Latvias

Latvias is not a standard English term, but it may refer to Latvia or its people. This article covers the country and its inhabitants, the Latvians, in a concise, neutral form.

Latvia is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It borders Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, Russia to the east, Belarus to the southeast, and the Baltic Sea to the west. Its capital and largest city is Riga. The official language is Latvian, with Russian and other minority languages also spoken. The country uses the euro and is a member of the European Union and NATO.

Latvia emerged as an independent state in 1918 after World War I, experienced Soviet occupation during 1940-1991, and regained independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union. It joined the EU and NATO in 2004 and adopted the euro in 2014. Since then, it has developed a market economy with emphasis on services, manufacturing, and information technology.

Latvia is a parliamentary republic. The Saeima, a 100-seat parliament, is elected by proportional representation. The president acts as head of state with largely ceremonial duties, while the prime minister and cabinet hold executive power. The judiciary is independent, and the country upholds the rule of law and human rights.

Latvia's terrain includes flat plains, forests, rivers, and a short coast along the Baltic Sea. The country contains several national parks and nature reserves, and it is known for its extensive nature heritage, including the Gauja and Ķemeri areas. The climate is temperate, with warm summers and cold winters.

Latvians are the largest ethnic group, speaking Latvian, a Baltic language. The culture features traditional folk music, dances, and crafts such as amber jewellery. Riga's Art Nouveau architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage site. National festivals, such as the Song and Dance Festival, are central to cultural life.