Kurzem

Kurzem is a region on Latvia’s western coast with historical and contemporary significance. In Latvian it is Kurzeme, in German Kurland and in English Courland. The term covers a peninsula and adjacent inland districts, including Liepāja, Ventspils, and Kuldīga. It lies within the Latvian state and corresponds to the Kurzeme planning region.

Geographically it features a long Baltic Sea coastline, dune fields, and the Venta river valley around Kuldīga. Cape Kolka marks the northern tip where the Baltic Sea meets the Gulf of Riga. Protected areas such as Slītere National Park preserve coastal habitats.

Historically the area formed the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia, a semi-independent state within the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. It later became part of the Russian Empire, then joined independent Latvia after 1918, endured Soviet and Nazi occupations, and was rejoined to Latvia in 1991.

The population is predominantly ethnic Latvians, with Russian and other minorities. Livonian heritage survives in some communities, though the Livonian language is endangered. The culture emphasises maritime traditions, folk crafts, and regional cuisine featuring fish and barley.

Key economic activities include port operations in Liepāja and Ventspils, fishing, shipbuilding, and tourism. Notable sites include Kuldīga and the Venta waterfall, Liepāja’s seafront, Ventspils Freeport, Cape Kolka, and Slītere National Park.