itämerensuomalaisten

The term itämerensuomalaisten refers to the Finnic peoples, a group of Finno-Ugric peoples who inhabit the Baltic Sea region of Northern Europe. These peoples share a common linguistic and cultural heritage, with their languages belonging to the Finnic branch of the Uralic language family. The most prominent among these groups are the Finns and the Estonians, who constitute the largest populations. Other Finnic groups include the Karelians, Veps, Izhorians, Votes, Livonians, and Sami people (though the Sami are often considered a separate branch of the Uralic family, they share historical and cultural connections with the Finnic peoples).

Historically, the Finnic peoples have inhabited the areas around the Baltic Sea for millennia. Their traditional territories encompass parts of modern-day Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Russia, and Sweden. Their way of life was historically shaped by the natural environment, with a strong connection to forests and the sea, influencing their livelihoods, mythology, and social structures. Over centuries, these groups have experienced various influences from neighboring cultures, including Germanic, Slavic, and Scandinavian peoples, which have contributed to the diversity within the Finnic cultural landscape. Despite these influences, a distinct set of shared cultural traits and a common linguistic ancestry have preserved their unique identity.