Latvia

Latvia A country filled with charm has its neighbour countries Russia, Estonia and Lithuania, that reflects on the history which have made the people suffer through put the occupation of Soviets and nazis. But never the less, if you head straight to Riga, you will find a city on the way of fame and fortune, combined with its charming Art Nouveau architecture. Since parts of the country lies out to the Baltic Sea it will also be possible to relax on the crystal clean beaches or otherwise experience Gauja National Park that leads you through the wilderness.

Area: 64.626 Km²
Population: 2.385.000 (2001 est.)
Density: 37 pop/Km²

System of government: Parliamentary democracy
Capital: Riga (921.000 pop.)
Major cities: Daugavpils 90.000 pop., Liepaja 85.000 pop.
Ethnic majority: Latvians 58%, Russian 30%
Border countries: Estonia NORTH, Russia EAST, Belarus and Lithuania SOUTH

Principal mountains: Gaizina Kalns 311 m
Principal rivers: Daugava (Western Dvina) 1020 Km (total, with belarusian and russian tracts), Gauja 360 Km
Principal lakes: Lubanas Ezers 90 Km²
Principal islands: -
Climate: Temperate

Language: Latvian (official), Lithuanian, Russian
Religion: Lutheran, Roman Catholic
Currency: Latvian Lat (LVL)

Fixed public holidays: 1/1, 1/5, 23/6, 24/6, 18/11, 25/12, 26/12, 31/12
Dialling code: 00371
GMT: +2

World Heritage List:

• Historic Centre of Riga (1997)
• Struve Geodetic Arc (2005)