Bàltic

Bàltic is a term with a multifaceted meaning, primarily referring to a geographical region and the cultures and languages associated with it. Historically, the Bàltic refers to the Baltic Sea, a large gulf of the Atlantic Ocean in Northern Europe. Surrounding this sea are several countries, often collectively referred to as the Bàltic states. These are typically considered to be Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, all of which gained independence in the 20th century after periods of foreign occupation.

The term also encompasses the Bàltic languages, a branch of the Indo-European language family. This linguistic group consists of only two surviving languages: Latvian and Lithuanian. Historically, Old Prussian was also part of this group, but it is now extinct. These languages share common features and are distinct from other European language families.

Culturally, the Bàltic region is rich and diverse, shaped by centuries of interaction with neighboring powers such as Scandinavia, Poland, Germany, and Russia. Despite these influences, the Bàltic states have maintained distinct cultural identities, evident in their folklore, traditions, and national histories. The term Bàltic, therefore, encapsulates a significant geographical area, a unique linguistic heritage, and a resilient cultural tapestry in Northern Europe.