Blinging, dull and diplomatic…welcome to the Baltics
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So far our mini-series on European stereotypes has introduced us to, among others, the Italian fashion police, the reserved Finns, the devious Welsh and the imperialistic English. But what about the Baltic states? Are the Estonians, Latvians and Lithuanians different or are they all just Baltics?
If Europe knows one thing about the Baltic people it is that they love a good song and dance. Estonia won Eurovision in 2001 before their southern neighbours Latvia usurped the crown in 2002. But besides this keen interest in camp European pop music, they really are not that much alike.
The man charged with promoting Latvia’s image abroad is the head of the Latvian Institute, Ojars Kalnins. He claims the Latvians are the most diplomatic of their neighbours and that the further north you go from Lithuania to Estonia, the colder both the weather and the people get.
“If we look upon the Estonians as being very aloof, Nordic and reserved in their emotions, and the Lithuanians more passionate and more southern, then [Latvians] are right in between,” he told Euranet’s Damien McGuinness.
The southern Lithuanians are more emotional and communicative, according to Lithuanian native Lili Klim.
You can even spot the difference between Latvians, Estonians and Lithuanians by what they are wearing. “Estonians are quieter, their wardrobe would be in quieter colours, which is the opposite to Lithuanians who love bright yellows and bright colours. Actually you can see the difference in the flags, and that reflects in their houses, their style and their architecture,” says Biruta Jakovleva from Latvia.
Another, not so complimentary, stereotype is that the Estonians are dependable, but not the sharpest knives in the drawer. However, most Estonians will be quick to point out that theirs is the best performing economy of the three.
So it turns out there are many differences between the Baltic peoples. How can you spot them? Well, the trendy ones are the Lithuanians, the people wearing the boring clothes, but driving the expensive cars are the Estonians, and the Latvians…well, they’re the other ones!
For more in our series on European stereotypes see:
European stereotypes: Don't mention the wars!
When in Rome... Italians' views on their less stylish neighbours
A Dane, a Swede and a Finn walk into a bar...
