Which gulf lies between Estonia and Finland and includes Helsinki on its northern shore?

Which gulf lies between Estonia and Finland and includes Helsinki on its northern shore? The answer is the Gulf of Finland.

The Gulf of Finland is the easternmost arm of the Baltic Sea. Finland forms its northern shore, Estonia its southern shore, and the gulf narrows eastward toward Saint Petersburg, where the Neva River flows into it. Helsinki is on the northern coast, while Tallinn is on the southern coast, making the waterway an important link between the two capitals.

The gulf is about 400 kilometres long, has an area of roughly 30,000 square kilometres and reaches a maximum depth of about 115 metres. Its shallow waters can freeze in winter, especially toward the eastern end. Ports, ferries, fishing grounds and major shipping routes have made it economically and strategically important for centuries.

A common mix-up is the Gulf of Riga, which lies south of the Gulf of Finland and is separated from it by Estonia’s western coastline and islands. The Gulf of Bothnia lies west of Finland between Finland and Sweden. Helsinki’s position on the northern shore specifically identifies the Gulf of Finland.