The Heart of the Baltics
Latvia, officially the Republic of Latvia, is one of the three Baltic States in Northern Europe. It is bordered by Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, Russia to the east, Belarus to the southeast, and the Baltic Sea to the west.
Renowned for its forested landscape, medieval architecture, music culture, and vibrant capital Riga, Latvia bridges Northern and Eastern Europe both culturally and geographically.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Key Historical Timeline:
12th–13th Century: German crusaders establish Livonia; Riga founded in 1201.
1561: Livonia dissolved; Latvia under Polish–Lithuanian rule.
1629–1795: Swedish control in the north; later absorbed by the Russian Empire.
1918: Declared independence after World War I.
1940–1991: Occupied by the Soviet Union, Nazi Germany, and again the USSR.
1991: Regained independence during the fall of the Soviet Union.
2004: Joined the European Union (EU) and NATO.
Latvia’s modern identity is shaped by its struggle for freedom and cultural resilience, especially during the Singing Revolution of the late 1980s.
🧭 Basic National Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Republic of Latvia |
| Capital City | Riga |
| President (2025) | Edgars Rinkēvičs |
| Prime Minister | Evika Siliņa |
| Government Type | Parliamentary Republic |
| Area | 64,589 sq. km |
| Population | ~1.8 million (2025 est.) |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Time Zone | UTC +2 (EET) |
| Dial Code | +371 |
| Top-Level Domain | .lv |
⚖️ Government and Leadership
| Position | Current Officeholder (2025) |
|---|---|
| President | Edgars Rinkēvičs |
| Prime Minister | Evika Siliņa |
| Parliament | Saeima (100 members) |
| Judiciary | Supreme Court of Latvia |
| Constitution | Satversme (adopted 1922, restored 1993) |
🗺️ Administrative Structure
| Division | Description |
|---|---|
| Regions | Kurzeme, Latgale, Vidzeme, Zemgale |
| Municipalities | 43 (as of 2021 reform) |
| Capital | Riga (largest city in the Baltics) |
1. Planning Regions (5) – For regional development & EU coordination
Kurzeme
Latgale
Vidzeme
Zemgale
Riga Planning Region
2. Municipalities (43) – Local Government Units
As part of the 2021 administrative reform, Latvia now has:
36 municipalities (novadi)
7 state cities (valstspilsētas):
Riga (capital)
Daugavpils
Liepāja
Jelgava
Jūrmala
Rēzekne
Ventspils
Each municipality is governed by a municipal council, with elections every 4 years.
Local Government Structure
Municipalities manage:
Education, local roads, urban development
Social welfare, culture, and utilities
Coordinated by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development
Latvia emphasizes local autonomy, digital services, and e-governance
Leadership & Governance
Latvia focuses on:
Strengthening democracy, anti-corruption, and judicial independence
Digital transformation – e-signatures, e-health, e-tax
EU Green Deal alignment – climate neutrality by 2050
National defense via NATO, including increased conscription and regional security cooperation
Law Enforcement & Safety
National police under the Ministry of Interior
Specialized agencies: State Security Service, Border Guard, Cybersecurity Center
Public trust remains moderate but improving; Latvia is a safe and stable democracy
🌐 Geography & Environment
Location: Northern Europe, on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea.
Borders: Estonia, Lithuania, Russia, Belarus, and the Baltic Sea.
Topography: Flat plains, rivers, lakes, and dense forests.
Major Rivers: Daugava, Gauja, Venta.
Climate: Temperate maritime; warm summers, snowy winters.
Natural Beauty: Gauja National Park, Kemeri wetlands, Baltic coastline.
Latvia is nearly half forested — one of Europe’s greenest countries.
🕌 Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Language | Latvian |
| Minority Languages | Russian, English |
| Major Religions | Christianity (Lutheran, Catholic, Orthodox) |
| Ethnic Groups | Latvians (62%), Russians (25%), others (13%) |
Cultural Highlights:
Riga’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Famous for folk songs, Latvian Song and Dance Festival, and Art Nouveau architecture.
Deep-rooted traditions of nature worship, Midsummer festivals, and folk crafts.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| GDP (2025 est.) | ~$47 billion USD |
| Main Industries | Wood processing, metalwork, food, pharmaceuticals, IT |
| Key Exports | Timber, machinery, electronics, chemicals |
| Agriculture | Dairy, grain, fishery |
| Tourism | Historical towns, nature parks, seaside resorts |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
Economic Focus:
Latvia’s economy thrives on digital innovation, European trade, and green transition.
It is a growing regional hub for fintech, logistics, and renewable energy.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Top Universities | University of Latvia, Riga Technical University |
| Literacy Rate | ~99% |
| Education System | Free and compulsory until age 16 |
| Healthcare | Universal, public and private mix |
Latvia invests heavily in digital learning and medical technology modernization.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Airport | Riga International Airport (RIX) |
| Ports | Riga, Ventspils, Liepāja |
| Railways | Connected to Rail Baltica (EU project) |
| Roads | Modern highways link to Lithuania and Estonia |
| Internet | High-speed broadband across the country |
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Destinations:
Riga Old Town – Medieval and Art Nouveau masterpiece.
Gauja National Park – Latvia’s “Switzerland.”
Jūrmala – Seaside spa resort.
Cēsis Castle – 13th-century fortress.
Turaida Museum Reserve – Cultural heritage site.
Unique Experiences:
Summer solstice festival (Jāņi) celebrated nationwide.
Explore scenic river kayaking, forest hikes, and amber beaches.
🌍 Global Role & Relations
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| EU Member | Since 2004 |
| NATO Member | Since 2004 |
| UN Member | Since 1991 |
| OECD Member | Since 2016 |
| Regional Cooperation | Baltic Assembly, Nordic-Baltic 8 |
Latvia plays an active role in European security, digital governance, and environmental diplomacy.
📝 Summary
Latvia embodies the spirit of the Baltics — free, artistic, green, and future-focused.
From its ancient castles to digital cities, Latvia blends old-world charm with a modern European outlook.
📢 News & Articles
“Latvia’s Green Economy and Digital Transformation”
“Riga: The Art Nouveau Capital of Europe”
“How Song Festivals Built a Nation”
🎯 Our Mission
AFP’s global knowledge initiative features Latvia as a shining example of how culture, technology, and sustainability can coexist to strengthen national identity and progress.
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