Kiviõli

Kiviõli is a town located in Ida-Viru County, Estonia. It is situated in the northeastern part of the country, known for its oil shale mining and processing industry.

Originally established as a settlement for oil shale workers in the early 20th century, Kiviõli grew alongside the development of the oil shale industry. The name "Kiviõli" directly translates to "stone oil" in Estonian, reflecting the town's connection to oil shale.

Historically, Kiviõli played a significant role in Estonia's energy production. The town's industrial landscape has been shaped by the presence of oil shale mines and processing plants.

In recent years, efforts have been made to diversify the local economy and address environmental concerns related to the oil shale industry. Kiviõli has also become a regional center for sports and recreation, with a notable adventure center built on a former ash hill.

The population of Kiviõli is relatively small compared to larger cities in Estonia. The town's residents primarily consist of Estonians and Russian-speaking populations.