Hiiu County

Hiiu County comprises Hiiumaa, Estonia's second-largest island—a sparsely populated territory where nature preservation increasingly defines economic strategy. Ferry connections to the mainland constrain accessibility, limiting industrial development while enhancing tourism appeal for visitors seeking remoteness.

Nature tourism exploits low population density and protected landscapes. Juniper stands, coastal meadows, and traditional villages attract eco-tourists and cultural travelers. Small-scale agriculture and fishing sustain resident populations. Wind energy potential generates renewable electricity projects.

The population has declined continuously since independence, as young people emigrate toward mainland opportunities. This demographic pressure threatens community viability while reducing environmental impact on fragile island ecosystems.

The biological pattern is carrying-capacity balance: Hiiumaa's isolation limits economic activity but preserves natural assets that alternative development would destroy. The question is whether tourism and renewable energy can sustain communities without exceeding environmental limits.