About Latvia

Latvia is a small republic on the Eastern Shore of the Baltic Sea. It is roughly 25,000 sq. miles or 66,000 sq. km (about the size of West Virginia or Ireland). (see map)

The capital of Latvia is Riga (founded 1201).

Latvia is a Democratic Republic as outlined in the "Satversme" or Constitution. Latvia has a uni-cameral parliament of 100 seats called the Saeima, a Prime Minister and Cabinet of Ministers, a President of State as well as a Supreme Court and court system. The Saeima is elected by the citizens of Latvia every four years. The President of State is elected by absolute majority of the Saeima (limited to two terms) and the Prime Minister is appointed by the President of State and ratified by the Saeima.

As of May 1st 2004 Latvia (along with Cyprus, Estonia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Malta) became a member state of the European Union. (See article on the BBC)

The currency of Latvia is Lats.  There are 100 santīms in each Lats.  Santīms coins come in the following denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 with 1 and 2 lats coins.  Banknotes are for (Lats): 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500.  As a member state of the European Union, Latvia will eventually convert to the Euro (planned no sooner than 2008).

The language is Latvian, second oldest member of the Indo-European languages belonging to the Baltic branch. Latvian is neither Slavic nor Germanic in origin and is similar only to Lithuanian.  (See article at Wikipedia)

Latvia is bordered on the north by Estonia, to the east by Russia, to the south-east by Belarus, and to the south by Lithuania. (see map)

Latvia's economy consists mainly of agriculture and forestry although in recent years tourism has become a booming business. Electronics, machinery and fishing round-out Latvia's economy.

Latvia is divided into four regions: Kurzeme, Zemgale, Vidzeme, and Latgale. Each region is divided into "Rajoni" or districts and each district is further divided into "Pagasti" or parishes (rural municipality).

The principal cities of Latvia are: In the region of Kurzeme: Liepaja and Ventspils (both ice-free ports). In Zemgale: Jelgava. In Vidzeme: Riga, Sigulda, Cesis and Valmiera. In Latgale: Daugavpils and Rezekne.

The major rivers of Latvia are: Daugava, Gauja, Lielupe, and Venta. The Gauja is the only river in Latvia which both begins and ends within Latvian borders.

Latvia's climate is considered Northern Maritime with mild winters and moderately warm summers.