Latvia

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.

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🏛️ 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.

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🧭 Basic National Information

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⚖️ Government and Leadership

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🗺️ Administrative Structure

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.

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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

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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

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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

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🌐 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.

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🕌 Religion, Language & Culture

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.

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📈 Economy & Key Sectors

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.

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🎓 Education & Healthcare

Latvia invests heavily in digital learning and medical technology modernization.

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✈️ Transport & Infrastructure

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🏞️ 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.

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🌍 Global Role & Relations

Latvia plays an active role in European security, digital governance, and environmental diplomacy.

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📝 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.

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📢 News & Articles

• “Latvia’s Green Economy and Digital Transformation”

• “Riga: The Art Nouveau Capital of Europe”

• “How Song Festivals Built a Nation”

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🎯 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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