The BALTIC SEA is a large body of water located in Northern Europe, bordered by Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Russia. It is connected to the North SEA by the Kattegat and Skagerrak straits. The term 'BALTIC' is derived from the name of the BALTIC tribe, which inhabited the area around the SEA during the Iron Age. The BALTIC SEA is an important source of fish and other marine life, and is also a popular destination for recreational activities such as sailing and swimming.