Baltic refers to the Baltic Sea, a large body of water in Northern Europe, and to the countries that border it. The Baltic Sea sits between Scandinavia and the countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, which are often called the Baltic states or Baltic countries.

The Baltic Sea is unusual because it contains much less salt than most ocean water. Rivers flowing into it from the surrounding land dilute the seawater, making it only about one-third as salty as typical ocean water. This lower salinity affects what fish and plants can live there.

During the Cold War, when the Soviet Union controlled much of Eastern Europe, the Baltic states were under Soviet rule. After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania became independent countries again, and they eventually joined NATO and the European Union.

When you hear about Baltic languages or Baltic culture, it refers to the distinctive languages and traditions of this region.