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Fun Facts About the Baltic States

Chaitrali Datar
The Baltic States are located in the north-eastern part of Europe, and on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea.
  • The States are majorly surrounded by the Baltic sea on the west and north, which gives the region its name.
  • On the east, south, and south-west there is Russia,  Belarus and  Poland repsectively.
Why Are They Called as the Baltic States?
  • After World War I, the term Baltic States, was referred to those countries which were near the Baltic sea and had gained independence from Russia.
  • The Soviet Union lost the war.
Russia declared the Baltic independence on September 6th, 1991.
Independence
The 3 Baltic States
  • Estonia
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
Do you want to know some fun facts about the Baltic States? Read on...
Estonia
Estonia borders the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland.
State and Capital
  • Estonia has two capitals, Tartu is the cultural capital and Parnu is the summer capital.
  • Its several capitals change throughout the year!
2 Independence Days!
Estonia has 2 Independence days.
  • The first day falls on 24th February, 1918.
  • The second is known as Restoration Day, Aug 20, 1991.
It is the first country in the world to use online political voting.
People
  • Estonia is named after the 'Ests' who were the first inhabitants in the first Century.
  • It is also the most least religious country in the world.
Miscellaneous Facts
  • Estonia has 50% of forest cover.
  • It also has the highest number of craters in the world.
    • It is a well-known country for producing vodka.
    • Estonian and Russian are the most spoken languages.
    Miscellaneous Facts
    • Estonia is the first country in the world to constitute flat income tax.
    • It has the highest literacy rate in the world.
    • It does not accept dual citizenship.
    • All Estonian schools are connected to the internet.
    Latvia
    It sits nestled between two Baltic States: Estonia and Lithuania. It is dotted by beautiful beaches, green forests and museums.
    Latvia was initially an independent country, under the able dictatorship of President Ulmanis.
    • Today, Latvia has Parliamentary Republic.
    • Its capital Riga is the biggest city in the Baltic States.
    • It is one of the safest places in Europe.
    Latvia is a very large country in Europe, as compared to countries like Switzerland, Montenegro, Estonia, Cyprus, and Albania.
    Totally Bizarre Facts!
    • You can voluntarily go to prison in Latvia!
    • It is considered as a tourist activity!
    • You can go Liepaja, Karosta, a former military prison converted into a hostel for the thrilling experience.
    Guests can have a full prisoner experience, with uniformed officers and physical exercises. Strange, but true!
    Food Facts
    • The Riga Black Balsam Liquor is made up of 24 ingredients.
    • It is essentially made of flowers, roots, buds, oils and other natural components.
    Latvians are extremely fond of bread, and they have various recipes to keep their much loved delicacy fresh up-to even 4 weeks!
    No one loves potatoes as much as a Latvian does! The average native consumes around 78 kg of potatoes approx. per year!
    Jeans! The much-loved and comfortable outfit the world over!
    • It was invented in Latvia in the year 1870.
    • A lady asked a tailor to make a strong pair of trousers for her woodcutter husband.
    • He created the rough material, and later with some financial help from Levi Strauss, he patented the product!
    Miscellaneous Facts
    • The Riga Central Market in Latvia is one of the largest market in Europe.
    • Latvians are very fond of talking. In the year 2014, two friends set a world record by talking for 54 hours and 4 min over a phone!
    • It is one of the greenest countries in the world.
    • Latvia has over 1 million folk songs!
    Miscellaneous Facts
    • Latvians believe in numerology and the power of numbers.
    • They are very fond of chess. They have even held an underwater chess competition in 2011.
    Lithuania
    Situated on the southeastern shore of the Baltic sea, it is one of the most picturesque countries of Europe.
    Independence Day
    Like Estonia, Lithuania also has 2 independence days. One is on February 16 and the other is the Restoration of Independence which falls on March 11.
    Geographical Center
    • According to a study conducted by the French scientist, Jean-Gregoire Affholder, Lithuania is a geographical center of Europe.
    • There is a small neighborhood in Lithuania, who has its own Republic Day.
    Neighborhoods of Vilnius
    The Stork is the national animal of Lithuania. It has the highest population in Europe, and the highest nesting density in the world.
    • The Lithuanian language is one of the oldest in the world.
    • It belongs to the Indo-European Baltic language and has words which co-relate in the Sanskrit language.
    Language
    • There is a Park in Lithuania, which creates life as a USSR citizen.
    • Visitors need to submit their belongings, wear masks, answer interrogations and learn the Soviet anthem!
    • The reward after all this is....
    Free Vodka Shots
    Miscellaneous Facts
    • Basketball is one of the most popular sport in Lithuania.
    • The Stelmuze Oak tree is one of the oldest tree in Europe.
    • The country has its own 'AROMA', called scent of Lithuania.
    • It consists of wild flowers,ginger, raspberry,sandalwood and musk.
    Miscellaneous Facts
    • Every year the river Vilnia is dyed with the color Green, for St. Patrick's Day.
    • Lithuanians are very laid back and lead a slow life.
    • The streets of Lithuania are very clean and well-known all over Europe.
    • Lithuania values woman freedom a lot and has the least number of restrictions for them. 
    The Baltic sea is the common sea for  all the 3 states and a major trading link with Europe and the rest of the world.
    Best time to visit the Baltic States is during late spring or summer where you explore around in the perfect weather.