There are more than 1,500 islands and islets in Estonia. After the Second World War many islands were abandone and nowadays only nine small islands have permanent population. Many small islets were formerly used as pastures, now they have become overgrown with junipers and other brushwood. In summer time small islands host a large number of nesting birds. The islands of Estonia can be classified as large and small islands, the former including Saaremaa Island, Hiiumaa Island and Muhu Island and the latter comprising islands with the area of less than 100 km2. The major islands representing that group are Vormsi, Kihnu, Ruhnu, Prangli, Piirissaar, Abruka, Manija, Vilsandi, Naissaar and Kesselaid. In total, 1,300 inhabitants dwell on these islands. The life on islands can sometimes be pretty harsh due to environmental factors, e.g. the stormy weather and drifting ice. However, difficulties like this form an essential part of the islands' peculiarity. Small islands are very popular among tourists. People come to experience local peculiarities and have active holiday. Nevertheless, it should be remembered that the ecosystems of many islets are rather vulnerable in terms of disturbances.
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