Latvia Flag

Latvia is a country located in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Estonia to the north, Russia to the east, Belarus to the southeast, and Lithuania to the south. It also shares a maritime border with Sweden to the west. The capital and largest city of Latvia is Riga. The country has a population of around 1.9 million people and covers an area of 64,589 square kilometers.

Latvia has a temperate seasonal climate and is known for its forests, lakes, and rivers. The majority of the population speaks Latvian, which is one of the two surviving Baltic languages. The other prominent minority in the country is the Russian community, which makes up almost a quarter of the population.

Latvia has a long and complex history, with periods of rule by various powers including the Teutonic Knights, Sweden, Poland-Lithuania, and Russia. The country declared its independence in 1918 after World War I, but this was interrupted by the invasion and occupation by Nazi Germany in 1941 and the re-occupation by the Soviet Union in 1944. Latvia was a constituent republic of the Soviet Union until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, after which it restored its independence and became a democratic parliamentary republic.

Today, Latvia is a developed country with a high-income advanced economy. It is a member of numerous international organizations including the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations. It is known for its strong civil liberties and press freedom, and has a high ranking in the Human Development Index. The country has a thriving export-oriented economy, with a focus on forestry, agriculture, and manufacturing. Tourism is also an important contributor to the economy, with visitors attracted by the country's cultural heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant city life.