Ida-Viru County, Administrative region in northeastern Estonia.
Ida-Viru County is an administrative region in northeastern Estonia that stretches along the Baltic Sea coast and the Russian border. The area contains industrial towns, protected natural areas, and extensive mining operations.
The region emerged from the Soviet-era Kohtla-Järve district and was reorganized as a county in 1991 after Estonia regained independence. It retained its industrial importance and structure through this major political transition.
Estonian and Russian communities live side by side throughout the eight municipalities, each maintaining their own languages, holidays, and customs that shape daily life. This cultural mix is visible in the streets, where different writing systems appear on signs and people celebrate different traditions.
The capital Jõhvi serves as a central transportation hub with rail connections to Tallinn, while Narva is the largest city in the county. Visitors can reach the different urban areas and natural zones fairly easily using regional transport.
The region holds Europe's largest oil shale deposits, which supply most of Estonia's electricity through thermal power plants. This energy source has shaped the area's economic development and landscape for decades.
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