North Carolina

The state of North Carolina is home to about 16,000 people with Baltic heritage, mostly based in Charlotte and Raleigh. The majority of Baltic immigrants moved to North Carolina after World War II as displaced persons, though people of Baltic descent are still moving to Raleigh today for opportunities in the local tech sector.

Culture

The Estonian American Association of the Carolinas holds frequent gatherings celebrating Estonian Independence Day and Midsummer festivities. Famous Estonian-Americans in North Carolina include the husband of North Carolina's Lieutenant Governor, UNC basketball team’s center Henri Veesaar, and two-time Olympic swimmer Eneli Jefimova (who is a member of the North Carolina State women’s swim team).

About 2,000 people of Latvian descent live in North Carolina. The Carolina Latvian Association hosts regular gatherings marking Latvian Independence Day and Midsummer celebrations.

As the largest of the three communities, Lithuanians operate the Baltic Lithuanian School in Charlotte, which started the 2024–2025 school year with a record high number of students, reflecting a growing influx of Lithuanian heritage residents. Durham is home to Brothers Vilgalys Spirits, a small Lithuanian-owned distillery sharing traditional krupnikas with the local community.

Diplomacy

Estonia has established an honorary consulate in Hickory, which hosted Estonian Ambassador Kristjan Prikk in 2024.

Economics

Baltic businesses have invested in North Carolina, opening physical branches and employing Americans in the state. A Lithuanian furniture manufacturer, SBA Home, announced at the end of last year that it will open a facility in Mocksville, representing $70 million in investments and an expected 250 jobs by the end of 2029. NordVPN, Windak, and Printful (which are from Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia, respectively) have offices based in North Carolina. Printful was the first Latvia-based company to reach a valuation of over $1 billion, has one of its US offices in Steele Point Industrial Park, Charlotte, and employs more than 200 people. Additionally, North Carolina businesses have been expanding into the Baltics. CommScope, a telecommunications business established in North Carolina, has a partnership with Estonian company Telegrupp.

The Agency Marketing Group, based in Charlotte, has hosted many participants from the Baltic American Freedom Foundation's Professional Internship Program (BAFF); the group's clients include businesses headquartered in Charlotte and elsewhere in North Carolina, and young BAFF professionals have played a significant role in marketing in Asheville and surrounding areas.