Manija (Manilaid) in Estonia

Manilaid, called Manija by locals, is in Tõstamaa commune, Pärnu county. Its area is 1.9 km², the nearest point from the mainland is 1 km. Its population is 44.

Manija was uninhsbited until 1933. The islet was used as a hayfield by the farmers of Pootsi manor and sometimes Kihnu's fishermen came here to get shelter from the wind. In 1930-ies Kihnu was overpopulated and the Estonian Republic decided to consolidate 26 lots to aid large families. Many of the Kihnu's people moved to the neighbouring island and soon more than 150 inhabitants lived there. They fished eel and perch, scythed sweetly smelling coastal hay and raised vigorous cattle. Sometimes during the big storms water rose so high in Liivi Bay that Manija was split into three parts. High waters took haystacks and potatoe rows, however nature couldn't harm tough coastal people. Only during soviet times Manija community was destroyd step by step. The school was closed, population decreased.

Manija women still wear their frilled skirts, as they still are of "kihnu race" because of their language and customs.

One of the greatest natural sights, natterjack that sings melodically in spring, is recorded into the International Red Book.

You can travel to Manija by taking a boat from Munalaiu harbour. In winter the seaway is passable on foot or by engines.