The Baltic Sea

The Baltic Sea is a sea in the north of Europe. It is not as salty as most seas. Nine countries have coasts on its shores. In the winter, parts of the Baltic Sea can freeze over with ice.

A Special Sea

The Baltic Sea is different from other seas. It has less salt because many rivers flow into it with fresh water. This makes it brackish, which means a mix of fresh and salty. The sea is also quite shallow compared to oceans. Ships must be careful when they sail through it.

Countries Around It

Many countries touch the Baltic Sea. These include Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, Poland, Germany, and Denmark. People in these countries often fish in the sea. Ferries travel between the countries across the water. The Baltic has been important for trade for hundreds of years.

Fun Facts

• The Baltic Sea has about 20 kinds of fish, which is less than most seas.
• Amber, a beautiful yellow stone, washes up on Baltic beaches.
• The sea covers about 145,000 square miles.

Did You Know?

The Baltic Sea is so cold and still that ships from hundreds of years ago have been found on the bottom in great shape.