Latvia is located on the Baltic Sea, between Lithuania and Estonia. The country itself may be less famous than its capital Riga, one of the most beautiful cities of the Baltic region. About a third of the population of Latvia lives in the capital and for all purposes it is the best base for exploring the country. Since Latvia is relatively small, most of the other sights can be seen as daytrips from the capital.
Riga is the capital city and main port. Daugavpils is Latvia’s second largest city. Other cities include Jelgava, Jurmala, Liepaja, Rezekne and Ventspils. Latvia is divided into four historical regions: Vidzeme, Kurzeme, Latgale and Zemgale. The highest peak is Gaizins Kalns, standing at 311.5 meters. Latvia’s longest rivers are the Daugava and the Gauja. The country’s terrain is mostly flat.
Latvia is a fertile land with a strong dairy industry, and a solid textile, chemical and electronic manufacturing base. Riga, the capital city, is a significant Baltic seaport.
The long, sandy coastline facing the Baltic, and its interior beauty and history are growing attractions for tourists from Europe and the Americas.

POPULATION

Population: 2,3 million (2005) 35.8 per sq km.
Capital: Riga (population: 0.8 million)
Other cities: Daugavpils (117,000), Liepaja (97,000), Jelgava (71,000), Jurmala (59,000) and Ventspils (47,000).

GEOGRAPHY

Area Total: 64,000 square kilometres with 500 kilometres of coastline

Rivers: longest rivers are the Daugava and the Gauja.

Elevation: Gaizinkalns (312 m above sea level) near Cesvaine is Latvia’s highest point.

ETHNIC GROUPS

About 58% of population: Latvian

largest minority: Russians (29%) and Byelorussian (4%)

Other minorities: Ukrainians, Poles, Lithuanians, Jews

OTHER FACTS

Major languages: Latvian (also known as Lettish) is the official language. Russian is often spoken as well.

Major religion: the main religion is Lutheran with some Roman Catholics and a Russian Orthodox minority.

Local time: GMT + 2. (GMT + 3 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October.)

Monetary unit: 1 Latvian lat (LVL) = 100 Santims

Internet domain: .lv

International dialling code: +371