The article tells about the states that are part of the Baltic countries. The material contains data on the geographical location of countries, their economies and ethnic composition. Forms an idea of ​​the trade and economic relations of the Baltic states with neighboring countries.

List of Baltic countries

The list of Baltic countries includes:

• Lithuania,
• Latvia,
• Estonia.

Three sovereign states were formed in 1990 after the collapse of the USSR. Countries are quite small in terms of area and population. Almost immediately after the proclamation of sovereignty, the Baltic states took a course towards integration into the pan-European economic, political and cultural space. Today the countries are members of the EU and NATO.

Geographical position of the Baltics

Geographically, the Baltic countries are located in the southeastern part of the coast of the Baltic Sea. They are located on the border of the East European Plain and the Polish Lowland. On the western frontiers the countries of this region are neighbors with Poland, in the south - with Belarus, in the east - with Russia.

Rice. 1. Baltic countries on the map.

Generally geographical position the Baltic States is quite profitable. They are provided with access to the Baltic Sea. The Baltic Sea has always been important role in international relations countries of Europe.

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The Baltic land is poor in minerals. Significant are only the reserves of oil shale, which are located in Estonia. Oil and gas deposits are of local importance.

Rice. 2. Extraction of oil shale in Estonia.

The main neighbors of the Baltic States are economically developed powers with stable economies and peace-loving policies. Sweden and Finland are already enough a long period time occupy the position of neutrality and mutually beneficial cooperation in the international arena.

The peoples of the Baltic countries

Demographic situation in these states is quite far from favorable. There is a process of natural outflow of the population. In addition, the death rate exceeds the birth rate. The result of this is a reduction in the population of all three countries.

The average population density of the Baltic countries is significantly lower compared to other European countries.

The distribution of the population in all countries is also quite uneven.

The most densely populated coasts and areas around the capitals. Everywhere there is a high level of urbanization, which reaches a figure close to 70%.

In terms of population, the Baltic capitals are in the lead:

• Riga;
• Vilnius;
• Tallinn.

Rice. 3. Old Riga.

AT national composition indigenous ethnic groups are predominant. In Lithuania, the percentage of the indigenous population is over 80%, in Estonia - almost 70%, in Latvia - more than half (60%).

It so happened that this year I already traveled 3 times in the Baltic States, traveled all over it (dozens of cities in Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, as well as the Kaliningrad region of Russia), and based on the results of what I saw, I decided to write ratings for the Baltic states in order to systematize my impressions a bit .

We can say with confidence that in some ways the Baltic countries are similar to other former union republics However, in many ways they differ from the rest. Many people here believe that all three Baltic countries are like three twin brothers. Some citizens, far from travel and geography, even believe that there is no difference between these three republics, everything is supposedly the same there. In fact, this is not true - Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia have significant differences from each other - both in culture and mentality, and in appearance cities and towns, as well as some other factors.

In order not to go into details, but just to briefly outline how the Baltic countries are similar and different, we apply below rating system ratings.

The main criteria used in compiling the rating of cities: the presence famous monuments architecture (palaces, fortresses, churches, old residential buildings), the integrity of residential buildings of the pre-Soviet period (whether the old look of the city is well preserved or in the center there are many "Khrushchev", "Brezhnevka", industrial enterprises), the state of the infrastructure (if the city center is repaired, this is undoubtedly a plus, but if a significant percentage of houses are in disrepair, it is a minus), the presence of beautiful parks, picturesque nature and terrain, the presence of charm / romance (the most subjective criterion, defined as architecture, a sufficient number of enlivening city ​​life cafes / bars / shops / markets, and the cultural level of the local population).

Three most interesting cities The Baltic states are, undoubtedly, three capitals - Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn. Trying to compare them with each other is a thankless task, in each of them a traveler can spend a lot of time, and not have time to see everything. interesting places. lovers medieval architecture will prefer Tallinn to other capitals, eager to plunge into the busy urban environment, see the crowds walking the streets and loud sounding music, will head to Riga, those who want to feel as far away from the Russian language as possible, in some kind of foreign language, will choose Vilnius. Due to the extreme interest of all three capitals For the Baltic states, it seems most logical not to compare them with each other, but to consider separate Top-5 ratings for the cities of each of the three Baltic republics, separately adding the rating of cities in the Kaliningrad region of Russia.

1 place. Tallinn
2. Tartu
3. Pärnu
4. Narva
5. Haapsalu

1. Riga
2. Jurmala
3. Ventspils
4. Liepaja
5. Cēsis

1. Vilnius
2. Kaunas
3. Klaipeda
4. Trakai
5. Palanga

1. Kaliningrad
2. Svetlogorsk
3. Chernyakhovsk
4. Sovetsk
5. Baltiysk

As is known, in each of the Baltic republics there are cities inhabited by representatives of “non-titular” nationalities, in which the number of Estonians / Latvians / Lithuanians is small. Most of these settlements are the so-called "Russian" cities, it would be more correct to call them Russian-speaking. Their visit is of particular interest to the traveler, I traveled around them quite a lot. The rating below shows the five cities of the Baltic States, in which this Russianness is manifested in most, and travelers from Russia / Belarus / Ukraine can feel at home there in the full sense of the word.

These cities are placed in the rating not only taking into account the percentage of "non-titular" nationalities from total number residents. It also takes into account general form cities, the amount of Soviet and traditional Russian architecture, the atmosphere reigning in the streets, train stations and cafes.

1. Daugavpils (historical name Dvinsk, Latvia) - the most Russian city in the Baltics and all European Union. Historically was Russian from the 2nd floor. 18th century
2. Sillamäe (Estonia) - a closed military city built in the USSR, in which Estonians were not allowed in those years.
3. Narva (Estonia) - historically Russian city from the beginning. 18th century Part of it 20 years ago was state border, on the territory of Russia (she Soviet years called Ivangorod), and a small bridge in the center of Narva has become a border crossing through which residents are forced to pass in order to get from one part of the city to another.
4. Visaginas (Lithuania) - a city with nuclear power plant, which attracted specialists from all over the USSR.
5. Kohtla-Jarve (Estonia) - a mining town that arose in the USSR near shale deposits.

Speaking of Russianness, it is worth placing in the mini-rating then the three Baltic capitals.

1. Riga is the most Russian capital of the Baltics.
2. Tallinn.
3. Vilnius is the least Russian city, in many parts of the city the Russian language is almost inaudible.

The level of domestic nationalism in the Baltic countries, which can be encountered during a trip to the country (from highest to lowest)

1. Estonia - immediately catches the eye.
2. Latvia - a little less striking.
3. Lithuania - less noticeable than in the republics above. People are calmer.

Level of discrimination against ethnic minorities by the governments of the Baltic States (from highest to lowest)

1. Latvia - national minorities are deprived of citizenship, they cannot vote either in parliamentary or local elections. Democracy is missing.
2. Estonia - national minorities are deprived of citizenship, they cannot vote in parliamentary elections, but they can in local elections. There are elements of democracy combined with a predominant ethnocracy.
3. Lithuania - all residents have citizenship and the right to vote, democracy works.

The level of Russian language proficiency among representatives of the "titular" nation in the Baltic countries (from highest to lowest)

1. Latvia - most people own cities, except for the youngest.
2. Lithuania - in cities (in many, but not in all) most people own, except for the youngest. In Kaunas it is more difficult.
3. Estonia - in the provinces, many do not understand Russian at all, not everyone understands even in Tallinn. They speak much worse than in Latvia and Lithuania, with a more noticeable accent and slowly.

Road quality in the Baltic States (from best to worst)

1. Estonia - I didn’t notice broken roads at all (although they probably exist somewhere)
2. Lithuania - among the main broken ones there are few, but there are.
3. Latvia - the roads are almost all potholes and potholes, a strong gap down from the other two countries

The number of abandoned / dilapidated houses and industrial enterprises in cities (from the smallest number devastation to the greatest)

1. Lithuania
2. Estonia
3. Latvia - abandoned buildings are everywhere, even in Riga in almost all areas of the city. The country's second city, Daugavpils, in places resembles Chernobyl zone alienation. A lot others settlements countries look pretty used ...

The amount of garbage on the streets of cities and on highways (from the most clean country to less pure)

1. Estonia - very little garbage
2. Lithuania - little garbage
3. Latvia - there is much more garbage than in Estonia, Lithuania, but compared to Russia, Ukraine there is little of it

Salary level (according to Internet data in terms of summer 2011)

1. Estonia is the highest salary in the Baltics and former USSR(approx. 900 dollars per month net)
2-3. Latvia and Lithuania - receive approximately the same, the same as in Russia (approx. 600 dollars per month net), this amount is more than in other republics b. USSR.

Price level

1. Estonia - significantly higher than in the other two republics
2-3. Latvia and Lithuania - about the same, although in Riga a little more expensive than in Vilnius

When the Baltic countries are mentioned, they primarily mean Latvia with its capital in Riga, Lithuania with its capital in Vilnius and Estonia with its capital in Tallinn.

That is, post-Soviet public entities located on east coast Baltics. Many other states (Russia, Poland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland) also have access to the Baltic Sea, but they are not included in the Baltic countries.

But sometimes to this region refers to the Kaliningrad region Russian Federation. Almost immediately, the economies of the Baltic republics showed rapid growth.

For example, GDP (according to PPP) per capita from 1993 to 2008 there grew 3.6 times, reaching $18 thousand in Latvia, $19.5 thousand in Lithuania, and $22 thousand in Estonia. in Russia it only doubled and amounted to $21.6 thousand. On this basis, the ruling elites of the Baltic States, imitating Japan and South Korea, proudly began to call themselves the Baltic economic tigers. Like, give me a deadline, just a few more years, and then we will show everyone who fed whom in the Soviet Union.

Seven years have passed since then, but for some reason the miracle did not happen. And where could he have come from if the entire economy of these republics continued to exist exclusively on Russian commodity and raw material transit? Everyone remembers the indignation of the Poles about the unnecessary apples and the Finns with their suddenly overstocked dairy industry. Against this background, the problems of Lithuania, which supplied Russia with 76.13% of its own vegetables and 67.89% of fruits, did not seem so significant. Taken together, they provided only 2.68% of the country's total exports. And even the fact that Russia bought up to half (46.3%) of Lithuanian industrial products also looked pale in view of the insignificance of the total volume of its output in Lithuania, in pieces, in tons, in money. As, however, in Latvia and Estonia too.

Own production in the post-Soviet period was not strong point none of the Baltic "tigers". In reality, they lived, as they say, not from industry, but from the road. After separating from the USSR, they got free ports through which a cargo turnover of about 100 million tons passed, for the transshipment of which Russia paid up to $1 billion annually, which was equal to 4.25% of the total GDP of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia in 1998.

As the Russian economy recovered, Russian exports also grew, and with it the volume of transshipment in the Baltic ports increased. At the end of 2014, this figure reached 144.8 million tons, including: the port of Riga - 41.1 million tons; Klaipeda - 36.4 million tons; Tallinn - 28.3 million tons; Ventspils - 26.2 million tons. Only one Russian liberal "Kuzbassrazrezugol" shipped more than 4.5 million tons of coal per year to its customers through the Baltic States.

The picture with the Baltic monopoly on oil transportation is especially indicative. The Soviet Union at one time built a powerful at that time on the coast oil terminal Ventspils and extended the only transport pipeline in the region there. When “gaining independence”, all this economy went to Latvia for free.

So in the 1990s, she received a pipe through which the former "occupier" pumped more than 30 million tons of oil and oil products per year. Considering that logistics cost about $0.7 per barrel, and 7.33 barrels per ton, then according to the most conservative estimates, Latvians received $153.93 million every year. growth of Russian oil exports.

While the Russian liberals were slandering the country for having a too resource-based structure of the economy, by 2009 the total volume of foreign deliveries Russian oil reached 246 million tons, of which 140 million tons passed through the Baltic ports per year. In "transport money" this is more than $ 1.14 billion. Of course, the Latvians did not get all of them, part of the cargo turnover went through St. Petersburg and ports Leningrad region, but the Balts very much slowed down their development by all available means. Apparently, it is not necessary to specifically explain why.

The second important source of "road money" for the Baltic ports was the transshipment of sea containers (TEU). Even now, when St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad and Ust-Luga are included in active work, Latvia (Riga, Liepaja, Ventspils) accounts for 7.1% of our container turnover (392.7 thousand TEU), Lithuania (Klaipeda) - 6.5% (359.4 thousand TEU), Estonia (Tallinn) - 3.8% (208.8 thousand TEU). In total, these limitrophes take from $180 to $230 for transshipment of one TEU, which brings them about $177.7 million per year for the three of them. Moreover, these figures reflect the situation for 2014. Ten years ago, the share of the Balts in container logistics was about three times higher.

Except oil, coal and containers by the Baltic Sea Russia transports mineral fertilizers, of which more than 1.71 million tons were shipped through Riga alone in 2014, and other chemicals, such as, for example, liquid ammonia, 1 million tons of which was pumped by the port of Ventspils. Up to 5 million tons of fertilizers were loaded onto ships in Tallinn. In general, it can be said with certainty that until 2004, about 90% of all Russian "sea" exports passed through the Baltic states, providing the "tigers" with at least 18-19% of their total GDP. To this, rail transit should be added. For example, in 2006, Estonia alone received an average of 32.4 trains from Russia per day, which alone brought about $117 million annually to the port of Tallinn!

Thus, for twenty years, in general, for a circle, only due to its transit position “on the road”, by the way, built “ Soviet occupiers”, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia received up to 30% of their GDP.

They very actively shouted at Russia and in every possible way provoked the growth of the conflict base between Russia and the US-EU. They allowed themselves to humiliate and destroy the Russian-speaking population of their countries, assuming that they would never have to answer for this. By the way, many people think so. And they are wrong. No matter how.

At the same time, they still had jobs, tax revenues and the opportunity to boast extremely rapidly own economic growth, at least one and a half times overtaking the Russian ones. Moreover, this did not in the least prevent the Balts from declaring an incredibly huge Russian debt to them for the “destructive” Soviet occupation. It seemed to them that there simply was no alternative and, therefore, this anti-Russian freebie at the Russian expense (!) would last forever.

Build "with clean slate» new port like Riga is worth about four annual GDP of Latvia. I specifically emphasize that for four years the whole country, from babies to decrepit old people, must not drink, not eat, not spend a penny on anything else, just work together to build a port. improbability similar scenario and created a belief among the Baltic geopolitical moseks in their absolute impunity. Allowing both to claim Russian money and actively participate in the anti-Russian political and economic bacchanalia, and in some places even act as its initiator.

Is it any wonder that in Russia such a state of affairs - the loud barking of small geopolitical dwarfs - did not cause understanding? Another thing is that the result, because of which the Estonian government delegation recently urgently rushed to Russia to “negotiate”, did not arise yesterday and is not a consequence of Russian retaliatory food sanctions.

Even the formal occasion - the Russian notification of the transition from 12 to 6 train pairs in rail transport with Estonia - is just the final point of the party, which began on June 15, 2000, when the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation began to implement the project to build a port in Ust-Luga. Although it is more correct to speak of whole program which provided for the accelerated development of all Russian ports in the Baltic. Thanks to it, the cargo turnover of Ust-Luga increased from 0.8 million tons in 2004 to 10.3 million tons in 2009 and 87.9 million tons in 2015. And by the end of 2014, Russian ports 9% of the total container turnover in the Baltic, and this figure continues to grow very rapidly.

Gradually improving the port economy and developing its own transport infrastructure, Russia today has come to the point that we can provide more than 1/3 of containers, ¾ of gas exports, 2/3 of oil exports, 67% of exports of coal and other bulk cargo on your own. This is to the popular question among liberals that "in this backward gas station country, nothing really has been built in ten years."

As it turned out, it was built. And so much so that the need for a Baltic transit transport corridor has practically disappeared. For rail transportation - five times. For containers - at four. In terms of general cargo - three. In 2015 alone, the transportation of oil and oil products through neighboring ports fell by 20.9%, hard coal- by 36%, even mineral fertilizers - by 3.4%, although according to this indicator they still retain a high degree monopolization. Nevertheless, by and large, everything - the freebie is over. Now Russophobes can walk on their own.

The sharp decline in the cargo turnover of the Baltic ports in the first quarter of 2016 (for example, in Riga - by 13.8%, in Tallinn - by 16.3%) plays the role of the last straw that can break the camel's back. Actually, Estonia started to fuss because it suddenly realized that by the end current year about 6,000 people may be unemployed in the port of Tallinn. And even up to 1.2 thousand will have to be cut on the railway, of which at least 500 people - in the next 2-3 months.

Moreover, the fall in freight traffic is finally derailing the entire economy. railways both Estonia itself and neighboring Lithuania and Latvia. They become totally unprofitable both in the cargo and passenger segments.

For a country with just over 500,000 employees, of which 372,000 are employed in the service sector, this is not just a sad prospect, but the collapse of the entire economy. So they ran to appease, buy and atone for sins in all sorts of other ways. But, as they say, the train has left. Having made an unconditional stake on the EU and the USA, a stake on the destruction and humiliation of the Baltic Russians, a stake on the humiliation of Russia, the Baltic ruling elites made strategic mistake which can no longer be corrected. We will remember this for a long time.

Despite all the political collisions, the life of the Baltic economy throughout the post-Soviet years was provided only thanks to one thing - trade relations with Russia. And Russia endured for a long time, urged, admonished, persuaded the Baltic elite, receiving only spit in response. Our Russian imperial approach seemed to them a weakness. For a decade and a half, the Baltic "tigers" did everything to destroy this interest. Finally, they can be congratulated - they have achieved their goal.

In the next year and a half, we can expect a final and progressive decline in trade, after which the Baltic economy will be covered with a copper basin and return to what it was two hundred years ago - and become a deaf, poor, impoverished and useless region. Moreover, they look equally unpromising from Brussels, from Moscow, and from Washington.

At the same time, you can bet that both American tanks and NATO fighters will evaporate from there, since there will also be no need to defend these backwoods. Therefore, they will most likely be expelled from NATO in the next five years as well. There will be no miracle. The freebie is over. Russia will not forgive and will not forget the mockery that geopolitical mongrels allowed themselves against Russia and Russians.

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The Baltic States - the world of harmony

Everyone who has ever been to the Baltics says that this amazing land has everything - the marvelous peace of nature, the soft beauty of spacious fields and dense forests, the grandeur of modern megacities and the flavor of small villages. You will love this region at first sight and forever!

The Baltic States - its beautiful expanses

The nature of this marvelous land captivates the imagination. All tourists remember its simple harmonious beauty. The expanses of the forests of the Curonian Spit, the sands of the dunes, the blue sea ​​depths, and also - the boundless sky and a pleasant sea breeze. Each of the Baltic countries is unique and inimitable, although initially they seem very similar to tourists. Getting acquainted with the peculiarities of each country, you will see how distinctive and charming each of them is.

What you need to know before traveling to the Baltic States?

A visa is required to travel to this country. To do this, you will need a certificate from the place of work, passport, photo, passport, insurance.

The climate in the Baltics is quite diverse, despite the fact that the length of the region is only 600 km. So, in Druskininkan, the “May” weather begins in early April. On the west coast and islands, the influence of the maritime climate is very visible. Temperatures in different regions also differ significantly. In February on about. Saaremaa - 3°C, while in Narva - 8°C. In summer (July), the temperature on the continent and islands is about 17°C. AT western regions the temperature is usually a few degrees cooler. Humidity in the region ranges from 470 mm (seaside plains) to 800 mm (Vidzeme upland).

In Lithuania, there are more contrasting swings, since maritime climate does not provide strong influence. The average winter temperature ranges from -2° to -5°C, and the summer temperature is 20-22°C.

Interesting and geographical location region, because it is the center of Europe. The most high mountain bears the strange name of Suur Munamägi. She is certainly not the only one. There are several uplands in the Baltics, such as Vidzeme, Samogitian and Kurzeme. They are replaced by expanse plains and dodgy ribbons of rivers. You may be interested in these natural attractions.

Treatment in the Baltics

This region is famous for its SPA-salons and sanatoriums. Mineral water, a pleasant climate, but, most importantly, therapeutic mud, create excellent conditions for healing in this healing region. So, in Estonia, sulfide-silt muds in Ikla and Haapsalu are famous, enriched with organic substances and mineral salts, and sapropel mud in Värska and Jurmala clinics.

Sights of the Baltic States

All the Baltic countries are able to provide a rich and interesting vacation. In sanatoriums you can relax and improve your health, on the beach you can bask in the soft rays of the sun, in cities you can see many sights. After all, all countries are rich in centuries-old history.

Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia deserve a separate description.

Lithuania- emotional bright country, and the population in it is the same. The peaceful grace of nature, historical monuments and amber are the three main attractions in this country. Here you can see the beautiful architectural monuments of Vilnius, visit the creative capital of Kaunas, enjoy the comfort of the seaside towns of Palanga and Klaipeda, contemplate the magnificent region of Trakai lakes and walk along the Curonian Spit - very picturesque place. Go to the Amber Museum National Museum Lithuanian, Lithuanian Art Museum and the Radvilov Palace. And between excursions, be sure to stop by for lunch at a local cafe and try zemaicha, buckets and zeppelins.

Lithuania is one of the most ancient states of Europe, therefore the history of this region is rich and direct. AT modern country megacities with developed infrastructure and architectural monuments and sculptures, healing mineral springs and green forests coexist perfectly. You will definitely be conquered peculiar nature this wonderful region.

Latvia- a beautiful pearl of the Baltics. In this beautiful country you will see the ancient architecture of Riga, relax on the beaches of Jurmala, you will be able to participate in one of the many festivals. Perhaps you are interested in classical music - then be sure to go to the Dome Cathedral. If you prefer architecture, be sure to take a walk to St. Peter's Church, from the grounds of which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Old Town.

And in this amazing region you will see beautiful lakes, virgin pine forests and spacious fields. The marvelous charm of the local nature will not leave anyone indifferent.

Estonia is a unique dimension. Sometimes it seems that she reigns here everywhere. Practical, reasonable, calm people. Because of its unusualness, this country seems to be a mystery to many. In this peaceful world, you can see ancient castles, walk along the narrow medieval streets or large avenues of Tallinn, visit the island of Saarem. The latter will definitely appeal to connoisseurs of natural beauty. One evening walk around Tallinn is enough reason to travel to Estonia.

In this country, you can see everything - small colorful cafes, fashionable hotels, cozy streets, cobblestone pavements, ancient temples, castles, estates and the magnificent beauty of local nature.

Nature and fauna of the Baltics

It is very difficult to describe the beauty of the local nature in words. In the country of 3000 lakes you will find picturesque landscapes, dense forests, fast-moving rivers. National parks tremulously guarded. The Baltic States can rightly be called a green region. About 40% of the territory is occupied by coniferous and deciduous forests. In them you can find a lot of interesting curiosities - mushrooms, berries, animals.

Most big lake in Latvia - Lubans, the deepest - Dridzis, in Lithuania the most beautiful lake - Druksiai, and the deepest - Tauragnas. In Estonia, the largest lake is truly huge - its area is 266 square meters. km. The Baltic rivers can also surprise you - the beautiful Western Dvina, the full-flowing Neman, in the waters of which there are more than 70 species of fish.

And, of course, one cannot fail to mention the Baltic Sea. Not too deep, salty, but unimaginably beautiful and warm. Soft silk sand, luxurious spacious beaches, equipped with everything you need. The most heat waters in the Curonian Lagoon. The most famous resorts are Palanga, Jurmala and Pärnu. the biggest coastline famous Estonia.

All countries are interesting, all extraordinary. Discover wonderful world Baltic countries together with the Kailash Club!

There are many interesting things in the history of the development of each Baltic country - there is something to learn, to take an example in something, and in some things you can learn from the mistakes of others.

Despite the small area and small population, they manage to occupy a significant position in various international economic and trade associations.

If you are wondering: the Baltic countries are what countries, how they developed and how they live, then this article is just for you, because here you can find all the necessary answers.

In this article, we will look at their history, development and current position in the global political and economic arena.

Baltic countries. Compound

Nothing less, but the Baltic countries name the three states. At one time they were part of the USSR. Today, all the Baltic countries are completely independent.

The list looks like this:

They are both similar and different in their history, development, inner color, people, traditions.

The Baltic States cannot boast large reserves natural resources which affects the economy. The demographic situation has a negative trend, as the death rate exceeds the birth rate. It also affects high level emigration of the population to other more the developed countries Europe.

To summarize, in many ways modern development the Baltic States comes at the expense of the European Union. Of course, this affects both the internal and foreign policy these countries.

Since 1992, Estonia has chosen the priority path European development and began to turn away from any interaction with Moscow, while maintaining warm relations.

Hundreds of millions of dollars worth of loans and external credits contributed to the rapid transition to a market economy. Besides, European countries returned to Estonia the funds that had been frozen from them since the accession of the republic to Soviet Union in the 40s of the 20th century.

The global financial crisis has had a strong impact on the Estonian economy

Literally five years after 2000 country's GDP increased by half. However, the global financial crisis did not spare Estonia and increased the unemployment rate from 5 to 15%. For the same reason, in 2009, the level of industrial production fell by more than 70%.

Estonia is a fairly active member of NATO and takes part in most peacekeeping operations, for example, in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Multinational culture

It's hard to believe, but one country combines the cultures of Latvia, Finland, Russia, Lithuania, Belarus, Sweden, as well as other countries. This is due to the fact that at one time the rulers chose one or the other vector of development.

Estonia can be proud of its commitment to the modernization of all processes. Already since 2000, it was possible to report on taxes electronically. Since 2008, all meetings of the Cabinet of Ministers have not been recorded in paper minutes - everything happens electronically.

Constant introduction of new information technologies

Imagine - more than 78% of the country's population uses the Internet. This figure is one of the best in all of Europe. In the world by level of development information technologies ranks 24th in the ranking of 142 countries.

In this regard, Estonians really have something to be proud of.

Despite mass computerization, spiritual values, as well as the preservation surrounding nature are also a priority in the development of this country. It can be especially noted national cuisine, which is distinguished by the so-called peasant spirit from the past.

The Baltic countries are a small and beautiful place on the planet Earth

There is much to be learned from three small countries. Despite the fact that they are completely energy dependent on other states, they managed to make a significant breakthrough in their development compared to other countries that gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

So, what are the Baltic countries, how did they develop and how do they live? We hope this article was useful for you and you were able to find all the necessary answers regarding the history, development and current position these states on the world political and economic arena.