Latvia

Latvia is a country in Northern Europe and one of the Baltic states. 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. The capital and largest city is Riga. The population is about 1.9 million. The official language is Latvian, and Russian is widely spoken as a minority language.

Geography and environment: Latvia features flat to gently rolling terrain, with forests covering roughly half the land. The Daugava River runs through the country and the Baltic coastline includes beaches and dunes. The climate is temperate, with warm summers and cold winters.

History: The region has medieval origins in the lands of Livonia and was ruled by various powers, including the Teutonic Order, Poland, and Russia. Latvia declared independence in 1918, but was occupied during World War II and incorporated into the Soviet Union from 1940 to 1991. Latvia restored its independence in 1991 and joined the European Union and NATO in 2004, the Schengen Area in 2007, and adopted the euro in 2014.

Politics and society: Latvia is a parliamentary republic. The unicameral Saeima has 100 members elected for four-year terms. The president is largely ceremonial, while the prime minister is the head of government. The country maintains the rule of law and a multi-party system, and is a member of the European Union and NATO.

Economy and culture: Latvia has a diversified economy led by services, manufacturing, and information technology. Major industries include wood processing, machinery, and agriculture. The country has a high literacy rate and strong higher education. The historic center of Riga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the country is known for its Art Nouveau architecture. The Latvian Song and Dance Festival is a major cultural tradition and UNESCO intangible heritage. The national flag features a carmine field with a white horizontal stripe, and the national emblem reflects regional symbols.