 
Latvia
Population
2,245,000 peopleCapital
RigaCurrency
LatMap of Latvia
 
Area in square kilometers
64,589 km2   Location of  Latvia  (dark green)– on the European continent  (green & dark grey)– in the European Union  (green)  —  
   Location of Latvia (dark green)
   – on the European continent (green & dark grey)
   – in the European Union (green) — 
    1 Latvia is de jure continuous with its declaration November 18, 1918.
   Latvia (Listeni /ˈlætviə/; Latvian: Latvija), officially the Republic
   of Latvia (Latvian: Latvijas Republika), is a country in the Baltic
   region of Northern Europe.
    The territory of Latvia covers 64,589 km2 (24,938 sq mi) and it has a
   temperate seasonal climate.
   The Latvians are Baltic people culturally related to the Estonians and
   Lithuanians, with the Latvian language having many similarities with
   Lithuanian, but not with the Estonian language (a Finnic language).
    Latvian lat (LVL)
   Area
   64,589 sq km
   Population
   2,223,000 (October 2009 est.
    Latvia (Latvija)  is a European state which is situated on the
   coast of Baltic Sea.
    Latvia is a famous ancient trading point. The famous ‘route from the
   Vikings to the Greeks’ mentioned in ancient chronicles stretched from
   Scandinavia through Latvian territory along the river Daugava to the
   Kievan Rus and Byzantine Empire.
    Fireworks above Freedom's Monument in Riga, Latvia mark anniversary of Latvia's 1918 independence proclamation. November 18, 2002. 
   Fireworks above Freedom's Monument in Riga, Latvia mark anniversary of
   Latvia's 1918 independence proclamation. November 18, 2002. 
   Stay Connected with State.
    Latvia reflects the strong cultural and religious influences of
   centuries-long Germanic and Scandinavian colonization and settlement.
   Eastern Latvia (Latgale) retains strong Polish and Russian cultural
   influences. This highly literate society places a strong emphasis upon
   education, which is free and compulsory until age 16.
    ethnic Latvians in Latvia from 73% to 52%.
    Latvian republic emerged following World War I, but it was annexed by
   the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US and many other
   countries. Latvia reestablished its independence in 1991 following the
   breakup of the Soviet Union.
  Latvia joined both NATO and the EU in
   the spring of 2004.
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   Geography ::Latvia
   Location:
   Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
    8 sq kmnote: land in Latvia is often too wet and in need of drainage
   not irrigation; approximately 16,000 sq km or 85% of agricultural land
   has been improved by drainage (2008)
   Total renewable water resources:
   Field info displayed for all countries in 
    Map of LatviaMap of Latvia
   President: Valdis Zatlers (2007)
   Prime Minister: Valdis Dombrovskis (2009)
   Land area: 24,903 sq mi (64,500 sq km); total area: 24,938 sq mi
   (64,589 sq km)
   Population (2010 est.
  Latvia Main Page
     2. Latvia Declares Independence and Seeks to Protect Its Ethnic
       Identity
     3.
    Latvia borders Estonia in the north, Lithuania in the south, the
   Baltic Sea with the Gulf of Riga in the west, Russia in the east, and
   Belarus in the southeast. Latvia is largely a fertile lowland with
   numerous lakes and hills to the east.
    LatviaCountry Specific Information
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     * Country Description
   
    COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Latvia is a stable democracy with a developing
   economy.
    Notes on Latvia for additional information.
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   SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP) / EMBASSY LOCATION: If you
   are going to live in or visit Latvia, please take the time to tell our
   embassy about your trip.
    A child of the collapse of the USSR in the early 90s, Latvia is unique
   among its Soviet-siblings for the large proportion of Russians in its
   population (estimated around 30%).
    It is not surprising, then, that Latvian tourism has been relatively
   slow to pick up. Latvia does not boast breathtaking scenery; the charm
   of Latvia is more subtle than that.
    The history of Latvia in ancient times is not much different from
   other countries in the Baltic region. After the last Ice age
   settlements of several tribes began to emerge. Several tribes lived in
   the region. In the Middle ages Latvia was conquered by the Livonions.
          * Latvia for You!
         * Medical tourism
     * Destinations
         * Riga
         * Jurmala
   
    For travellers, the best thing about Latvia is that it is so compact.
   Its 500 km of sandy beaches are easily reached from historical towns,
   where medieval hanseatic foundations support baroque and art nouveau
   buildings, that become venues for cultural festivals during the
   summer.
  With such a variety, Latvia is best enjoyed slowly.
  Latvia was admitted to the North Atlantic Treaty
   Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU) in 2004. The capital
   and chief city is Riga.
    Latvia is essentially an undulating plain, with fairly flat lowlands
   alternating with hills. The eastern part of the country is more
   elevated, its most prominent feature being the Central Vidzeme Upland,
   which reaches a maximum elevation of 1,020 feet (311 metres).
    Latvia contains a multitude of rivers that drain into the Baltic Sea.
   The largest are the Western Dvina, locally called the Daugava (with a
   total length of 222 miles  in Latvia), the Gauja (Russian:
   Gauya), the Venta, and the Lielupe.
    Latvian Government Information
     * Bank of Latvia
     * Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia
     * Central Election Commission
     * Chancery of the President of Latvia
 
          * Latvian National Commission for UNESCO
           National office for Latvia.
      * Embassy of Latvia in Washington, DC
       Diplomatic representation of Latvia in the United States.
     * Embassy of the United States in Riga,Latvia
       Diplomatic representation of the U.S. in Latvia.
    Location of Latvia Location of Latvia (dark green)
   – on the European continent (light green & dark grey)
   – in the European Union (light green) — 
   Capital
   (and largest city)
   Riga
   
    1 Latvia is continuous with the first republic.
   2 Secession from Soviet Union begun.
   3 Also .eu, shared with other European Union member states.
  The territory of Latvia covers 64,589 km² and is
   influenced by a temperate seasonal climate.
   The Latvians are a Baltic people closely related to the Lithuanians,
   with the Latvian language sharing many similarities to Lithuanian.
    Latvia, addresses of Latvian and foreign embassies, domestic airlines,
   city- and country guides with extensive travel and tourism information
   on accommodation, tourist attractions, events and more like weather
   information, maps, statistics and local newspapers from Latvia.
    Latvia was annexed by the USSR in 1940. It reestablished its
   independence in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union.
  Latvia continues to revamp its economy for eventual
   integration into various Western European political and economic
   institutions. Since May 2004 Latvia is a member of the European Union.
    stalwart old-Soviet image, the Latvia of today is vibrant, enigmatic
   and altogether mesmerising. Refreshingly unpretentious, Latvia manages
   to tantalise even the most jaded traveller. Many arrive expecting
   little and leave overwhelmed, certain they've uncovered long-buried
   treasure.
    Latvia is still one of those places where you can embrace the unbeaten
   path and become an intrepid adventurer exploring virgin terrain.
    intense suffering under Soviet and Nazi occupations, Latvia has a
   serenity and charm rarely found elsewhere in Europe.
   This is Latvia's moment. Visit before everyone else does.
      * Latvia - Coat of Arms
     * Latvia - President and Prime Minister Flags
     * Latvia - Military Flags
     * Latvia - Naval Flags
     * Latvia - Military and Naval 
      * Latvia - House Flags of Latvian Shipping Companies
     * Latvia - Sport Flags
     * Latvia - Flags of High-Education Institutions
     * Latvia - Flag Proposals
     * Latvia - Flaggenbuch Era Flags
      * Latvia in the Soviet Union
     * Baltic Duchy (1918)
     * Courland
     * Latvia - Municipalities
     * Latgalia People
     * Livonia People
    Location of Latvia Location of Latvia (orange)
   – on the European continent (camel white)
   – in the European Union (camel) 
   Capital
   Riga
   56°57′N 24°6′E
   Largest city
   capital
    Republic of Latvia (Latvian: Latvija or Latvijas Republika), is a
   country in Northern Europe. Latvia shares land borders with Estonia to
   the north and Lithuania to the south – and both Russia and Belarus to
   the east. It is separated from Sweden in the west by the Baltic Sea.
  Across the European continent, Latvia's coast was known as a
   place for obtaining amber. Up to and into the Middle Ages amber was
   more valuable than gold in many places. Latvian amber was known in
   places as far away as Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire.
    map of Latvia locator map of LatviaClose European Countries
     * Albania
     * Andorra
     * Armenia
     * Austria
     * Azerbaijan
     * 
     print this map print this map Latvia description
   1 | 2 Description (Page 1)
   The Baltic Sea areas of what is now called Latvia were first settled
   in 3000 BC, and over centuries of time trade routes developed across
   parts of Europe, and beyond.
    end Russia was the victor and Latvia, as well as Estonia were now in
   Russian hands.
   The result was a human tragedy for Latvia.
    Latvian Football Federation
   Confederation
   UEFA
   Head coach
   Aleksandrs Starkovs
   Captain
   Kaspars Gorkšs
   Most caps
   Vitālijs Astafjevs (167)
   
    The Latvian national football team (Latvian: Valstsvienība) is
   controlled by the Latvian Football Federation, the governing body for
   football in Latvia and represents the country in international
   football competitions, such as World Cup and the European
   Championships.
    Latvia played their first match in 1922, a game against Estonia; the
   result was a 1–1 draw. Latvia are the only Baltic team that has
   qualified for a European Championship and have won the Baltic Cup 19
   times.
    The Republic of Latvia, formerly of the Soviet Union, is divided into
   four regions. What is now Kurzeme and Zemgale in the western half of
   the country used to be Kurland (Courland). Vidzeme contains the
   capital, Riga, and extends northeast and borders Estonia.
    The origins of Latvian Jews lie in Livonia and Courland, which are
   located on the coast of the Baltic Sea.
    the national movement in Latvia, which saw them as foreigners.
   Courland
   Boasting the oldest Jewish community in Latvia, Courland was made up
   of two separate realms, Piltene (Pilten) and Courland.
    is Russian Orthodox, and Eastern Latvia is predominantly Roman
   Catholic.
 of ethnic Latvians in Latvia from 73%
   to 52%.
 the Latvian language in order to become a
   citizen. Such legislation has caused concern among many non-citizen
   resident Russians, despite Latvian legal guarantees of universal human
   and civil rights regardless of citizenship.
    Latvia is one of the Baltic States, located on the Baltic Sea. It
   borders Russia, Estonia and Lithuania.
  Latvia has a
   negative population growth rate, meaning that the number of people in
   the country is getting smaller each year.
   Its capital is Riga, which is on the coast of the Baltic Sea opposite
   Sweden.
    Latvian people and the official language of the country. It is an
   inflective language with several analytical forms, three dialects, and
   German syntactical influence. The oldest known examples of written
   Latvian are from a 1585 catechism.
    SearchesMap of latviaLatvia cultureLatvia countryHistory of latviaLocation
   of latviaLatvia lifeFacts about latviaPhysical map of latvi...Latvia
   flagLatvia religionInteresting facts abo...Riga latvia Nearby Wordslattice-leaveslattice-parameterlattice-pointslattice-worklatticeleaflatticeleaveslatticelikelatticeworklatticinilatticiniolattimorelattimore,
   owenlatumlatuslatus rectumlatus-rectumlatvialatvianlatvian monetary
   unitlatvijalaulau laulau-laulauanlaud, williamlaudalauda'bilitylaudabilitylaudable
   puslaudablylaudanidinelaudaninelaudanosine   Did
   you know: Pakistan, Afghanistan.
    latvia pronunciation /ˈlæt vi ə, ˈlɑt-/  Show Spelled  Show IPA –noun a republic in N europe, on the Baltic, S
   of Estonia, an independent state 1918–40; annexed by the Soviet Union
   1940; regained independence 1991. 2,437,649; 25,395 sq. mi. (63,700
   sq.
  Use latvia in a SentenceSee images of latviaSearch
   latvia on the WebLatvian, Lat·vi·ja latvia pronunciation /ˈlɑt vɪˌyɑ/
    Show Spelled  Show IPA. Dictionary.com
   Unabridged
   Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2011.
    Latvia is one of Northern Europe's most exciting places hidden away
   from the world's view for over half a century by the Soviet
   occupation. Prior to the occupation, Latvia was one of the most
   dynamic parts of Europe with exciting possibilities.
    collapse of the Soviet system, Latvia is struggling to regain its
   strength and place in the world.
    the Latvian people with the respect that they deserve.
   Outside of Riga, be prepared to step back into history as the
   infrastructure in most parts is not yet developed as that in Riga. Be
   patient and understanding and you will have a remarkable experience.
    The history of Latvia is best described as a troubled whirlwind of
   fierce struggle and downright rebellion.
    The Latvians and Lithuanians are the two surviving peoples of the Balt
   branch of the Indo-European ethnolinguistic group. The Balts are
   thought to have spread into the southeastern Baltic area around 2000
   BC from the region that is now Belarus and neighbouring parts of
   Russia.
    The Latvians are descended from those tribes who settled in the
   territory of modern Latvia, such as the Letts (or Latgals), the
   Selonians, the Semigallians and the Cours. The Latgals, Semigallians
   and Cours gave their names to Latvian regions: Latgale, Zemgale and
   Kurzeme.
    The capital and largest city of Latvia on the Gulf of Riga, an inlet
   of the Baltic Sea bordering on Latvia and Estonia.
    Latvia from 1918 to 1940 but was thereafter incorporated into the
   U.S.S.R. Riga again became the capital of an independent Latvia in
   1991. It is a principal Baltic port and a major administrative,
   cultural, and industrial centre.
  901,700), capital of Latvia, on the Daugava
   (Western Dvina) River near its entry into the Gulf of Riga. A major
   Baltic port, it is also a rail junction, a military base, and an
   industrial and cultural center.
      *  China Latvia Communique on Establishment of Diplomatic Relations
     * Constitution of Latvia
   D 
     * Dievs, svētī Latviju!
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