Pronunciation: [bˈɒlʃə] (IPA) 
The word "Baltia" is often misspelled as "Baltic", however, the correct spelling is with an "a". In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled as /bæl.ti.ə/. It is important to note that the "i" in the first syllable is pronounced as a short "i" sound, as in "bit". The "tia" ending is pronounced as "shuh". Baltia refers to a region in Northeast Europe that includes Baltic states such as Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
"Baltia" is a term primarily associated with the Baltic region, consisting of the countries Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, situated in Northern Europe. The word can be traced back to the Latin term "Balticus" or "mare Balticum," referring to the Baltic Sea. "Baltia" is often used to denote the collective cultural, historical, and geographical aspects relating to this region.
In a broader sense, "Baltia" can also refer to the wider community of Baltic-speaking peoples who inhabit not only Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania but also the neighboring areas, such as Kaliningrad Oblast (Russia) and parts of Poland and Belarus. This definition highlights the shared linguistic and cultural heritage among these nations.
The term "Baltia" encompassesthe numerous historical events, including the medieval Hanseatic League's significant trade presence in the Baltic Sea region. It further encompasses the era of Soviet occupation during the 20th century and the subsequent struggle for independence and the establishment of sovereign, democratic nations in the 1990s.
Overall, "Baltia" is a concept that highlights the geopolitical, ethnic, linguistic, historical, and cultural characteristics shared by the Baltic countries and their neighboring communities. It signifies the unity and diversity of the Baltic region, acknowledging the historical connections and current collaborations that shape the collective identity of this distinctive part of Northern Europe.
