Latvia is a small country on the Baltic Sea with ancient history and traditions. If you want to enjoy nature, there is not only the serene Gulf of Riga and the open Baltic Sea, but also
nature parks, lakes and beautiful forests.
Old Riga offers not only fabulous architectural monuments, but also various nightclubs and pubs. According to legend, once every 100
years the devil rears his head from the waters of Riga’s River Daugava and asks whether Riga is ‘ready’ yet. If the answer
is ‘yes’, the now nearly 900-year-old city will be condemned to sink into the waters.
For now, however, there is no chance of Latvia being ’ready’ to sink. Long the Baltic favourite, Latvia is now also beginning to emerge as a tourist destination further afield, championed as one of Europe’s hidden treasures. Those who visit will appreciate the small picturesque medieval towns, country castles, museums and folk parks, ruined fortresses and, occasionally, grand palaces. They will also appreciate the little Latvian quirks still entrenched in customs, crafts and culture.
eneral Information
Area
64,589 sq km (24,938 sq miles).
Population
2.3 million (2006 estimate).
Population Density
35.6 per sq km.
Capital
Riga. Population: 727,578 (2006 estimate).
Government
Republic. Gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Language
Latvian is the official language. Russian, English and German are widely spoken. Latvian belongs to the Baltic language group,
part of the Indo-European language family. The language has three main dialects, with the Latgallian dialect, spoken in the
eastern part of Latvia, especially distinctive.
Handshaking is customary. Normal courtesies should be observed. The Latvians are somewhat reserved and formal, but nevertheless
very hospitable. They are proud of their culture, and visitors should take care to respect this sense of national identity.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are in use.
Overview 
