SAAREMAA

German and Swedish sel, Russian Sarema, largest of the islands in the Muhu archipelago that divides the Baltic Sea from the Gulf of Riga. It is a part of Estonia and has an area of 1,031 square miles (2,671 square km). The island is low-lying and is composed largely of limestones and dolomites. Some of the places with poorer soils are characterized by the alvarypoor bushy vegetation, frequently stony and rocky areas, and occasional pine forests, used mainly as natural pasture. The northern and western parts of the island have numerous low hills and ridges, while the eastern and southern regions are lower and more fertile. The island was occupied in 1227 by the Brothers of the Sword, who founded a bishopric there. It came under Danish (1559), Swedish (1645), and Russian (1721) rule before becoming part of Estonia in 1918. On the south coast is the main city, Kuressaare (Kingisepp; pop. 1970, 12,140). Saaremaa is connected by causeway to the neighbouring island of Muhu. Economic activities include agriculture, livestock rearing, and fishing. Pop. (1974 est.) 36,000.