There is a lot of interesting things in the history of the development of each Baltic country - there is something to learn, in some things to take an example, and in some things you can learn from the mistakes of others.
Despite the small area and small population, they manage to occupy a significant position in various international economic and trade associations.
If you are wondering: what kind of countries are the Baltic countries, how did they develop and how do they live, then this article is just for you, because here you can find all the necessary answers.
In this article we will look at their history, development and current position on the world political and economic stage.
Baltic countries. Compound
Neither more nor less, but three states are called the Baltic countries. At one time they were part of the USSR. Today, all Baltic countries are completely independent.
The list looks like this:
They are both similar and different in their history, development, internal color, people, and traditions.
The Baltic countries cannot boast of large reserves natural resources, which affects the economy. The demographic situation has negative dynamics, since mortality exceeds birth rates. It also affects high level emigration of the population to other more the developed countries Europe.
To summarize, in many ways modern development the Baltic countries is at the expense of the European Union. Of course, this affects both internal and external foreign policy these countries.
Since 1992, Estonia has chosen the priority path European development and began to turn away from any interactions with Moscow, while maintaining warm relations.
Quick transition to market economy contributed by loans and external credits worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Besides, European countries returned to Estonia the funds that had been frozen since the republic joined the Soviet Union in the 40s of the 20th century.
The global financial crisis has greatly affected the Estonian economy
In just five years after 2000, the country's GDP increased by half. However, the global financial crisis did not spare Estonia and increased the unemployment rate from 5 to 15%. For the same reason, in 2009 the level of industrial production fell by more than 70%.
Estonia is a fairly active member of NATO and takes part in most peacekeeping operations, for example in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Multinational culture
It's hard to believe, but one country combines the cultures of Latvia, Finland, Russia, Lithuania, Belarus, Sweden, as well as other countries. This is due to the fact that at one time rulers chose one or another vector of development.
Estonia can be proud of its commitment to modernizing all processes. Since 2000, it has been possible to report taxes electronically. Since 2008, all meetings of the Cabinet of Ministers are not recorded in paper minutes - everything happens electronically.
Constant introduction of new information technologies
Imagine - more than 78% of the country's population uses the Internet. This indicator is one of the best in all of Europe. In the world by level of development information technologies ranks 24th in a ranking of 142 countries.
In this regard, Estonians really have something to be proud of.
Despite mass computerization, spiritual values, as well as the preservation surrounding nature are also a priority in the development of this country. It can be especially noted national cuisine, which is characterized by the so-called peasant spirit from the past.
The Baltic countries are a small and beautiful corner on planet Earth
There is a lot to learn from three small countries. Despite the fact that they are completely energy dependent on other states, they managed to make a significant leap in their development compared to other countries that gained independence after the collapse Soviet Union.
So, what kind of countries are the Baltic countries, how did they develop and how do they live? We hope this article was useful to you and you were able to find all the necessary answers regarding the history, development and current position of these states on the world political and economic arena.
When the Baltic countries are mentioned, they primarily mean Latvia with its capital in Riga, Lithuania with its capital in Vilnius and Estonia with its capital in Tallinn.
That is, post-Soviet state entities located on the eastern coast of the Baltic. Many other states (Russia, Poland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland) also have access to the Baltic Sea, but they are not included in the Baltic countries.
But sometimes to this region belongs to the Kaliningrad region Russian Federation. Almost immediately, the economy of the Baltic republics showed rapid growth.
For example, GDP (PPP) per capita there grew 3.6 times from 1993 to 2008, reaching $18 thousand in Latvia, $19.5 thousand in Lithuania, and $22 thousand in Estonia. While in Russia it only doubled and amounted to $21.6 thousand. On this basis, the ruling elites of the Baltic states, imitating Japan and South Korea, proudly began to call themselves the Baltic Economic Tigers. They say, give it time, just a few more years, and then we will show everyone who fed whom in the Soviet Union.
Seven whole years have passed since then, but for some reason no miracle happened. And where could he come from there, if the entire economy of these republics continued to exist exclusively on Russian commodity and raw material transit? Everyone remembers the indignation of the Poles over apples that have become unnecessary and the Finns with their suddenly overstocked dairy industry. Against this background, the problems of Lithuania, which supplied Russia with 76.13% of its vegetables and 67.89% of fruits, seemed not so significant. Taken together, they provided only 2.68% of the country's total exports. And even the fact that Russia bought up to half (46.3%) of Lithuanian industrial products also looked pale in view of the insignificance of the total volume of its production in Lithuania, both in pieces, in tons, and in money. As, however, in Latvia and Estonia too.
Own production in the post-Soviet period was not strong point none of the Baltic Tigers. In reality, they lived, as they say, not from industry, but from the road. After separating from the USSR, they freely got ports through which a cargo turnover of approximately 100 million tons passed, for the transshipment of which Russia paid up to $1 billion annually, which was equal to 4.25% of the total GDP of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia in 1998.
As the Russian economy recovered, Russian exports also grew, and with it the volume of transshipment in the Baltic ports increased. At the end of 2014, this figure reached 144.8 million tons, including: the port of Riga - 41.1 million tons; Klaipeda - 36.4 million tons; Tallinn - 28.3 million tons; Ventspils - 26.2 million tons. Only one Russian liberal “Kuzbassrazrezugol” shipped more than 4.5 million tons of coal per year to its customers through the Baltic states.
The picture with the Baltic monopoly on oil transportation is especially indicative. The Soviet Union at one time built the Ventspils oil terminal, which was powerful at that time, on the coast and extended the only transport pipeline in the region there. When Latvia “gained independence”, all this farming went to Latvia for free.
So in the 1990s, it received a pipe through which the former “occupier” pumped more than 30 million tons of oil and petroleum products per year. If we take into account that logistics cost about $0.7 per barrel, and there are 7.33 barrels per ton, then according to the most conservative estimates, Latvians earned $153.93 million every year for “travel.” Moreover, their “earnings” increased by as Russian oil exports grow.
While Russian liberals were slandering the country for being too raw material-based economic structure, by 2009 the total volume of foreign supplies Russian oil reached 246 million tons, of which through Baltic ports 140 million tons were transported per year. In “transport money” this is more than $1.14 billion. All of this, of course, did not go to the Latvians; part of the cargo turnover went through St. Petersburg and the ports Leningrad region, but their development was greatly hampered by the Balts in all available ways. Apparently, there is no need to specifically explain why.
The second important source of “travel money” for the Baltic ports was the transhipment of sea containers (TEU). Even now, when in active work included St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad and Ust-Luga, Latvia (Riga, Liepaja, Ventspils) accounts for 7.1% of our container turnover (392.7 thousand TEU), Lithuania (Klaipeda) - 6.5% (359, 4 thousand TEU), Estonia (Tallinn) - 3.8% (208.8 thousand TEU). In total, these limitrophes charge from $180 to $230 for transshipment of one TEU, which brings them about $177.7 million per year between the three of them. Moreover, the figures given reflect the situation for 2014. Ten years ago, the Baltic share in container logistics was approximately three times higher.
Except oil, coal and containers Baltic Sea Russia transports mineral fertilizers, of which more than 1.71 million tons were shipped through Riga alone in 2014, and other chemicals, such as liquid ammonia, 1 million tons of which were pumped by the port of Ventspils. Up to 5 million tons of fertilizers were loaded onto ships in Tallinn. In general, we can say with confidence that until 2004, about 90% of all Russian “maritime” exports passed through the Baltic states, providing the “tigers” with at least 18-19% of their total GDP. Here we should also add railway transit. For example, in 2006, Estonia alone received an average of 32.4 trains from Russia per day, which brought about $117 million annually to the port of Tallinn alone!
Thus, for twenty years, in general, for a circle, only due to its transit position “on the road,” by the way, built “ Soviet occupiers", Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia received up to 30% of their GDP.
They shouted very actively at Russia and in every possible way provoked the growth of the conflict base between Russia and the US-EU. They allowed themselves to humiliate and destroy the Russian-speaking population of their countries, assuming that they would never have to answer for this. By the way, many people think so. And they are wrong. No matter how it is.
At the same time, they still had jobs, tax revenues and the opportunity to boast extremely at a fast pace own economic growth, at least one and a half times faster than the Russian ones. Moreover, this did not in the least prevent the Balts from declaring an incredibly huge Russian debt to them for the “destructive” Soviet occupation. It seemed to them that there was simply no alternative and, therefore, this anti-Russian freebie at Russian expense (!) would last forever.
Build 's clean slate“A new port like Riga costs about four times Latvia’s annual GDP. I especially emphasize that for four years the entire country, from babies to decrepit old people, must not drink, not eat, not spend a penny on anything else, just work together to build the port. Incredibility similar scenario and created a belief among the Baltic geopolitical moseks of their absolute impunity. Allowing him to simultaneously claim Russian money and actively participate in the anti-Russian political and economic bacchanalia, and in some places even act as its initiator.
Is it any wonder that in Russia this state of affairs - the loud barking of small geopolitical dwarfs - did not evoke understanding? Another thing is that the result, because of which the Estonian government delegation recently urgently rushed to Russia to “negotiate,” did not arise yesterday and is not a consequence of Russian retaliatory food sanctions.
Even the formal reason - the Russian notification about the transition from 12 to 6 train pairs in rail transportation with Estonia - is just the final point of the party that began on June 15, 2000, when the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation began implementing the port construction project in Ust-Luga. Although it is more correct to talk about the whole program, which provided for the rapid development of all Russian ports in the Baltic. Thanks to it, the cargo turnover of Ust-Luga increased from 0.8 million tons in 2004 to 10.3 million tons in 2009 and 87.9 million tons in 2015. And at the end of 2014, Russian ports already provided 35, 9% of all container turnover in the Baltic, and this figure continues to increase very quickly.
Gradually improving the port facilities and developing our own transport infrastructure, Russia today has come to the point that we can provide more than 1/3 of containers, ¾ of gas exports, 2/3 of oil exports, 67% of coal and other bulk cargo exports on our own. This refers to the popular question among liberals that “in this backward gas station country, nothing really has been built in ten years.”
As it turned out, it was built. And so much so that the need for the Baltic transit transport corridor has practically disappeared. For rail transportation - five times. For containers - four. In terms of general cargo volume - three. In 2015 alone, the transportation of oil and petroleum products through adjacent ports fell by 20.9%, coal- by 36%, even mineral fertilizers - by 3.4%, although in terms of this indicator they still maintain high degree monopolization. However, by and large, that’s it - the freebie is over. Now Russophobes can walk on their own.
The sharp decrease in cargo turnover of the Baltic ports in the first quarter of 2016 (for example, in Riga - by 13.8%, in Tallinn - by 16.3%) plays the role of the last straw that can break the camel's back. Actually, Estonia started fussing because it suddenly realized that by the end of this year, approximately 6 thousand people could find themselves without work in the port of Tallinn. And up to 1.2 thousand will have to be laid off on the railway, of which at least 500 people will have to be cut in the next 2-3 months.
Moreover, the drop in freight volumes completely derails the entire economy. railways both Estonia itself and neighboring Lithuania and Latvia. They are becoming completely unprofitable in both the cargo and passenger segments.
For a country with a total workforce of just over 500 thousand people, of whom 372 thousand are employed in the service sector, this is not just a sad prospect, but the collapse of the entire economy. So they ran to please, buy, and atone for sins in all sorts of other ways. But, as they say, the train has left. Having made an unconditional bet on the EU and the United States, bet on the destruction and humiliation of the Baltic Russians, and bet on the humiliation of Russia, the Baltic ruling elites made a strategic mistake that can no longer be corrected. We will remember this for a long time.
Despite all the political conflicts, the life of the Baltic economy throughout the post-Soviet years was ensured only thanks to one thing - trade relations with Russia. And Russia endured for a long time, called on, admonished, persuaded the Baltic elite, receiving nothing but spitting in response. Our Russian imperial approach seemed to them a weakness. For a decade and a half, the Baltic “tigers” did everything to destroy this interest. Finally, we can congratulate them - they achieved their goal.
In the next year and a half, we can expect a final and progressive decline in trade turnover, after which the Baltic economy will be covered with a copper basin and return to what it was two hundred years ago - and will become a remote, poor, impoverished and useless region. Moreover, they look equally hopeless from Brussels, from Moscow, or from Washington.
At the same time, you can bet that both American tanks and NATO fighters will evaporate from there, since there will be no need to defend these remote places either. Therefore, they will most likely be expelled from NATO in the next five years. There won't be a miracle. The freebie is over. Russia will not forgive and will not forget the mockery that the geopolitical mongrels allowed themselves against Russia and the Russians.
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With the collapse of the Soviet Union, it was interesting to see how sovereign states were building independent course to well-being. The Baltic countries were especially intriguing, as they left with a loud slam of the door.
Over the past 30 years, the Russian Federation has been constantly bombarded with numerous claims and threats. The Baltic people believe that they have the right to this, although the desire to secede was suppressed by the USSR army. As a result of the suppression of separatism in Lithuania, 15 people died civilians.
Traditionally, the Baltic states are classified as countries. This is due to the fact that this alliance was formed from liberated states after World War II. 
Some geopoliticians do not agree with this and consider the Baltic states to be an independent region, which includes:
- , capital Tallinn.
- (Riga).
- (Vilnius).
All three states are washed by the Baltic Sea. Smallest area Estonia has a population of about 1.3 million people. Next comes Latvia, where 2 million citizens live. Lithuania closes the top three with a population of 2.9 million.
Based on a small number of residents Baltic states occupied a niche among small countries. The composition of the region is multinational. In addition to indigenous peoples, Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, Poles and Finns live here.
The majority of Russian speakers are concentrated in Latvia and Estonia, about 28–30% of the population. The most “conservative” is Lithuania, where 82% of native Lithuanians live.
For reference. Although the Baltic countries are experiencing a high outflow of the working-age population, they are in no hurry to populate free territories with forced migrants from and. The leaders of the Baltic republics are trying to look for various reasons to evade their obligations to the EU on the resettlement of refugees.
Political course
Even being part of the USSR, the Baltic states were significantly different from other Soviet regions in better side. Was here perfect cleanliness, beautiful architectural heritage And interesting population, similar to the European one.
The central street of Riga is Brivibas street, 1981.
The Baltic region has always had a desire to become part of Europe. An example was the rapidly developing state that defended its independence from the Soviets in 1917.
The chance to separate from the USSR appeared in the second half of the eighties, when democracy and glasnost came along with perestroika. This opportunity was not missed, and the republics began to openly talk about separatism. Estonia became a pioneer in the independence movement and mass protests broke out here in 1987.
Under pressure from the electorate, the Supreme Council of the ESSR issued the Declaration of Sovereignty. At the same time, Latvia and Lithuania followed the example of their neighbor, and in 1990 all three republics received autonomy. 
In the spring of 1991, referendums in the Baltic countries put an end to relations with the USSR. In the autumn of the same year, the Baltic countries joined the UN.
The Baltic republics willingly adopted the course of the West and Europe in economic and political development. Soviet heritage was condemned. Relations with the Russian Federation have completely cooled.
Russians living in the Baltic countries had limited rights. After 13 years of independence, the Baltic powers also joined the NATO military bloc.
Economic course
After gaining sovereignty, the Baltic economy underwent significant changes. The developed industrial sector has been replaced by service sectors. Increased value Agriculture and food production.
TO modern industries industries include:
- Precision engineering (electrical engineering and household equipment).
- Machine tool industry.
- Ship repair.
- Chemical industry.
- Perfume industry.
- Wood processing (furniture and paper production).
- Light and footwear industry.
- Food production.
Soviet legacy in production Vehicle: cars and electric trains - completely lost. 
It is obvious that the Baltic industry is not a strong point in the post-Soviet era. The main income for these countries comes from the transit industry.
After gaining independence, all the production and transit capacities of the USSR went to the republics for free. Russian side made no claims, used the services and paid about $1 billion a year for cargo turnover. Every year, the amount for transit grew, as the Russian economy increased its pace and cargo turnover increased.
For reference. Russian company Kuzbassrazrezugol shipped more than 4.5 million tons of coal per year to its customers through the Baltic ports.
Special attention It is worth paying attention to the Baltic monopoly on the transit of Russian oil. At one time, the forces of the USSR built the Ventspils oil terminal, the largest at that time, on the Baltic coast. A pipeline was built to it, the only one in the region. Latvia got this grandiose system for nothing.
Thanks to the built industrial infrastructure, the Russian Federation pumped over 30 million tons of oil through Latvia annually. For each barrel, Russia gave 0.7 dollars in logistics services. The republic's income grew steadily as oil exports increased.
The transitor's sense of self-preservation has become dulled, which will play one of the key roles in the stagnation of the economy after the 2008 crisis.
The operation of the Baltic ports was ensured, among other things, by the transshipment of sea containers (TEU). After the modernization of the port terminals of St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad and Ust-Luga, traffic through the Baltic states decreased to 7.1% of all Russian cargo turnover.
Nevertheless, in one year, taking into account the decline in logistics, these services continue to bring the three republics about $170 million per year. This amount was several times higher before 2014.
On a note. Despite the bad economic situation in the Russian Federation, many transport terminals have been built on its territory to date. This made it possible to significantly reduce the need for the Baltic transit and transport corridor.
The unexpected reduction in transit cargo turnover had a negative impact on the Baltic economy. As a result, massive layoffs of workers, numbering in the thousands, regularly take place at the ports. At the same time, railway transportation, freight and passenger, went under the knife, bringing stable losses.
The policy of the transit state and openness to Western investors led to an increase in unemployment in all sectors. People go to more developed countries to earn money and stay there to live.
Despite the deterioration, income levels in the Baltics remain significantly higher than in the rest post-Soviet republics.
Jurmala lost income
The 2015 scandal in show business became a stone in the garden of the Latvian economy. Some popular singers from the Russian Federation were banned from entering the country by Latvian politicians. As a result, the New Wave festival is now held in Sochi.
In addition, the KVN program refused to hold team performances in Jurmala. As a result, the tourism industry lost a lot of money.
After this, Russians began to buy less residential real estate in the Baltic countries. People are afraid that they might fall under the political millstone.
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Why is the Baltics attractive for tourists? First of all, European level life. Secondly, with its northern charm! Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia are currently the only countries former USSR who have joined the European Union, therefore these countries fall under the Schengen Agreement.
What is the Modern Baltics? Previously - “Terra Marianna”, which translates as - seaside land, and now - drops of amber, pine trees, white sand, rebellious waves and a measured rhythm of life, folk traditions, mild climate and a huge number of healing resorts.
In the Baltics, summers are not too hot, and winters are moderately cold. It attracts an impressive number of tourists throughout the year. The cost of spa treatment is much lower than, for example, in Karlovy Vary, and the quality is no worse.
LATVIA
North-East Europe, the Baltic coast. borders on two Baltic states - Lithuania and Estonia. And also with Belarus and Russia. The capital of the state is Riga. The most big cities- Sigulda and Daugavpils. Popular resort cities are Liepaja, Jurmala, Ventspils. The population of the state is over two million people. The official language is Latvian, and the currency is the euro (formerly Lat).
LITHUANIA
South-East Europe, coast of the Baltic Sea. borders with Latvia, Poland and Belarus, as well as Kaliningrad region Russian Federation. The capital of the state is Vilnius. The largest cities are Kaunas, Trakai, Siauliai. Popular resort towns are Neringa, Birštonas, and Palanga. The population is about half a million people. The official language is Lithuanian and the currency is Lithuanian.
ESTONIA
Northwestern Europe, washed by Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea. The country borders Russia and Latvia. This state owns over one and a half thousand islands! The most large islands- Hiiumaa and Saaremaa.
Estonia is one big resort! Here hotels and sanatoriums are built wherever there are suitable conditions and climate. Those who love a secluded and relaxing holiday can relax on the island. Those who just want to take a break from the bustle of the city can settle down on a farm or farm in the outback.
The population is one and a half million people. The capital of the state is Tallinn, official language- Estonian, and the currency is euro.
CLIMATE
The Baltic region has a varied climate, despite the fact that the region is only six hundred kilometers long. For example, in Druskininkai at the beginning of April the warm “May” weather begins. Valid on the islands maritime climate. The temperature in the regions also differs. On the island of Saaremaa in February it is only minus three degrees, and on Nar-ve - minus eight. In July, the temperature on the islands is about seventeen degrees, the same on the continent itself. In the west, temperatures are slightly cooler. Humidity in the Baltic states ranges from four hundred and seventy on the coastal plain to eight hundred millimeters of mercury on the Vidzeme Upland.
Lithuania has the most contrasting temperature differences: winter period- up to minus five degrees, and in summer - up to twenty-two degrees Celsius.
HOW TO GET THERE?
The Baltic states are not so far from Ukraine, but it is most convenient to travel through Russia, Belarus, and Poland. You can even combine several countries in one tour, which is very convenient and profitable.
The fastest and easiest way to get to Lithuania is by plane. You can fly directly to Vilnius via Kyiv, which takes no more than an hour and a half. Or you can do it through Riga. There are also trains from Ukraine to Lithuania. Trains run to Lithuania from Kharkov, Kyiv and Lvov.
Convenient and inexpensive trains run to Vilnius from Belarus, namely from Minsk and Gomel. The train travels from Kyiv to Lithuania for about twenty hours, and some routes are even longer and take an average of one and a half days.
ETIQUETTE OF TRADITION
Communication and rules of behavior in the Baltics are not much different from generally accepted European rules. Residents welcome restraint and politeness; best sign attention for a woman - a bouquet of flowers; Just like birthdays, name days are celebrated just as magnificently.
For a walk in public place with a bottle of alcohol in your hands, you can be fined. Bottles with alcoholic drinks should be placed in opaque bags. Also, after ten in the evening, alcohol can only be drunk or purchased in a bar or restaurant.
When visiting local temples, it is recommended to wear modest and closed clothes.
ATTRACTIONS
The Baltics are able to provide tourists with unforgettable experience and an eventful vacation: in the sanatorium you can improve your health and relax; on the beach - sunbathe and soak up the soft sand; in the mountains - to breathe fresh air and see many sights. After all, each Baltic country has a rich and interesting centuries-old history...
- Lithuania.
The country is bright and emotional, and the population is the same! Beautiful monuments of Vilnius, creative Kaunas, the cozy seaside town of Klaipeda, the edge of the Trakai lakes, the magnificent town of Palanga, and you can take a slow walk along the Kursk Spit - an incredibly picturesque place! Radvilov Palace, Amber Museum, Art Museum… It’s impossible to list everything! Lithuania - modern country, where architectural monuments and the metropolis, sculptures and well-developed infrastructure coexist perfectly, green forests and healing springs. And, of course, what will captivate the tourist is the wondrous nature! Be sure to try in a local cafe: vederi, zhemaichu, zeppelin.
- Latvia.
It is not for nothing that this country is called the pearl of the Baltic states. Latvia is beautiful with the ancient architecture of Riki, the endless beaches of Jurmala, you can even take part in one of the many festivals. To listen classical music, you can visit The Dome Cathedral; and from the platforms of St. Peter's Church, a beautiful panorama opens up, where the whole Old city as if on the palm of your hand. An amazing region that delights with pine forests, expanses of fields and the wondrous charm of nature - nothing can leave you indifferent! Be sure to try in a local cafe: Janov cheese, bubert, zivju pudiņš.
- Estonia.
The country is distinguished by its unique regularity. And regularity reigns everywhere here. The people are practical, calm, and reasonable, which is why tourists think that Estonia is a mysterious country. Here you can admire ancient castles, stroll along narrow medieval streets, visit the island of Saarem and walk along the wide avenue of Tallinn. Of course, for connoisseurs natural beauty I'll really like it here. Moreover, Estonia is exactly the country in which you can see everything at once: small bright cafes, cozy streets, fashionable hotels, cobblestone streets, ancient temples, estates and castles and magnificent nature. Be sure to try at a local cafe: sweet soup, vere pakeogid, muligikapsa.
SOUVENIRS
Having rested in the Baltics, you can bring knitted items from there, such as a scarf, mittens, socks or a hat. The Baltics are rich in souvenir sweets, amber products and cosmetics. The products will not leave you indifferent self made: toys, knives, dishes. Dishes made from juniper look especially beautiful and unusual, which has a very pleasant sweetish smell. Such dishes are business card Saarem.
KITCHEN RESTAURANTS
It would seem that Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia are neighboring countries, but at the same time, their National dishes, and their customs, are very different.
- Estonia.
Estonian cuisine is characterized by widespread use milk and herring. Both components are included in many dishes. There are over twenty recipes for soups alone; blueberry soup, barley soup, dumpling soup, bread soup, beer soup and so on. Herring is caught in huge quantities off the coast of Estonia, and then it is pickled, fried, boiled, stewed, baked... But the most delicious dish made from herring is the sauce that is served with potatoes.
- Latvia.
A country that loves potatoes! Latvians prepare it with eggs, herring, beets, herring... It is added to soups, salads, side dishes... And you can try many different potato dishes in local cafes.
- Lithuania.
Potatoes are even more popular in this country than in Latvia. Along with the most common meat - pork, Lithuanians prepare many delicious dishes. There are hymns and odes to potatoes here, and how many things can be prepared from them. For example: zhemaichu are potato pancakes with meat; vedorei is pork intestine stuffed with bacon and grated potatoes; Ploksteinis is a potato pudding. Well, the most delicious thing is zeppelinai, zeppelins - dumplings with cone-shaped potatoes. And it seemed that it was complicated, there were only two ingredients - potatoes and pork, but it was very difficult to prepare them. And the Lithuanians were able to conquer the whole world with zeppelins! In the old days, when there were no electric graters and meat grinders, the men of a large Lithuanian family vigorously grated small potatoes, and the women kneaded potato dough - there was something family-like, cozy, warm and welcoming about it.
HOW TO SAVE?
The Baltics are a vacation for those who want to save money. The rules of saving are traditional. It is best to book accommodation as needed, and not for the entire duration of your holiday, so as not to deprive yourself of freedom to move.
Most The best way save money - exchange housing. For example, after talking with tourists from neighboring country who are also on vacation and are planning to move, for example, from Estonia to Latvia or vice versa. But this method of exchange must be free of charge.
If you want to travel a lot and often, then it is better to do it at night. This way you can see more and save on accommodation and more places visit. An experienced tourist, as a rule, does not need much: glasses for sleeping, silence, comfortable spot for sleep.
If you travel with a whole group, then the payment for housing will cost a meager amount.
The best savings is to buy ingredients and cook them yourself. Or, look for authentic restaurants and cafes that are located far from the tourist spot.
SAFETY
Latvia - calm country, where you can move around without fear, day or night, with the exception of ports, “ flea markets"and train stations. In Riga and Jurmala, you can safely drink water straight from the tap. In other areas, it is better to boil or filter the water.
Estonia. Lithuania.
Also, low level crime, and yet, no one is ever immune from surprises, so it is better to follow the usual security measures.