Baltic States
Overview
The Baltic States are a group of three countries in Northern Europe on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The Baltic States are bounded on the west and north by the Baltic Sea, which gives the region its name, on the east by Russia, on the southeast by Belarus, and on the southwest by Poland and an exclave of Russia.
History
The Baltic States have a rich and complex history, with influences and occupations from numerous external powers due to their strategic location.
Ancient and Medieval History
The Balts, the ancestors of modern-day Baltic people, were some of the last European peoples to be converted to Christianity. The Teutonic Knights, a military religious order, were invited to Christianize the region, leading to centuries of warfare and the formation of the Baltic Crusader States.
Modern History
The Baltic States gained independence from the Russian Empire in the aftermath of World War I and the Russian Revolution of 1917. However, they were annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940 during World War II, only to be occupied by Nazi Germany a year later. The Baltic States were again incorporated into the Soviet Union after the war, but nationalist sentiment remained strong.
Geography
The Baltic States are located in northeastern Europe, along the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. The region is characterized by a flat terrain dotted with numerous lakes and forests. The highest point in the Baltic States is the Suur Munamägi in Estonia.
Politics
Each of the Baltic States is a democratic republic with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. They are all members of the European Union and NATO, having joined these organizations in 2004.
Economy
The economies of the Baltic States are among the fastest growing in the European Union. They are characterized by high levels of openness and are thus heavily influenced by international economic developments. The largest sectors in the Baltic economies are services, industry, and agriculture.
Culture
The Baltic States have a rich cultural heritage, with traditions that date back to the ancient Balts. Each country has its own distinct cultural traditions, but they also share common elements, such as a similar folk tradition, a love for nature, and a history of choral singing.