GULF OF FINLAND

CURRENT CONTEXT : Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonia’s airspace over the Gulf of Finland and stayed for 12 minutes, escalating tensions with NATO.

ABOUT GULF OF FINLAND

• Easternmost extension of the Baltic Sea
• Area: 30,000 sq. km; Length: 400 km (E-W); Width: 19–130 km
• Borders: Finland (north), Russia (east), Estonia (south)
• Major cities: Helsinki, Tallinn, St. Petersburg
• Physical features:
  • depth: 38 m (shallow)
  • Low salinity (6 ppt); freezes 3–5 months in winter
  • Receives Neva and Narva rivers, Saimaa Canal
• Climate: Humid continental (hot summers, harsh winters)
• Islands: Kotlin (Kronstadt city), Beryozovye, Lisiy, Maly Vysotsky