Latvia Facts
Facts about Latvia
What is the Capital of Latvia?
What is the Total Area of Latvia?
land: 63,589 sq km water: 1,000 sq km
What is the Population of Latvia?
2,245,423 (July 2008 est.)
What are the Languages of Latvia?
Latvian (official) 58.2%, Russian 37.5%, Lithuanian and other 4.3% (2000 census)
Literacy rates in Latvia
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.8% male: 99.8% female: 99.8% (2003 est.)
Religions of Latvia
Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Russian Orthodox
Life Expectancy in Latvia
total population: 79.68 years
male: 76.75 years female: 82.81 years (2005 est.)
Latvia Government Type
Currency in Latvia
GDP (per capita) in Latvia
purchasing power parity - $11,500 (2004 est.)
Labour Force in Latvia
$3.569 billion f.o.b. (2004 est.)
$5.97 billion f.o.b. (2004 est.)
peat, limestone, dolomite, amber, hydropower, wood, arable land
Telephones (main lines in use)
Telephones (mobile cellular)
56.9496° N, 24.1040° E
Riga, Coordinates
Not much more than a decade after it declared independence following the collapse of the USSR, Latvia was welcomed as an EU member in May 2004. The move came just weeks after it joined Nato. These developments would have been extremely hard to imagine in not-so-distant Soviet times.
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AT-A-GLANCE
Politics: Latvia regained its independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and has enjoyed stability ever since. Presence of a large ethnic Russian minority is a sensitive issue
Economy: Latvia made a rapid transformation to a market economy after independence
International: Latvia is a member of the European Union and Nato.
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For centuries Latvia was primarily an agricultural country, with seafaring, fishing and forestry as other important factors in its economy.
Latvia was under foreign dominion from the 13th until the 20th century. After the first world war it declared independence which Russia recognised in 1920.
Two decades later, following a pact between Stalin and Hitler, Soviet troops invaded in 1940 and Latvia was absorbed into the Soviet Union. Nazi forces pushed the Soviets back in 1941 but the Red Army returned in 1944 and remained for half a century.
During the Soviet period, which ended in 1991, Latvia underwent heavy industrialisation, and experienced a big influx of immigrants from other parts of the USSR, mainly Russia.
About a quarter of the population is Russian-speaking and the rights of this section of society have been a thorny issue since independence. Government reforms introduced in 2004 to restrict the use of the Russian language in schools remain controversial.
Legislation on citizenship was toughened up in 2006. Candidates who fail a Latvian language test three times will be denied citizenship. People without citizenship are entitled neither to vote nor to obtain an EU passport.
Like its Baltic neighbours, in the decade after independence Latvia made a rapid transformation to embrace the free market.
Latvia's economy grew by 50% between 2004 and 2007 but the global financial crisis of 2008-9 hit the country hard, and the former Baltic tiger endured one of the worst recessions in the EU.
The social turmoil triggered by the financial crisis led to the fall of the Godmanis government in February 2009. By January 2010, unemployment had soared to 20%, prompting fears of further political instability
- Full name:Republic of Latvia
- Population: 2.2 million (UN, 2011)
- Capital: Riga
- Area: 64,589 sq km (24,938 sq miles)
- Major languages: Latvian, Russian
- Major religion: Christianity
- Life expectancy: 69 years (men), 79 years (women) (UN)
- Monetary unit: 1 lats = 100 santims
- Main exports: Timber and wood products, fish and fish products
- GNI per capita: US $11,620 (World Bank, 2010)
- Internet domain: .lv
- International dialling code: + 371
f you're yearning to hit Europe's untrodden jackpot, cash in your chips in Latvia (Latvija). Still undiscovered by the tourism masses, this sizzling Baltic sexpot is poised to become the continent's next A-list star. A country in transition, hellbent on shedding its 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.Bustling Rīga, with its pumping nightlife, cobbled streets and marvellous art-nouveau architecture is one of Eastern Europe's most fun cities. Away from the capital, the pace slows. Historic villages, miles from anywhere, sit frozen in time. Despite growing popularity, Latvia is still one of those places where you can embrace the unbeaten path and become an intrepid adventurer exploring virgin terrain. From crumbling castles in Sigulda, to Jūrmala and its alluring resorts on the edge of the ice-blue Baltic Sea, it's very easy to just get away. Summer is an especially magical time - twilight comes near midnight and by 4am it's light again. After long, dark winters, Latvians seem determined to soak up as much light as possible and the whole country exudes a frenetic, turbocharged energy. Beer gardens pop up in even the smallest villages and revellers slug pints well into the night. Its natural offerings are also a drawcard, like Gauja National Park in Eastern Latvia, a pine-scented paradise.
It's hard to believe this tiny, vivacious nation shed its Russian stranglehold less than two decades ago because, despite years of 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 is a famous ancient trading point. The famous route from the Vikings to the Greeks’ mentioned in ancient chronicles stretched fromScandinavia through Latvian territory along the river Daugava to the Kievan Rus and Byzantine Empire. Across the European continent, Latvia’s coast was known as a place for obtaining amber. In 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. In the 12th century, German traders arrived, bringing with them missionaries who attempted to convert the pagan Finno-Ugric and Baltic tribes to the Christian faith. The Germans founded Rīga in 1201, establishing it as the largest and most powerful city on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. After independence in 1918, Latvia achieved considerable results in social development, economy, industry and agriculture. It has always been a multicultural melting point, where foreigners and locals worked together and brought prosperity to the country. On June 16, 1940, Vyacheslav Molotov presented the Latvian representative in Moscow with an ultimatum accusing Latvia of violations of that pact, and on June 17 Soviet forces occupied the country. Elections for a "People's Saeima" were held, and a puppet government headed by Augusts Kirhenšteins led Latvia into the USSR. The annexation was formalized on August 5, 1940. During the time of the Iron Curtain, Latvia was a province of the Soviet Union, but the concentration of heavy industry was enormous. Contacts with the West were regulated. The Baltic region had the reputation of being the most urbanized and having the highest literacy rate in the Soviet Union. Latvia gained independence on September 6, 1991. Between 1991 and 2007 the country saw unprecedented economic growth. However, the global recession and the banking crisis hit Latvia brutally, and severe economic contraction and destructively high unemployment have returned.
Because of a tribal past and divisions between occupying nations, there are regional differences between parts of Latvia which are interesting to explore.
[edit]Climate
The best time to travel to Latvia is from June to mid September, when it is warm and plenty of local food is available. January and February are the coldest months. October and November have autumn rains and daylight is short.
[edit]Geography
Half of Latvia is covered with forests which are rich with wildlife. There are many lakes, especially if you go to Latgale region. There are deep river valleys with some sections having sand cliffs on their banks. Heavy industry halted a long time ago, so most places are ecologically clean.
The highest point in Latvia is Gaizinkalns [2], at 312m (1,023ft) above sea level, just west of the town of Madona.
[edit]Regions
There are some cultural and social differences between regions, for example, traditional dress is different from region to region. The Latgale region has its own unique culture and language - Latgalian.
Statue of Rolands, Riga Old Town
- Riga - the capital city with more than 800 years old history, with the popular holiday suburb ofJūrmala right by
- Daugavpils - second biggest city in Latvia. Features many factories and other industries.
- Jurmala
- Kuldīga - Kuldīga is the pearl of Kurzeme, Latvia's western region.
- Liepaja - city of music on the Baltic sea coast, which is always windy. Latvians believe that the wind starts in the city; and well-known Latvian musicians come from there. There is a very interesting former secret military town called Karosta, between a lake and the sea. One of the world's largest pipe organs. Famous summer event Baltic Beach Party in July. Fantastic unspoilt, white, soft sandy beach.
- Madona - a small scenic town in eastern Vidzeme, surrounded by hills, forests and lakes, capital of winter sports.
- Sigulda - popular town with many interesting castles and historic places. Most popular attraction outside Riga for foreign tourists.
- Valka
- Ventspils - hosts one of busiest ports in Europe. It is possible to observe incoming ships.
Do
Bridge over Venta in Kuldiga
There are a lot of possibilities to practice winter sports - snowboarding, cross country skiing, downhill skiing etc. Ramkalni [26], Baili [27], Zviedru Cepure [28]. Some of slopes are open till late night. Usually need car to access.
- New Year eve: most locals celebrate with their family, but there's a chance to see something on streets as well. Traditional food includes stewed peas that symbolize tears: eating peas you leave all tears in a year behind.
- International Ice Sculpture Festival in Jelgava, February
- International Festival of Cartoons - Bimini in Riga, March
As rivers get more water from melting snow, kayaking down the river is one of the favorite past times for young people. It usually gets warmer after Easter.
- Easter - usually something is going on in town centers. Experience traditional Easter celebrations with swings and egg fight. Perfect time of the year to "indulge" in traditional balzams - a high alcohol content liqueur, and for cultural pursuits such as seeing the amazing Riga Opera.
- International Baltic Balet Festival [29] in April/May.
- Days of Art in Cesis, April
- European Undertaking “Museum Night” all over Latvia, in May.
- riga good times event during the last week of jun and beginning july organized by riga couchsurfing community
Latvian Song and Dance Festival
One of the key cultural events in Latvia, which started back in 1873 as a singing festival. Now the festival involves live performances of various choirs, folk dance groups, brass bands etc. Competitions, exibitions, concerts, parades and joint concerts are some of the cultural events. Riga is full with people wearing traditional costumes and cheerful people from all Latvia. It is held once in five years. The last Latvian Song and Dance Festival [30] took place from 6th to 12th July, 2008 in Riga. |
- Jani - on the June 24th, Latvians celebrate the ancient midsummer festival called - Jani. Before that Jani flea markets are held in major towns.
- Country music festival [31] - held annually in Bauska, around middle July for 2 days. European and US country musicans. Camping on the site possible.
- Saulkrasti Jazz [32] - yearly jazz festival, which is held at the end of July. Latvian and massive number of foreign musicians are performing live by the sea. Weekly gigs culminate in one final concert. Saulkrasti can be easily reached from the Riga main train terminal by train.
- International Music Festival “Riga Rythms” [33] usually held at the beginning of July in Riga.
- Sigulda Opera Festival at the beginning of August, held in open air in Sigulda town.
- Cesis Music and Art Festival. Medieval Festivity at the beginning of August. All things Medieval there - food, costumes, customs, etc.
- 'Liepajas Dzintars [34] - the end of August is the time for famous Liepaja music festival.
Latvia has one of the longest sand beaches in Europe. In July and August the water is warm enough to swim comfortably. The sea has a very slow slope. As a best natural beach is listed the coast southways form Liepaja. Because it is a coast of open sea (not a gulf) with cleaner water, brighter sand, and not too many people, because its not close to massive population. With stable air temperature 30°C, water temperature is about 20°C which is very refreshing when You take an intensive sunbath. You don't practically need to wash Your self after beach, because salt level is pleasantly low.
There are many interesting and old castles around Latvia. Association of Latvian Castles, Palaces and Manors [35] has links and photos on their website. Note that sometimes castles are reserved for private occasions.
It is popular to go for a stroll in the autumn to watch the different shades of colour, when the trees turn red and yellow. Popular places for such activities are Sigulda and Vidzemes Augstiene.
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