There are 10 small municipalities in Estonia. Each has fewer than 5000 inhabitants.
Some small municipalities are growing. For example, Nõo municipality. Many young people live there.
Other municipalities are losing population. For example, Rõuge and Setomaa. Rõuge lost 1900 people. Setomaa lost 1000 people.
The government says: create larger municipalities. But small municipalities don't want to. They want to preserve their culture.
Setomaa municipality does a lot of work. They organize events and help young people.
Muhu municipality is growing. Many people buy houses there and live permanently. They have a good life.
Setomaa and Muhu municipalities don't want to merge with other municipalities. They love their culture and way of life.