Discover The Baltic States

The Baltic States received their name because the Baltic Sea runs along their western borders.  Their eastern border is the country of Russia and Belarus to the south.  Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are in northern Europe. These three countries were occupied by the Soviet Union from 1940 onward, but gained independence in 1991 and are now proud members of the European Union. Despite being grouped together, The Baltics are in fact very different countries. They are considered to be little populated countries of nature, amber, and medieval cities.

Estonia is the northernmost country and is also the smallest country with the smallest population. The capital city Tallinn is the best preserved medieval city in all of northern Europe, known as the “European Capital of Culture”. There are 150 nationalities and ethnic groups in Estonia. Estonia has around 7000 rivers, 1000 lakes, and 2000 islands. The highest “mountain” of the Baltics is located in Estonia at just 318 meters. Over half of Estonia’s land is covered by trees, one of which is a prize-winning oak tree.

Latvia is the central country. Its capital Riga is the largest city of the Baltics with about 800,000 people. Riga is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture and considered the “Paris of the North”. The official language is Latvian, but a large percent speak Russian.  Latvia is known as the singing nation and many people are involved with a chorus or choir. Folk songs are considered the nation’s national treasures. It hosts one of the largest singing and dance festivals in the world. Latvia offers a long Baltic Sea coastline with picturesque little towns with medieval centers. Latvia is where the first Christmas tree was decorated.

Lithuania is the southernmost and largest Baltic country. The capital, Vilnius, has been called the “Baltic Jerusalem” because of its many churches and its formerly significant Jewish minority. The official language is Lithuanian. The population is 3 million, and most citizens identify as Roman Catholic. Lithuania has its own famous oak tree known to be the oldest in the world.