Latvia

Latvia
Conventional long name	Republic of Latvia
Capital	Riga
Official languages	Latvian
Ethnic groups	Latvians, Russians, Belarusians, Ukrainians, Poles, Lithuanians
Religion	Lutheranism, Roman Catholicism, Russian Orthodoxy
Demonym	Latvian
Leader title1	President
Leader name1	Edgars Rinkēvičs
Leader title2	Prime Minister
Leader name2	Evika Siliņa
Legislature	Saeima
Area km2	64,589
Population estimate	1,883,000
Population estimate year	2023
GDP PPP	$77.5 billion
GDP PPP year	2023
GDP PPP per capita	$41,150
Gini	34.5
Gini year	2022
HDI	0.879
HDI year	2022

Latvia. A nation on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, it is one of the three Baltic states and a member of both the European Union and NATO. Its landscape is marked by extensive forests, thousands of lakes, and a long coastline featuring the major ports of Riga and Ventspils. The country has a rich cultural heritage shaped by centuries of foreign rule, a vibrant national awakening in the 19th century, and a restored independence in the late 20th century.

History

The territory was historically inhabited by Baltic tribes such as the Curonians, Semigallians, Latgalians, and Selonians. In the 13th century, it was conquered by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword, leading to the formation of Terra Mariana. Subsequent control passed to the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Swedish Empire before being incorporated into the Russian Empire in the 18th century. The modern national identity coalesced during the Latvian National Awakening, culminating in the proclamation of independence on November 18, 1918, following the turmoil of World War I and the Russian Revolution. This first period of sovereignty ended with the 1940 occupation and annexation by the Soviet Union, under the terms of the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, followed by a period of German occupation during World War II. The nation regained its freedom in 1991 during the Singing Revolution and the dissolution of the Soviet Union, a process marked by events like the Baltic Way.

Geography

Situated in Northern Europe, it borders Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, Russia to the east, and Belarus to the southeast. The western coast lies along the Gulf of Riga and the open Baltic Sea. The terrain is predominantly low plain, with the highest point being Gaiziņkalns. It is rich in water resources, featuring over 3,000 lakes, including Lake Lubāns and Lake Rāzna, and major rivers like the Daugava, Gauja, and Venta. Over half the country is covered by mixed forests, home to wildlife such as lynx, elk, and black storks. The Ķemeri National Park and Gauja National Park are significant protected areas.

Government and politics

It is a parliamentary republic. The head of state is the President, elected by the Saeima, with Edgars Rinkēvičs currently serving in the role. Executive power is exercised by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, led by Evika Siliņa. The unicameral Saeima consists of 100 members elected for a four-year term. The judiciary is independent, headed by the Supreme Court of Latvia. Major political parties include New Unity, the Union of Greens and Farmers, and the United List. The country is a stable democracy and an active participant in international organizations, having joined NATO and the European Union in 2004, and later adopting the euro in 2014.

Economy

It has an advanced, high-income economy, classified by the World Bank. Key sectors include services, information technology, and manufacturing. It is a regional leader in FinTech, with Riga serving as a financial hub. Traditional industries like timber processing, supported by vast forest resources, and chemicals remain important. The transport and logistics sector leverages the ice-free ports of Riga and Ventspils, which are crucial for trade corridors between Russia and the West. Agriculture focuses on grain, dairy, and livestock. The country is known for its strong digital infrastructure and was the birthplace of the Skype communications platform.

Demographics

The population is one of the fastest-declining in the world due to low birth rates and emigration. Ethnic Latvians constitute a majority, with a large minority of Russians, as well as smaller communities of Belarusians, Ukrainians, Poles, and Lithuanians. The official language is Latvian, a Baltic language. The largest religious affiliations are Lutheranism, Roman Catholicism, and Russian Orthodoxy. The capital, Riga, is the largest city and home to nearly one-third of the population, followed by Daugavpils and Liepāja. A significant diaspora exists in countries like the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States.

Culture

The cultural tradition is deeply rooted in Latvian folklore, with a vast collection of dainas (folk songs) central to national identity, celebrated in the Latvian Song and Dance Festival. Notable contributions to the arts include the works of painter Vilhelms Purvītis, composer Pēteris Vasks, and poet Rainis. The capital's architecture is renowned, with the medieval Old Town of Riga and unique concentration of Art Nouveau architecture designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Traditional cuisine features staples like grey peas with bacon, rye bread, and caraway cheese. Major cultural events include the Riga Opera Festival and the Positivus Festival.

Category:Baltic states Category:Member states of the European Union Category:Member states of NATO