Latvia

The Baltic Crossroads of Culture, Forests, and Resilience

Latvia, officially the Republic of Latvia, is a Baltic country in Northern Europe, bordered by Estonia, Lithuania, Russia, Belarus, and the Baltic Sea. Known for its rich folklore, dense forests, and UNESCO heritage, Latvia is a dynamic state balancing Eastern and Western influences, with a strong commitment to freedom, digital growth, and European cooperation.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Inhabited by Baltic and Finno-Ugric tribes since ancient times.

  • Dominated by Germanic crusaders, then ruled by Poland, Sweden, and Russia over the centuries.

  • Declared independence in 1918 after World War I.

  • Occupied by the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany during WWII.

  • Restored independence on August 21, 1991, following the Baltic independence movement.

  • Joined EU, NATO, and Schengen Area in 2004; adopted the Euro in 2014.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Country Name Republic of Latvia
Capital Riga
Continent Europe (Baltic Region)
Official Language Latvian
Recognized Minorities Russian, Belarusian, Ukrainian, Polish
Currency Euro (EUR)
Area Approx. 64,589 sq. km
Population Approx. 1.82 million (2025 est.)
Time Zone EET (UTC+2), EEST in summer (UTC+3)
ISO Code LV
Internet TLD .lv
Calling Code +371

Religious Affiliation (Estimated)

Religion Population Share (2024 est.)
Christianity (Lutheran, Catholic, Orthodox) ~75%
No Religion / Atheist ~20%
Other / Unspecified ~5%

Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2025)
President Edgars Rinkēvičs
Prime Minister Evika Siliņa (New Unity Party)
Government Type Parliamentary republic
Parliament Saeima (Unicameral)
Judiciary Supreme Court, Constitutional Court, District Courts

Administrative Divisions

Latvia is divided into:

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

Economy & Industry

  • Open and export-driven economy

  • Key sectors:

    • Timber & wood products

    • Logistics and transit via Riga Port

    • Information technology

    • Manufacturing and machinery

    • Agriculture and food processing

  • GDP (2024): Approx. USD 45 billion

  • Major trade partners: EU countries, UK, Scandinavia

  • Strong focus on green energy, rail development, and R&D

Education & Institutions

  • Free and compulsory education for 9 years

  • Increasing focus on STEM, language skills, and digital education

  • Top universities:

    • University of Latvia (Riga)

    • Riga Technical University (RTU)

    • Rīga Stradiņš University (health sciences)

Healthcare

  • Universal public healthcare under National Health Service (NVD)

  • Funded via state budget; some private co-payment options

  • Focus areas: aging population, rural access, health digitization

  • Ongoing improvements in wait times and staffing

Transport & Connectivity

  • Roads: Modern national roads; EU-funded upgrades

  • Rail: Domestic trains operated by Pasažieru Vilciens

  • Rail Baltica under construction to link with Estonia, Lithuania, and Poland

  • Airports:

    • Riga International Airport (main hub)

    • Liepāja and Daugavpils regional airports

  • Ports: Riga, Ventspils, Liepāja – critical for Baltic Sea trade

Tourism & Attractions

Natural Beauty:

  • Gauja National Park, Latgale lakes, Seaside forests, Kemeri bogs

Cultural Sites:

  • Riga Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage)

  • Rundāle Palace, Turaida Castle, Ethnographic Museum

  • Vibrant festivals: Song and Dance Festival, Positivus Music Festival

Latvia offers a peaceful, green tourism experience with rich historical charm

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Blend of Baltic, Nordic, and Slavic influences

  • High rates of cultural participation: music, dance, folk art

  • Strong choir tradition and seasonal celebrations (e.g., Midsummer – Jāņi)

  • Cuisine: rye bread, grey peas, smoked fish, honey, birch sap drinks

  • Sports: ice hockey, basketball, floorball, athletics

Summary

Latvia stands as a proud Baltic republic, bridging its ancient heritage with a forward-looking digital identity. With an emphasis on freedom, sustainability, and regional connectivity, Latvia is forging a dynamic future in the heart of Northern Europe.