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Baltic Sea

The Baltic Sea is a large body of brackish water in Northern Europe, bordered by several countries including Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, and Sweden. As an integral part of the Atlantic Ocean, it is a marginal sea with limited exchange of water due to its enclosed nature. The sea stretches from approximately 53°N to 66°N latitude and from 10°E to 30°E longitude.

Geographical Features

The Baltic Sea is characterized by several significant gulfs and bays. Notably, it includes the Gulf of Bothnia, which is further divided into the Bothnian Bay and the Bothnian Sea; the Gulf of Finland; the Gulf of Riga; and the Bay of Gdańsk. These gulfs play a significant role in the biodiversity and hydrology of the region.

Surrounding Regions

The "Baltic Proper" is bordered to the north by the Åland Islands and the Gulf of Bothnia, to the northeast by the Gulf of Finland, to the east by the Gulf of Riga, and to the west by the Swedish part of the southern Scandinavian Peninsula.

Hydrology

The Baltic Sea is a shelf sea with limited water exchange, primarily draining through the Danish straits into the Kattegat via the Øresund, the Great Belt, and the Little Belt. This limited exchange contributes to its unique brackish water conditions.

Environmental Protection

The Helsinki Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area addresses the environmental challenges faced by this region. The Convention considers the Baltic Sea and the Kattegat as its area of concern, although it does not classify the Kattegat as a part of the Baltic Sea.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The Baltic Sea has been a crucial maritime route for centuries, playing a significant role in trade and cultural exchanges between the bordering nations. The Baltic Fleet, part of the Russian Navy, has been operational in the sea since 1703, highlighting its strategic importance. The coastal areas have been home to Baltic peoples, who speak Baltic languages and have a rich cultural heritage.

Related Topics

The Baltic Sea region continues to be a significant focus for environmental and geopolitical studies, given its complex ecosystem and strategic location in Europe.