Baltic - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. The Baltic Sea is a brackish sea located in Northern Europe, bounded by Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, and Denmark.
- 2. The Baltic Sea has a surface area of about 377,000 square kilometers and an average depth of 55 meters, making it one of the largest bodies of brackish water in the world.
- 3. The Baltic Sea is connected to the North Sea through the Danish straits and to the Atlantic Ocean through the Kattegat and Skagerrak straits.
- 4. The Baltic Sea is home to a diverse range of marine life, including over 200 species of fish, such as herring, cod, and salmon, as well as seals, porpoises, and seabirds.
- 5. The Baltic Sea has been heavily impacted by human activities, including pollution from agriculture, industry, and shipping, as well as overfishing and habitat destruction.
- 6. The Baltic Sea is also a popular destination for tourists, with its numerous seaside resorts, historic cities, and picturesque landscapes attracting millions of visitors each year.
- 7. The Baltic countries - Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania - are known for their rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and cuisine, as well as their vibrant arts and literature scenes.
- 8. The Baltic region has a long history of invasions and occupations, with various powers, including the Vikings, Teutonic Knights, and Soviets, exerting influence over the area at different times.
- 9. The Baltic states regained their independence in the early 1990s following the collapse of the Soviet Union, and have since become members of the European Union and NATO.
- 10. The Baltic Sea plays a crucial role in the economies of the surrounding countries, providing important shipping routes, fishing grounds, and opportunities for tourism and recreation. Efforts are ongoing to protect and preserve the fragile ecosystem of the Baltic Sea for future generations.