## Geography Latvia is a low-lying country in Northern Europe, with 57% of its territory below 100 meters above sea level. Its highest point is Gażinskłs (312 m), while the Baltic Sea coast is at sea level. The Daugava River flows through the country, facilitating timber transport and hydroelectric power. Latvia's total land area is 64,573 km², with a population of approximately 1.9 million (2023). It borders Estonia, Russia, Belarus, and Lithuania. ## History Latvia's history includes periods under German, Swedish, Polish, and Russian rule. It declared independence on November 18, 1918, after World War I. The country was occupied by the Soviet Union from 1940 to 1991, during which time it was part of the USSR as the Latvian SSR. After the 1991 independence declaration, Latvia joined the UN and later the EU and NATO. The country has faced economic challenges, including a banking crisis in 2008 and a subsequent recession. ## Government and Politics Latvia is a unitary parliamentary republic with a unicameral parliament (Saeima) of 100 members. The President is the head of state, while the Prime Minister leads the government. The country is divided into 35 counties and 10 cities with county rights. Key political parties include the National Alliance and the People's Party. ## Economy Latvia's economy is export-oriented, with key sectors including forestry, agriculture, and manufacturing. It joined the Eurozone in 2014 and has a GDP per capita of approximately $25,000 (nominal). The country has a high Human Development Index (0.834) and a Gini coefficient of 34.5, indicating moderate income inequality. ## Demographics Latvia's population is predominantly Latvian (62%), with significant Russian (26.9%) and Belarusian (3.3%) minorities. The official language is Latvian, but Russian is widely spoken. The majority of the population is Lutheran (19.5%), with significant Orthodox (15.8%) and Catholic (7.1%) minorities. The literacy rate is nearly 100%. ## Culture and Society Latvian culture blends indigenous traditions with influences from neighboring countries. Traditional music and dance are important cultural elements. The country has a rich literary heritage, with authors like Rainis and Aspazija. Latvia celebrates Independence Day on November 18 and Midsummer's Day (Jėši) on June 23-24. ## Key Facts - **Capital**: Riga - **Area**: 64,573 km² - **Population**: 1,900,000 (2023) - **GDP (PPP)**: $50 billion - **GDP per capita**: $25,000 - **EU Membership**: 2004 - **NATO Membership**: 2004 - **Human Development Index**: 0.834 (44th globally) - **Official Language**: Latvian - **Currency**: Euro (EUR) - **Government**: Unitary parliamentary republic ## Notable People - Kārlis Ulmanis (1877-1987): Prime Minister and President during the interwar period - Valdis Dombrovskis (b. 1971): Former Prime Minister and European Commissioner - Inese Lācis (b. 1966): First female President of Latvia ## Key Events - **1918**: Declaration of independence - **1940-1991**: Soviet occupation - **1991**: Restoration of independence - **2004**: EU and NATO accession - **2014**: Adoption of the Euro ## Images - [Flag of Latvia](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Latvia.svg) - [Riga Old Town](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Riga_Old_Town.jpg) - [Gauja National Park](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gauja_National_Park.jpg) - [Daugava River](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Daugava_River.jpg) - [Latvian Parliament](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Saeima_building.jpg) ## Sources - CIA World Factbook - Eurostat - World Bank - United Nations Development Programme - Latvian State Revenue Service ## References [1] Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia. (2023). Population data. [2] World Bank. (2023). GDP per capita (current US$). [3] United Nations. (2023). Human Development Report. [4] Latvian State Revenue Service. (2023). Tax data. ## External Links - [Official website of the President of Latvia](https://www.president.lv) - [Latvian Parliament](https://www.saeima.lv) - [Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia](https://www.csb.gov.lv)