Explanation: If one looks at the map of the Baltic Sea and the countries surrounding it, it can be seen that the strategic position of the Baltic Sea is such that it connects the surrounding countries, forming a network of trade routes. These are Scandinavian countries but some of the Central European countries such as Germany and Poland, as well as the countries of Northeast Europe bordering Russia. Each of these states has strategically important ports in the Baltic Sea, and all together docked are extremely important maritime routes, similar to the ports in the countries surrounding the Mediterranean.