Kivioli, Estonia

Capital City

The oil shale mining that gives Kiviõli its name also dominates the town's economy and culture. With a population of just 4,792, this industrial hub offers few amenities beyond the basics. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the town was only established in 1922 and incorporated in 1946. While the region boasts a handful of notable residents, day-to-day life in Kiviõli is a far cry from the cultural riches of Estonia's capital. This is a place for hardened workers, not cosmopolitan expats.