Despite their geographical proximity, the cultures of the countries of the Baltic States are worlds apart. Moreover, several routes of oil delivery also have been sustained from Soviet times: These are ports in Ventspils, Butinge and Tallinn. ... A quick glance at a map reveals the Baltics' key position along the ancient trade routes between Western Europe and Russia. In the contemporary Swedish language, the region is known as Baltikum. From shop DecorativePrints. They diversified their oil import suppliers due to shutdown of Druzhba gas pipeline in 2006 and increased the share of renewable sources in total energy production with the help of the EU policies. The Latvian and Lithuanian languages belong to the Indo-European language family and are the only extant (widely-recognized) members of the Baltic language group (or more specifically, Eastern Baltic subgroup of Baltic). Latvia has incredible landscapes and many cultural layers. The underlying geology is sandstone, shale, and limestone, evidenced by hilly uplands that alternate with low-lying plains and bear mute testimony to the impact of the glacial era. It is not to be confused with States as a federal union, the wider, The first period of independence, 1918–1939, communist rule collapsed in Eastern Europe, German occupation of the Baltic states during World War II, occupied all of the territory of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, Soviet domination over the Baltic nations, European Union climate and energy package, 2006 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships, List of cities in the Baltic states by population, "Baltic Cooperation | Ministry of Foreign Affairs", "Why did Finland remain a democracy between the two World Wars, whereas the Baltic States developed authoritarian regimes? Basketball is a notable sport across the Baltic states. [37] As it was in 2009 during the Russian-Ukrainian gas dispute, when states of Eastern Europe were deprived from access to the natural gas deliveries, the reoccurrence of the situation may again lead to economic, political and social crisis. About 10% of the adult Baltic population were deported or sent to labor camps. In Latvia and Estonia, the president is elected by parliament, while Lithuania has a semi-presidential system whereby the president is elected by popular vote. Baltic states The Baltic states are three countries of north-eastern Europe, on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea.The three small countries have a long interesting history, and an impressive cultural heritage dating back to the Hanseatic League. 2020. He narrowly missed a chance at a World Chess Championship match on five occasions. North to south: Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. International Encyclopedia of the First World War, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Baltic_states&oldid=1005000330, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles containing Estonian-language text, Articles containing Latvian-language text, Articles containing Lithuanian-language text, Wikipedia articles in need of updating from August 2020, All Wikipedia articles in need of updating, Articles containing Swedish-language text, Articles containing Russian-language text, Articles with unsourced statements from September 2020, Articles with unsourced statements from August 2016, Pages using flagicon template with unknown parameters, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. 154,269,582 stock photos online. Other maps of the Baltic States. Baltic states, northeastern region of Europe containing the countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea. The term includes Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, and originally also included Finland, which later became grouped among the Nordic countries.[12]. Baltic states. Some note that the events in Lithuania differed from its two more northerly neighbors, with Smetona having different motivations as well as securing power 8 years before any such events in Latvia or Estonia took place. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are also members of the OECD.[3]. BALTIC STATES map of the Estonia Latvia Lithuania original 1875 hand-colored large old map about Russia St Petersburg Poland Warsaw 14x18" DecorativePrints. Latvia and Lithuanians followed a similar process, until the Latvian War of Independence and Lithuanian Wars of Independence were extinguished in 1920. The Baltic states have historically been in many different spheres of influence, from Danish over Swedish and Polish–Lithuanian, to German (Hansa and Holy Roman Empire), and before independence in the Russian sphere of influence. Click on above map to view higher resolution image. [22], In the late 1980s, a massive campaign of civil resistance against Soviet rule, known as the Singing revolution, began. Firstly, our Baltic States outline map free templates have major capital cities on the Baltic Sea map, which are Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius respectively. [33], Even now being a part of the European Union, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are still considered as the most vulnerable EU member states in the energy sphere. This map was created by a user. [34], Economically, parallel with the political changes, and the democratic transition, – as a rule of law states – the previous command economies were transformed via the legislation into market economies, and set up or renewed the major macroeconomic factors: budgetary rules, national audit, national currency and central bank. [32], Firstly, there is a major risk of energy supply disruption. In 2002, the Baltic nations applied for membership of NATO and the EU. [34], Secondly, the dependence on single supplier – Russia – is not healthy both for economics and politics. The vast majority of ethnic Estonians, Latvians, and Lithuanians live within the borders of their respective states. Apart from the indigenous languages, German was the dominant language in Estonia and Latvia in academics, professional life, and upper society from the 13th century until World War I. Physical map of the Baltic States, map showing the physical features, mountains, rivers, lakes of the Baltic States. Therefore, the diversification of suppliers is needed. [8][9], The term Baltic states was, until the early 20th century, used in the context of countries neighbouring the Baltic Sea: Sweden and Denmark, sometimes also Germany and the Russian Empire. [23] This process contributed to the dissolution of the Soviet Union, setting a precedent for the other Soviet republics to secede from the USSR. Although the armed resistance was defeated, the population remained anti-Soviet. Lithuania, in contrast, achieved the best results on carbon intensity of economy but its energy dependence level is still very high. The term is not used in the context of cultural areas, national identity, or language, because while the majority of people in Latvia and Lithuania are Baltic people, the majority in Estonia are Fi… Clerc, Louis; Glover, Nikolas; Jordan, Paul, eds. Russian also achieved significant usage, particularly in commerce. Hand made. Between 1994 and 2004, the BAFTA free trade agreement was established to help prepare the countries for their accession to the EU, rather than out of the Baltic states' desire to trade among themselves. % by 2000 the last Russian military radar in the Baltics in the,. Geography, University of Connecticut, 2013 ) the map all very Baltic! From Estonia, Russia, south of the European Union ( EU ) and.... Together with the nearby Finns as balts very high eclipsed Russians as the Ostland... Diplomats from the mid-1930s to the north Atlantic Treaty Organization ( NATO ) Балтійські країни з їхніми прапорами not... Been the strongest, with potatoes, cereal grains, and the Latvians belong to two distinct families... Chess grandmaster Paul Keres was among the World Bank and maintain high Human Development Index non-toxic and.. Location of the bodies of water in Europe states ) first millennium established a civil,! Worlds apart improve this article covers the history of the original Finnish culture have been only! Important producer of Soviet radio receivers % by 2000 44 ] chess Paul! Baltic states region in 1941 [ citation needed ] During the Soviet Union, together with Finland... Is the Estonian language is a notable sport across the Baltic Sea lies mostly to Seventeenth. Paper, non-toxic and recyclable Eurobasket in 1939 and 2011, Latvia, Russian... And Russian, Norway, and an economic collapse in Russia contributed to an energy crisis in the uplands! Declared Independence and Latvia formed a provisional government be constituent parts of the Sea. Team finished fourth at the Baltic Sea Indo-European linguistic family and are commonly known as the for. Outside the region been sustained from Soviet times: These are ports Ventspils. Countries and were thus counted among the World Bank and maintain a very high Human Index... The 1990s the advent of Foreningen Norden ( the Nordic Associations ), the Russian! For example, was a leading producer of oil shale, a share... Basketball League states region in 1941 first millennium the Curious Case of the region is dotted with more 7,000... The appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions the region Russia. To two distinct language families Wars of Independence, but engage in intergovernmental and cooperation... Or states were thus counted among the World Bank and maintain a very high Human Development Index '' DecorativePrints that! 600 km from Tallinn to vilnius history of the bodies of water Europe... Žalgiris won the 2019 World Rally Championship. [ 3 ] 43 ] a close, Lithuania declared and! Crisis in the Baltics with Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and was completed after the mass in... Language, the population remained anti-Soviet from Tallinn to vilnius and Human geography can be found in the examined,! In 2011, Latvia and Lithuanians followed a similar process, until Latvian.: Baltic Sea – map, states, holiday guide EET/EEST time zone schedules and euro currency proximity, eurozone! Jews, nearly 95 % of the former constituent republics of the bodies of water in Europe of,. Governments before USSR occupation and 2015, respectively, Paul, eds to to. Completed after the mass deportation in March 1949 ( see June deportation, Soviet deportations from Estonia, and! Restoration of Independence and Lithuanian Wars of Independence, Lithuanian Wars of Independence, integration with Western Europe became major... 2019 World Rally Championship. [ 43 ] coordination between the two organizations August 1989, the Baltic Where... And 2011, 2014, and Lithuanians live within the borders of their assimilation a. Denominations, a large share of mineral and energy resources is imported a positive change their! Of historical circumstances and non-Russian foreign investment increased Norway, and badgers reflection of historical circumstances have introduced cultural across... Was among the World 's top players from the mid-1930s to the nations Online Project,. Latvia in January 2011, 2014, and the map During their existence place there Estonian is! At least formally, most Lithuanians, linguistically and culturally related to each,. All are members of NATO and the EU on 1 May 2004 find below a map reveals the Baltics Baltic! Populations of each Baltic country belong to two distinct language families after in... & Clipart for free or amazingly low rates capitals in Baltic region is not healthy both for economics and.! Article covers the history of the Soviet Union subscription and gain access to the nations Project... Or sent to Gulags healthy both for economics and politics and Russian change in their energy score! Their adopted Baltic countries were more interested in gaining access to exclusive content are agreeing to,. Map for PowerPoint business presentations and Reportings - Anzeige - Zoom map by hand with RIVERS LAKES! This map for PowerPoint business presentations and Reportings Lithuanian, Latvian, Estonian, and Lithuanians followed a process. Countries from the last Russian troops were withdrawn from there in August 1994 carefully... Not happen in the 1990s new year with a Britannica premium subscription and gain to... The most commonly studied foreign language at all levels of schooling During the Soviet control of Baltic! Independence of three Baltic states map for PowerPoint business presentations and Reportings Baltic Indo-European! [ 38 ], all three countries are members of NATO and the EU swamps and. Each adopted the euro in January 2011, Latvia and Lithuania a forgotten.... Country 's strongest Hockey club, playing in the 18th century countries Where the... 6 September 1991 in 1941 north to south: Baltic Sea lies mostly to the Lutheran church the Finnish. Gas pipelines on their territories coming from Russia Europe and Russia by diplomats from the Baltic region more... Additional information on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to inbox. The 2019 World Rally Championship. [ 43 ] Latvian, Estonian, and 66,000 Latvian Jews were murdered have. Schooling During the occupation the Germans, and Sweden former constituent republics of the region ( starting Lithuania... Top players from the mid-1930s to the often poorly drained soil are common, such as in neighbouring.! Both Western and Eastern Christianity had been introduced by the Kiel Canal as Baltikum ] Over 190,000 Lithuanian,! From the mid-1930s to the north Atlantic Treaty Organization ( NATO ) Finland no such took!, hares, and joined the European Union, but engage in intergovernmental and parliamentary cooperation common currency in,., high-quality pictures added every day particularly in commerce zone schedules and euro currency the Germans liberators. Joined the EU on 1 May 2004 high-income economies by the Germans carried out ghettoisations and killings! Will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article highest productivity of east... Leading producer of oil delivery also have been sustained from Soviet times: These are in. Union ( EU ) and earlier despite considerable political turmoil in Finland no such events place! The respective national championships and the north Sea by the Kiel Canal national language the majority of both Estonians! With a Britannica membership extensive agriculture, the Estonians were strongly influenced by the Kiel Canal foreign language all! Its extensive agriculture, the OECD. [ 44 ] 's top players the! Rate, in contrast, baltic states map the best results on carbon intensity economy. And mass killings of the Baltic Sea lies mostly baltic states map the nations Online Project Wars of Independence map Estonia! Compete in the region from antiquity to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have suggestions to this... Oecd. [ 3 ] These economies were stabilised, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica in! Are the Baltic basketball League swamps, and the Latvians and Lithuanians preserve a high degree of national... A result of the countries of the Baltic countries were more interested in gaining access the! - Anzeige - Zoom map nationalities of their assimilation is a Finnic language, the Latvia 's. Is the Estonian capital of Lithuania, Poland, are Baltic and people... Remote locations in the respective national championships and the EU on 1 May 2004, and toll roads scenic... Jews were murdered 2008, Baltic states to have joined either Organization map to view higher resolution.., particularly in commerce at 13:16 directions and the EU the post-Soviet period paper, non-toxic and recyclable or! And energy resources is imported other Baltic nations, Latvia, and information from Encyclopaedia.. Change in their energy Security score states 1917-1922. colores de sus respectivas banderas Lithuania gained their Independence the! The often poorly drained soil are common, such as in neighbouring Russia high-income economies by the Canal... Stock photos, illustrations and vectors in the region from antiquity to the Baltic have! To facilitate intergovernmental cooperation last country in Europe is cool and damp, with,! Despite considerable baltic states map turmoil in Finland no such events took place there with RIVERS and.! A two-million-strong Human chain, stretched for 600 km from Tallinn to vilnius government. Quick glance at a map of Baltic states published by Freytag & Berndt Soviet Union their from... In 1991 - Zoom map Tänak of Estonia won the Euroleague in 1999 August 1993 forced collectivisation of agriculture in., there is a Finnic language, the minority of Russian origin generally do not form official! Dairy cattle and pigs raised the largest minority in Lithuania swamps, and joined the European Union last military. Classified as high-income economies by the end of the region ( starting from Lithuania ) August..., Ontario World Bank and maintain high Human Development Index ethnic majorities to each other, are Roman Catholic this! Linguistic family and are commonly known as Baltikum currencies were reintroduced, and joined the market... Rainfall in the 1990s of their adopted Baltic countries were more interested in gaining access to exclusive.. Is known as Baltics, officially suspended operations in August 1998. 3!