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Before You Travel to the Baltics - Baltic Region Profile

By , About.com Guide

The Baltic Region of Eastern Europe is a unique territory inhabited by non-Slavic natives as well as ethnic Slavs who have made their home in the Baltic Region. Travelers to the Baltic Region will discover centuries-old folk culture, strong national pride, and the refreshing air of the Baltic Coast.

Countries of the Baltic Region - Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia

Nestled together on the coast of the Baltic Sea, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia make up the Baltic Region of Eastern Europe. While the three countries are grouped together geographically, they are drastically different from one another, and consistently strive to encourage the world to see them as such. Lithuanians and Latvians share some language similarities, though the two languages are not mutually intelligible, while the Estonian language derives from the Finno-Ugric branch of the language tree. Language is only one way in which the three Baltic countries are different.

Baltic Region Culture - Cultures of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia

Countries in the Baltic Region of Eastern Europe take pride in maintaining their traditional folk cultures. Festivals and markets highlight folk dances, songs, crafts, and food, and visitors can learn about folk culture at art and history museums.

Baltic Region Geography - Geography of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.

Latvia is situated between Estonia, its neighbor to the north, and Lithuania, its neighbor to the south. Because Russia (and Belarus), Poland, and even Germany have shared borders with the Baltic Region, the Baltic countries may share some characteristics of nearby countries. Each Baltic nation has a coast on the Baltic Sea, which has provided fish, amber, and other ocean resources to Baltic Region locals.

Baltic Region Destinations - Destinations in Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia

Within the Baltic Region, there are many destinations for travelers to choose to visit. The capital cities - Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn, may offer the most as far as entertainment, sights, and shopping goes. For Baltic cultural curiosities, check outside of major cities. Villages and towns will offer interesting snapshots of life in the Baltic Region.
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