Kingdom of Torgu AD MCMXCII
The Kingdom of Torgu is today an imaginary micro-state, located in the Republic of Estonia, on the southwestern part of the island Saaremaa (Ösel), on the Sõrve peninsula (Sõrvemaa). The Kingdom was proclaimed in 18 August 1992. The coronation of King Kirill I (Kirill Teiter) took place on the 28th of November of the same year. The Kingdom uses its own currency - Torgu taaler – in parallel with the euro, the exchange rate of which is tied to the price of a ½ liter bottle of the Estonian vodka "Viru valge" at the local store in Laadla village.
The reason for the establishment of the Kingdom was the failed administrative reform on 30 July 1992, managed by the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Estonia. As a result, this part of Estonia (former Jämaja Parish and Torgu municipality) was de jure excluded from the administrative territory of the Republic of Estonia.
The Kingdom of Torgu (with a territory of 139.5 km²) is bordered to the North by the Republic of Estonia (border length of 13 km) and is elsewhere bordered by the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga.
The status of Torgu municipality as a part of the Republic of Estonia was restored in 1993. But since the kingdom was once established, it continues to operate to this day. The kingdom has its own national symbols, its own money, postage stamps, etc. Just like when it was founded, the main task of the Kingdom of Torgu is to protect the interests of the local residents in the event, that local government or the Republic of Estonia as a whole does not protect the interests of the local residents for some reason or in some part.
After the death of the first king Kirill (20.05.22) the people of Torgu elected a new king in their referendum. Kirill's son Kristian Teiter received the most votes from the nine candidates proposed by the people. He was sworn in as king with the official name Kristian I on 12.08.2022. Coronation of HM took place on 26.08.2023.
Flag and coat of arms
Kingdom of Torgu (formerly Jämaja Parish and Torgu municipality of the Republic of Estonia) is located on the island of Saaremaa, in the southern part of the Sörve Peninsula, which the locals call Taga-Sörve.
Map of the Sörve Peninsula and the Kingdom of Torgu.
About the connection between the animal depicted on the coat of arms and the territories of the imaginary kingdom, see here
Folk costumes of the inhabitants of Torgu Kingdom (former Jämaja parish)
Information about the local guide service, as well as information about the Kingdom of Torgu, local money, souvenirs, insignia, etc. can be received by mail tagasorve@gmail.com and by phone +372 503 7830.
This website is maintained by the Torgu Kingdom Society