Estonia's fourth biggest island, Vormsi is located between Hiiumaa and mainland with total area 92 sq. km.
History as an inhabited island dates back as far as 13th century. Most of the time the island has been inhabited by Estonian Swedes ("rannarootslased" in Estonian or "coastal swedes" in English), whose population rose before World War II up to 3,000. During the war nearly all of the population together with other Swedes living in Estonia were evacuated to Sweden. The current population is approximately 350 inhabitants.
The island's name Vormsi is derived from Swedish name Ormsö or "snake island". History can also be seen in other placenames - villages like Hullo (administrative center), Sviby (main port), Söderby, Norrby, Diby, Rälby, Borrby, Kärrslätt, Saxby, Busby, Suuremõisa (Magnushof) and Rumpo; lakes like Prästvik.
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Last updated: 10-21-2005 01:26:54
