Baltic States Map
The Baltic states are three countries on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Arranged from north to south, they share cultural and historical ties while each maintaining a distinct language and identity. All three regained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
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Study the Countries
Estonia Estonia
Borders: Latvia, Russia
Area: 45,228 km² · Coastline: 3,794 km
Estonia is the northernmost Baltic state, bordered by Latvia to the south, Russia to the east, and the Gulf of Finland to the north (with Finland just 80 km across the water). The terrain is mostly flat with many lakes and extensive forests covering about half the land area. Over 2,200 islands dot its western and northern coasts.
Shape: A compact, roughly rectangular country at the top of the three Baltic states, with an irregular coastline and many islands to the west.
Fun Facts
- Estonia has over 2,200 islands, with Saaremaa and Hiiumaa being the largest.
- Estonia is just 80 km from Finland across the Gulf of Finland.
- About 50% of Estonia is covered by forest, making it one of Europe's greenest countries.
Latvia Latvia
Borders: Estonia, Lithuania, Belarus, Russia
Area: 64,589 km² · Coastline: 498 km
Latvia is the middle Baltic state, bordered by Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, Belarus to the southeast, and Russia to the east. Its coastline faces the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga. The landscape is mostly flat lowland plains with gentle hills in the east, and forests cover about 54% of the territory.
Shape: The middle country of the three Baltic states, roughly triangular in shape with the Gulf of Riga indenting the western coast.
Fun Facts
- Latvia has four neighboring countries, making it the most-bordered of the three Baltic states.
- The Gulf of Riga is almost entirely enclosed by Latvian and Estonian territory.
- About 54% of Latvia is covered by forests, and the country has over 12,000 rivers.
Lithuania Lithuania
Borders: Latvia, Belarus, Poland, Russia
Area: 65,300 km² · Coastline: 90 km
Lithuania is the southernmost and largest Baltic state, bordered by Latvia to the north, Belarus to the east and south, Poland to the south, and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad to the southwest. The terrain is predominantly flat with low-lying plains, gentle hills, and numerous lakes. Lithuania has the shortest Baltic coastline of the three states.
Shape: The southernmost of the three Baltic states, roughly diamond-shaped and slightly larger than its neighbors.
Fun Facts
- Lithuania is the largest and most populated of the three Baltic states.
- Lithuania borders the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad to the southwest.
- The geographic center of Europe is claimed to be near Vilnius, Lithuania's capital.
Quick Reference
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About Baltic States Geography
The Baltic states form a north-south chain along the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. Despite their small size, they serve as a geographic and cultural bridge between Scandinavia, Central Europe, and Russia. The region is characterized by flat terrain, extensive forests, numerous rivers and lakes, and relatively short but significant Baltic Sea coastlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 3 Baltic states?
The three Baltic states are Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. They are arranged from north to south along the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea.
Which Baltic state is the largest?
Lithuania is the largest Baltic state by area at approximately 65,300 km², followed closely by Latvia at 64,589 km².
Do the Baltic states border Russia?
Yes. Estonia and Latvia border mainland Russia to the east, and Lithuania borders the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad to the southwest.