Vormsi

Location of Vormsi.
Oskar Friberg is the oldest Estonian Swede on the island
An Estonian cross flag is used on the island
Vormsi is connected to the mainland by MS Ormsö

Vormsi, also Ormsö (Swedish: Ormsö, German: Worms) is the fourth-largest island of Estonia, located between Hiiumaa and the mainland with a total area of 92 square kilometres (36 square miles). It is part of Vormsi Parish, a rural municipality.

History

Vormsi's history as an inhabited island dates back as far as the 13th century. During most of its history, the island has been inhabited by Estonian Swedes ("rannarootslased" in Estonian or "coastal Swedes" in English), whose population reached 3,000 before World War II. During the war, nearly all of Vormsi's population, along with other Swedes living in Estonia, were evacuated, or fled, to Sweden. The island's current registered population is approximately 400 inhabitants.

Villages

The villages on the island include: Hullo (the administrative center), Sviby (the main port), Söderby, Norrby, Diby, Rälby, Förby, Borrby, Kärrslätt, Saxby, Suuremõisa (Magnushof, formerly Busby[1]), Rumpo (the main beach area) and Hosby

Economy

Vormsi is the per capita wealthiest island and region in Estonia outside of the Tallinn metro area, with incomes on the same level as inner Tallinn in Estonia. This is attributed to the fact that many comparatively wealthy people own summer homes on the island and are registered as residents, so their yearly income tax is forwarded to the island's budget.[2]

Vormsi has no industrial activity. The island earns the majority of its revenues from taxation of mainland and overseas income of residents.

Residents

The island of Vormsi has homeowners from several countries and regions: Estonia, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Åland Islands.

Name

Ormsö in Swedish means "Orm's Island", and can be translated also as "Snake Island".[3] The island's Estonian name Vormsi is derived from its German name Worms or its Swedish name Ormsö.

Literature

References

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Coordinates: 59°00′N 23°13′E / 59.000°N 23.217°E / 59.000; 23.217

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