Järva County (), or Järvamaa (, ), is one of 15 counties of Estonia. It is situated in central part of the country and borders Lääne-Viru County to the east, Jõgeva County to the south-east, Viljandi County to the south, Pärnu County to the south-west, Rapla County to the west, and Harju County to the north. 36,130 people live in Järva County – constituting 2.7% of the total population in Estonia (as of January 2009).

History

In the first centuries AD political and administrative subdivisions began to emerge. Two larger subdivisions appeared: the parish (kihelkond) and the county (maakond). The parish consisted of several villages. Nearly all parishes had at least one fortress. The defense of the local area was directed by the highest official, the parish elder. The county was composed of several parishes, also headed by an elder. By the 13th century the following major districts had developed in Estonia: Saaremaa (Osilia), Läänemaa (Rotalia or Maritima), Harjumaa (Harria), Rävala (Revalia), Virumaa (Vironia), Järvamaa (Jervia), Sakala (Saccala), and Ugandi (Ugaunia).

County Government

The County Government (Estonian: Maavalitsus) is led by Governor (Estonian: maavanem), who is appointed by the Government of Estonia for a term of five years. Since 2004, the Governor position is held by Üllar Vahtramäe.

Municipalities

The county is subdivided into municipalities. There is 1 urban municipality (Estonian: linnad – towns) and 11 rural municipalities (Estonian: vallad – parishes) in Järva County.
Urban municipality:

• Paide

Rural municipalities:

• Albu

• Ambla

• Imavere

• Järva-Jaani

• Kareda

• Koeru

• Koigi

• Paide

• Roosna-Alliku

• Türi

• Väätsa

Geography

Miscellaneous topics

• Supermodel Carmen Kass is from Paide.