Baltic States: Tech Hubs, Unique Cuisine, and Strong Support for Ukraine

The Baltic States: A Surprising Blend of Tech, Tradition, and Solidarity The Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania often get overlooked, but a recent TikTok video by travel vlogger Max Klymenko highlights the region's unique character. Klymenko's journey reveals a dynamic region with a thriving tech scene, a rich culinary heritage, and a strong stance on geopolitical issues. Klymenko's video showcases the surprising number of globally successful tech companies originating from this small region. He mentions NordVPN and Vinted as examples of Lithuanian and Estonian success stories, respectively. This contrasts with the absence of Starbucks, a phenomenon he attributes to the success of local coffee chains that offer cheaper prices and adapt to local tastes. "They offer cheaper prices, they adapt to local flavors, and they also give a sense of national pride," Klymenko explains. Beyond tech, Klymenko explores the local cuisine, sampling traditional dishes like cold borscht and kepta duona. He also highlights the strong support for Ukraine, noting the numerous Ukrainian flags displayed throughout the region. This support, Klymenko suggests, reflects the Baltics' rapid move to cut off Russian energy sources and ban Russian citizens from entering their countries. Finally, Klymenko notes the fascinating linguistic differences between the three countries, emphasizing that they are completely mutually unintelligible. This unique aspect of Baltic culture adds another layer to the region's captivating identity. The video concludes with a reflection on the Baltics' resilience and unique cultural identity, making it a compelling story for a broader audience.