Latvia (in Latvian, Latvija), republic in north-eastern Europe, bordered on the north by Estonia and the Gulf of Riga, an inlet of the Baltic Sea; on the east by Russia; on the south by Belarus and Lithuania; and on the west by the Baltic Sea. The area of Latvia is about 64,589 sq km (24,938 sq mi). Riga, the capital and largest city, is also the country's chief port.
Latvians are as keen on reinvigoration and nation-building as any newly independent nation. Visitors can witness first-hand the rapid transformation of a country that has only recently crept from under the doormat of history. This is one of those 'check it out before it's chockas' places.
Full country name: Republic of Latvia
Area: 64,589 sq km
Population: 2.34 million
Capital City: Riga
People: Latvian 57%, Russian 30%, Belarusian 4%, Ukrainian 3%, Polish 3%, other 3%
Language: Latvian, Russian
Religion: Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Russian Orthodox
Government: parliamentary democracy
Head of State: President Vaira Vike-Freiberga
Head of Government: Prime Minister Indulis Emsis
GDP: US$20.99 billion
GDP per capita: US$8,900
Annual Growth: 3.6%
Inflation: 2%
Major Industries: motor vehicles, machinery, household appliances, pharmaceutical, food, textiles, agriculture
Major Trading Partners: Russia, Germany, the UK, Sweden, Finland
Member of EU: Yes
Latvia Introduction
