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Baltic Sea

Body of water

About

The Baltic Sea is a unique and significant body of water located in Northern Europe. It stretches from 53°N to 66°N latitude and from 10°E to 30°E longitude, covering an area of approximately 415,000 square kilometers. The sea is enclosed by Sweden and Denmark to the west, Finland to the northeast, and the Baltic countries to the southeast. It is a brackish sea, with limited water exchange due to its narrow and shallow connections to the Atlantic Ocean. The Baltic Sea's average depth is about 54 meters, with a maximum depth of 459 meters. Its salinity varies significantly, ranging from 2‰ in the Bothnian Bay to 20‰ in the Danish straits. The sea's ecosystem is vulnerable to environmental challenges, including pollution and overfishing. Despite these issues, the Baltic Sea remains a vital habitat for diverse marine life and plays a crucial role in regional climate and hydrology. Its unique characteristics make it an important area for scientific study and conservation efforts.