Latvians

Latvians are an ethnic group native to Latvia, comprising the majority of the country's population and sharing the Latvian language. They are part of the Baltic branch of the Indo-European language family, along with Lithuanians.

The Latvian language, or Latviešu valoda, is the official language of Latvia. It is one of the two living Baltic languages, the other being Lithuanian. Latvian has several varieties, including standard Latvian and Latgalian; most Latvians are fluent in other languages as well, particularly Russian or English, in urban areas.

Geography and demography: In Latvia, ethnic Latvians make up about 60 percent of the population; there are sizable Russian-speaking minorities and other groups. The Latvian diaspora is established in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Australia and elsewhere.

History: The Latvians trace ancestry to Baltic tribes. A strong national revival occurred in the 19th century, leading to independence in 1918. The country was occupied by the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany during World War II, and regained independence in 1991. Latvia joined the European Union and NATO in 2004.

Culture and society: Traditional culture emphasizes folklore, music, and crafts. The Latvian Song and Dance Festival is a key expression of national identity. Cuisine includes rye bread, potatoes, dairy products, and pork. Religiously, Latvians have been historically Lutheran Protestants, with Catholic and Orthodox minorities; today many are secular or unaffiliated.