hiidenmaa, and Dago.
- Being a constituent part of the West Estonian archipelago.
- Holding a specific population range between 8,220 and 8,995 residents.
- Having a defined coordinate location at lat: 58.884166666667, lon: 22.644444444444.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Hiiumaa is a distinct landmass located in the Baltic Sea, forming part of the West Estonian archipelago. The island is positioned at latitude 58.884166666667 and longitude 22.644444444444. It is recognized specifically as the second largest island within the Republic of Estonia. The island is completely surrounded by water, fitting the definition of an island entity. Its location places it within the broader context of Estonia's northern European geography.

### Administrative Structure and Governance
The island operates under a unified administrative framework known as Hiiumaa Rural Municipality. This entity was established on October 25, 2017, consolidating the island's governance. Hiiumaa Rural Municipality is the sole municipality within Hiiu County, meaning the entire island constitutes the county's administrative area. This structure simplifies local governance for the island's residents. The municipality falls under the jurisdiction of Estonia, a sovereign state in Northern Europe.

### Demographics and Settlements
The population of Hiiumaa is recorded at two distinct figures: 8,220 and 8,995. These numbers reflect the demographic data associated with the island. The primary urban settlement on the island is the town of Kärdla. Kärdla serves as a central hub within the municipality and is the only town located on Hiiumaa. The population density and distribution are influenced by the island's status as a distinct geographic entity within the archipelago.

### Historical Context and Aliases
Hiiumaa has been known by various names throughout history, reflecting its complex cultural and political past. Historical aliases for the island include Dagö, Hiidenmaa, and Dago. These names appear in historical records and linguistic contexts prior to the standardization of the current Estonian name. The island's history is intertwined with the broader history of Estonia, including periods under the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union, though specific dates for these periods on the island are not detailed in the provided source material beyond the general context of the region.

### Relationships and Connections
Hiiumaa is intrinsically linked to the West Estonian archipelago, of which it is a part. This archipelago is a group of islands in Estonia that includes Hiiumaa as a major component. The island is connected to the town of Kärdla, which is situated directly on its territory. As part of Estonia, Hiiumaa shares the country's international identifiers, including the ISO codes (Alpha-2: EE, Alpha-3: EST) and the international calling code (+372). The island's existence is documented in 76 sitelinks across various knowledge bases, indicating its significance in digital and encyclopedic records.

## References

1. Source
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [Rahvaloenduse tulemused näitavad asustatud saarte arvu kasvu](https://blog.stat.ee/2013/01/09/rahvaloenduse-tulemused-naitavad-asustatud-saarte-arvu-kasvu/)
5. [Statistics Estonia](https://www.stat.ee/et/uudised/2017/10/23/pusielanikud-on-22-saarel)
6. GeoNames