Riga

Riga is the capital and largest city of Latvia, situated on the Baltic Sea at the mouth of the Daugava River. It is the political, economic, and cultural heart of the country. The city proper has about 630,000 residents, with a larger metropolitan area.

Riga was founded in 1201 by Bishop Albert of Buxhoeveden and quickly became a leading center of the Hanseatic League. Its medieval core, Vecrīga (Old Town), features cobbled streets, churches, and fortified walls. In the 18th–19th centuries the city expanded, and in the early 20th century Riga developed as a major center of Art Nouveau architecture. The Historic Centre of Riga was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

Riga sits on a peninsula between the Daugava and its tributaries, with the Old Town on its promontory and Art Nouveau districts to the north. The city is served by Riga International Airport and the Port of Riga, a major Baltic seaport. Public transport includes trams, buses, and trolleys; it is a hub for rail and road networks in Latvia.

The economy is driven by services, finance, information technology, logistics, and manufacturing. Notable institutions include the University of Latvia and Riga Technical University. Cultural offerings include the Latvian National Opera, museums, theatres, and a lively festival scene. The Old Town and modern districts feature a broad array of architectural styles, particularly Art Nouveau, which is one of the city’s defining characteristics.

Latvian is the official language, with Russian and English commonly used in the city. Riga is a multilingual, cosmopolitan city with a significant Russian-speaking community.