Abja-Paluoja

Abja-Paluoja is a town in Mulgi Parish, Viljandi County, in southern Estonia. Before 2017, it was the administrative centre of Abja Parish.

History
Abja-Paluoja was first mentioned in 1505. Abja-Paluoja gained town rights in 1993 and became a sovereign municipality but in 1998 it was merged into surrounding rural municipality Abja Parish.

From 1897 to 1973, the railway line passed through Abja-Paluoja, and there was a railway station in the town.

In 1913, a flax factory was established near Abja-Paluoja because flax cultivation had developed in the area.

Since 1940, the Abja Gymnasium has offered secondary education. The kindergarten in Abja-Paluoja was founded in 1912.

Abja-Paluoja was the centre of Abja raion from 1950 to 1962.

Notable people

 * Karl August Hindrey (1875–1947), writer, journalist, and cartoonist
 * Aino Jõgi (1922–2013), linguist and translator
 * Kaimo Kuusk (born 1975), diplomat and foreign intelligence officer
 * Mati Laur (born 1955), historian
 * Tarmo Pihlap (1952–1999), singer and guitarist
 * Riho Västrik (born 1965), filmmaker, producer, screenwriter, journalist, and historian