History has been tough to the people of Estonia - and especially Saaremaa. During the 2nd world war many estonians fled the country - and many others were moved by force to other parts of Russia. Estonia became seperated from Russia as late as 1989. Despite the history Saaremaa has so many treasures - such as an unspoilt nature and original buildings remembering hundreds of years. The estonians appreciate it both and are very creative in their way of keeping it that way.