Kihnu: The island ruled by women, steeped in tradition

 

• The men of Kinhu are usually away for months on end leaving women to rule the island
• The tranquil island is popular with European tourists

There is a piece of Estonian land where men are a rare sight. The island of Kihnu, located in the Baltic Sea, seven miles off the country’s west coast, is a domain ruled by women. This quaint place of pastoral tranquillity and just 400 inhabitants is one of the world’s last matriarchal societies.