Rahvas
Rahvas is a term used in several languages of the Baltic and Northern European region, particularly in Estonian, where it directly translates to “the people” or “nation.” The word derives from the Proto-Baltic root *raht-, meaning “nation” or “ethnic group.” In Estonian, the noun is typically used with the definite article, forming the phrase *Rahvas*, which can refer collectively to the population or, more broadly, to the national identity.
In Estonian history, Rahvas gained particular prominence during the 19th century national awakening. Intellectuals and writers
The term also appears in political contexts. For instance, *Rahvarinne*, meaning “Citizen's Union”, denotes a type
In contemporary Estonia, Rahvas remains a common reference in media and public discourse. It frequently appears
Across other Baltic languages, such as Latvian and Lithuanian, analogous words (*rasū*, *źys*, *kask*) share similar