The private sector accounted for nearly 68% of the country's GDP in 2000. [94] Forests account for 3,497,000 ha (8,640,000 acres) or 56% of the total land area. Lutheranism was more prominent before the Soviet occupation, when it was a majority religion of ~60% due to strong historical links with the Nordic countries and to the influence of the Hansa in particular and Germany in general. The Latvian economy entered a phase of fiscal contraction during the second half of 2008 after an extended period of credit-based speculation and unrealistic appreciation in real estate values. The country has very few natural resources and imports all of its natural gas and oil, as well as half of its electricity needs. In the recent years a couple of dozen of wind farms as well as biogas or biomass power stations of different scale have been built in Latvia. [206], The Latvian Song and Dance Festival is an important event in Latvian culture and social life. Approximately 30,000 performers altogether participate in the event. On 18 February 2012, Latvia held a constitutional referendum on whether to adopt Russian as a second official language. The 100-seat unicameral Latvian parliament, the Saeima, is elected by direct popular vote every four years. Andris Biedriņš is one of the most well-known Latvian basketball players, who played in the NBA for the Golden State Warriors and the Utah Jazz. Children born to non-nationals after the reestablishment of independence are automatically entitled to citizenship. On 5 October 1939, Latvia was forced to accept a "mutual assistance" pact with the Soviet Union, granting the Soviets the right to station between 25,000 and 30,000 troops on Latvian territory. [120] In 2013 Riga hosted the annual Northern Future Forum, a two-day informal meeting of the prime ministers of the Nordic-Baltic countries and the UK. As a consequence, the majority of ethnic non-Latvians did not receive Latvian citizenship since neither they nor their parents had ever been citizens of Latvia, becoming non-citizens or citizens of other former Soviet republics. Bulgaria has committed to adopt the euro once it fulfils the necessary conditions. Latvia is a developed country with an advanced, high-income economy [27][28] and ranks 39th in the Human Development Index. Spring and autumn bring fairly mild weather. [59] [185] In 2011, there were even fewer Latvians than in 1989, though their share of the population was larger – 1,285,136 (62.1% of the population).[186]. The national account deficit for 2007, for example, represented more than 22% of the GDP for the year while inflation was running at 10%. World War I devastated the territory of what became the state of Latvia, and other western parts of the Russian Empire. The only other airport handling regular commercial flights is Liepāja International Airport. However, universal citizenship for all permanent residents was not adopted. [139], Latvia participates in international peacekeeping and security operations. Approximately 72% of Latvian citizens are Latvian, while 20% are Russian; less than 1% of non-citizens are Latvian, while 71% are Russian. [37], German crusaders were sent, or more likely decided to go on their own accord as they were known to do. There were some spontaneous uprisings by Latvians against the Red Army which helped the Germans. ["'The good Swedish times' in Latvian historiography: from the late 18th century to the 1970s"], CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (. By 29 June Riga was reached and with Soviet troops killed, captured or retreating, Latvia was left under the control of German forces by early July. [citation needed] It had a 2019 Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 2.09/10, ranking it 159th globally out of 172 countries. [149] Since 1996 more than 3600 military personnel have participated in international operations,[141] of whom 7 soldiers perished. The electoral system used is … The Latvian national football team's only major FIFA tournament participation has been the 2004 UEFA European Championship. Latvijas vēstures atlants, Jānis Turlajs, page 12, Karšu izdevniecība Jāņa sēta, H. Strods, "'Dobrye Shvedskie Vremena' v Istoriografii Latvii (Konets XVIII V. – 70-E Gg. Latvia’s currency is Euro (€) since it became a member of the Eurozone on January 1, 2014. However, most indigenous Latvians did not participate in this particular cultural life. Population by citizenship and ethnicity at the beginning of the year", "Socialinguistica: language and Religion", "Latvia – Country Profile: Human Development Indicators", "History of Latvia - Lonely Planet Travel Information", "Collector Coin Dedicated to 18th Century Riga", "Cēsis, Battle of | International Encyclopedia of the First World War (WW1)", Patriots or Nazi collaborators? The length of Latvia's Baltic coastline is 494 km (307 mi). [207] Folk songs and classical choir songs are sung, with emphasis on a cappella singing, though modern popular songs have recently been incorporated into the repertoire as well. Statistical regions of Latvia, established in accordance with the EU Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics, duplicate this division, but divides Riga region into two parts with the capital alone being a separate region. On 18 November 1918, in Riga, the People's Council of Latvia proclaimed the independence of the new country, with Kārlis Ulmanis becoming the head of the provisional government. Despite foreign rule from the 13th to 20th centuries, the Latvian nation maintained its identity throughout the generations via the language and musical traditions. [37] The local people, however, did not convert to Christianity as readily as the Church had hoped. [182], As of March 2011, Latvians form about 62.1% of the population, while 26.9% are Russians, Belarusians 3.3%, Ukrainians 2.2%, Poles 2.2%, Lithuanians 1.2%, Jews 0.3%, Romani people 0.3%, Germans 0.1%, Estonians 0.1% and others 1.3%. Until World War II, Latvia also had significant minorities of ethnic Germans and Jews. From the age of 40 – more female. Find out who these MEPs are. Since then, it has been amended and is still in effect in Latvia today. Its capital is Riga and the official language is Latvian. Since independence, theatre, scenography, choir music, and classical music have become the most notable branches of Latvian culture. [citation needed] In Latvia, the Swedish period is generally remembered as positive; serfdom was eased, a network of schools was established for the peasantry, and the power of the regional barons was diminished. During these 6 months, ministers from that country's government chair and help determine the agenda of Council meetings in each policy area, and facilitate dialogue with the other EU institutions. In 2012, 45.0% of births were to unmarried women. On 28 December 2020, the Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia discussed the agreement achieved on 24 December between the European Union and the United Kingdom on their future relationship after the... Read more. Ice hockey is usually considered the most popular sport in Latvia. [76][77], In 1989, the Supreme Soviet of the USSR adopted a resolution on the Occupation of the Baltic states, in which it declared the occupation "not in accordance with law", and not the "will of the Soviet people". Latvia has been a member of WTO since 10 February 1999. Winter starts in mid-December and lasts until mid-March. The major goals of Latvia in the 1990s, to join NATO and the European Union, were achieved in 2004. The United Kingdom remains a major partner to Latvia and the EU; therefore, in the future, we would like to have as close as possible cooperation in safeguarding people’s interests, in security, defence, foreign affairs, trade, education and other matters. Major rivers include the Daugava River, Lielupe, Gauja, Venta, and Salaca, the largest spawning ground for salmon in the eastern Baltic states. [131], The country has a large ethnic Russian community, which was guaranteed basic rights under the constitution and international human rights laws ratified by the Latvian government. The Latvian SSR, along with the other Baltic Republics was allowed greater autonomy, and in 1988, the old pre-war Flag of Latvia flew again, replacing the Soviet Latvian flag as the official flag in 1990. [110][111][112], Since the early 1990s, Latvia has been involved in active trilateral Baltic states co-operation with its neighbours Estonia and Lithuania, and Nordic-Baltic co-operation with the Nordic countries. In Boxing, Mairis Briedis is the first Latvian to win a boxing world title, having held the WBC cruiserweight title from 2017 to 2018, and the WBO cruiserweight title in 2019. Once you’ve had your fill of Baroque, Art Nouveau and Renaissance wonders, head to the nearest beer garden and make friends with some of the liveliest locals in Eastern Europe. [56]:78–96 The occupation was followed immediately by SS Einsatzgruppen troops who were to act in accordance with the Nazi Generalplan Ost which required the population of Latvia to be cut by 50 percent. The citizens of the United Kingdom and their family members who are now residing in the Republic of Latvia or will enter the Republic of Latvia before 31 December 2020 and who will wish to continue residing in the Republic of Latvia must submit, before 30 June 2021, an application to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) and obtain a new residence permit. At Pape Nature Reserve, where European bison, wild horses, and recreated aurochs have been reintroduced, there is now an almost complete Holocene megafauna also including moose, deer, and wolf.[106]. [citation needed] On 15 May 1934, Ulmanis staged a bloodless coup, establishing a nationalist dictatorship that lasted until 1940. [183], In some cities, e.g., Daugavpils and Rēzekne, ethnic Latvians constitute a minority of the total population. Oak (Quercus robur, Latvian: ozols), and linden (Tilia cordata, Latvian: liepa) are Latvia's national trees and the daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare, Latvian: pīpene) its national flower. At this time, songs often made fun of the characteristics of Soviet life and were concerned about preserving Latvian identity. Latvia replaced its previous currency, the lats, with the euro on 1 January 2014, after a European Union assessment in June 2013 asserted that the country had met all convergence criteria necessary for euro adoption. Summer starts in June and lasts until August. Interparliamentary co-operation between the Baltic Assembly and Nordic Council was signed in 1992 and since 2006 annual meetings are held as well as regular meetings on other levels. Latvian food is generally quite fatty, and uses few spices. 'The publication, which followed two decades of public debate and the passage of a special law, revealed the names, code names, birthplaces and other data on active and former KGB agents as of 1991, the year Latvia regained its independence from the Soviet Union. In the Council of the EU, national ministers meet regularly to adopt EU laws and coordinate policies. Selonia, a part of Zemgale, is sometimes considered culturally distinct region, but it is not part of any formal division. It has direct flight to over 80 destinations in 30 countries. How much each EU country pays into the EU budget is calculated fairly, according to means. [29] It performs favorably in measurements of civil liberties, press freedom, internet freedom, democratic governance, living standards, and peacefulness. [citation needed] A class of independent farmers established itself after reforms allowed the peasants to repurchase their land, but many landless peasants remained. As Latvia's "embassy to the EU", its main task is to ensure that the country's interests and policies are pursued as effectively as possible in the EU. A full member of the Eurozone, it began using the euro as its currency on 1 January 2014, replacing the Latvian lats. [175] However, Rail Baltica railway, linking Helsinki-Tallinn-Riga-Kaunas-Warsaw is under construction and is set to be completed in 2026. However, this only includes people granted stateless They promoted Latvian culture and encouraged Latvians to take part in cultural activities. Latvian (EU) Residency Program. [202][203][204], Traditional Latvian folklore, especially the dance of the folk songs, dates back well over a thousand years. [156], Latvia is a member of the World Trade Organization (1999) and the European Union (2004). Latvia's highest point is Gaiziņkalns, 311.6 m (1,022 ft). All EU member States are WTO members, as is the EU (until 30 November 2009 known officially in the WTO as the European Communities for legal reasons) in its own right. Latvia's population has been multiethnic for centuries, though the demographics shifted dramatically in the 20th century due to the World Wars, the emigration and removal of Baltic Germans, the Holocaust, and occupation by the Soviet Union. [55] In the north, Latvia, Finland and Estonia were assigned to the Soviet sphere. Latvia was admitted to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU) in 2004. Latvia is a member country of the EU since May 1, 2004 with its geographic size of 64,573 km², and population number 1,986,096, as per 2015. Latvia Jānis Rungulis is an EU’s strategic communications expert. "Lettonia" redirects here. It was a member of the League of Nations (1921–1946). [109], Latvia's foreign policy priorities include co-operation in the Baltic Sea region, European integration, active involvement in international organisations, contribution to European and transatlantic security and defence structures, participation in international civilian and military peacekeeping operations, and development co-operation, particularly the strengthening of stability and democracy in the EU's Eastern Partnership countries. The larger your country's economy, the more it pays – and vice versa. and Sovieticised. [39] The first German settlers were knights from northern Germany and citizens of northern German towns who brought their Low German language to the region, which shaped many loanwords in the Latvian language. Latvia co-operates with Estonia and Lithuania in several trilateral Baltic defence co-operation initiatives: Future co-operation will include sharing of national infrastructures for training purposes and specialisation of training areas (BALTTRAIN) and collective formation of battalion-sized contingents for use in the NATO rapid-response force. EU Multiannual Financial Framework [177] The best known roads are A1 (European route E67), connecting Warsaw and Tallinn, as well as European route E22, connecting Ventspils and Terehova. The longest river flowing through Latvian territory is the Daugava, which has a total length of 1,005 km (624 mi), of which 352 km (219 mi) is on Latvian territory. Sjanits’ job is to respond to the exodus triggered by Latvia’s accession to the EU. Until the age of 39, there are more male than female. The country has a temperate seasonal climate. [19] Its capital and largest city is Riga; other notable major cities in Latvia are Daugavpils, Liepāja, Jelgava, Valmiera, Ventspils and Jūrmala. On occasions, especially in 1944, opposing Latvian troops faced each other in battle.[56]:299. You may also need a visa. Latvian is the official language. Transit between Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan as well as other Asian countries and the West is large. [57] In total 50,000 Baltic Germans left by the deadline of December 1939, with 1,600 remaining to conclude business and 13,000 choosing to remain in Latvia. With most of Latvia's industrial base evacuated to the interior of Russia in 1915, radical land reform was the central political question for the young state. Throughout all the centuries, however, an actual Latvian state had not been established, so the borders and definitions of who exactly fell within that group are largely subjective. [citation needed], In the post-war period, Latvia was made to adopt Soviet farming methods. On 20 September 2003, Latvians held an election to vote on joining. [56]:326 Between 136,000 and 190,000 Latvians, depending on the sources, were imprisoned or deported to Soviet concentration camps (the Gulag) in the post war years, from 1945 to 1952. [60] Latvia, then a puppet government, was headed by Augusts Kirhenšteins. Latvia is a member of the United Nations, European Union, Council of Europe, NATO, OECD, OSCE, IMF, and WTO. Popular discontent exploded in the 1905 Russian Revolution, which took a nationalist character in the Baltic provinces. In October 1999, Latvia received a favourable evaluation in the Commission's Annual Review of Accession Preparations. [citation needed]. [81] The government denationalized private property confiscated by the Soviets, returning it or compensating the owners for it, and privatized most state-owned industries, reintroducing the prewar currency. On 1 July 2016, Latvia became a member of the OECD.[82]. [46], The capitulation of Estonia and Livonia in 1710 and the Treaty of Nystad, ending the Great Northern War in 1721, gave Vidzeme to Russia (it became part of the Riga Governorate). The white wagtail (Motacilla alba, Latvian: baltā cielava) is Latvia's national bird. The longest river on Latvian territory is the Gauja, at 452 km (281 mi) in length. [125][132], Approximately 206,000 non-citizens [133]– including stateless persons – have limited access to some political rights – only citizens are allowed to participate in parliamentary or municipal elections, although there are no limitations in regards to joining political parties or other political organizations. [53] 30,000 Jews were shot in Latvia in the autumn of 1941. In 2018, share of population aged 30–34 with tertiary education attainment in Latvia was above the EU average, but adults' participation in lifelong learning is below the EU average. The president appoints a prime minister who, together with his cabinet, forms the executive branch of the government, which has to receive a confidence vote by the Saeima. On 28 December 2020, the Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia discussed the agreement achieved on 24 December between the European Union and the United Kingdom on their future relationship after the... Read more. [citation needed] With the onset of World War II, many Latvian artists and other members of the cultural elite fled the country yet continued to produce their work, largely for a Latvian émigré audience. Just over two-thirds of voters voted Yes and Latvia joined the EU on 1 May 2004. On 1 January 2014, the Euro became the country's currency, superseding the Lats. Under this division Riga region includes large parts of what traditionally is considered Vidzeme, Courland, and Zemgale. [56]:128 There was a pause in fighting, apart from partisan activity, until after the siege of Leningrad ended in January 1944 and the Soviet troops advanced, entering Latvia in July and eventually capturing Riga on 13 October 1944. Its largest lake, Lubāns, has an area of 80.7 km2 (31.2 sq mi), its deepest lake, Drīdzis, is 65.1 m (214 ft) deep. [155] In November 2012, the three countries agreed to create a joint military staff in 2013. The festival is the biggest of its kind in the world and is held every two years in a different host city. [37] Together with southern Estonia, these conquered areas formed the crusader state that became known as Terra Mariana or Livonia. "[136] Additionally, there have been reports of police abuse of detainees and arrestees, poor prison conditions and overcrowding, judicial corruption, incidents of violence against ethnic minorities, and societal violence and incidents of government discrimination against homosexuals. Most transit traffic uses these and half the cargo is crude oil and oil products. The pact contained a secret protocol, revealed only after Germany's defeat in 1945, according to which the states of Northern and Eastern Europe were divided into German and Soviet "spheres of influence". Latvia has had many famous hockey stars like Helmuts Balderis, Artūrs Irbe, Kārlis Skrastiņš and Sandis Ozoliņš and more recently Zemgus Girgensons, whom the Latvian people have strongly supported in international and NHL play, expressed through the dedication of using the NHL's All Star Voting to bring Zemgus to number one in voting. The Best Travel, Food and Culture Guides for Latvia, Europe - Local News & Top Things to Do The Duchy of Courland and Semigallia became an autonomous Russian province (the Courland Governorate) in 1795, bringing all of what is now Latvia into the Russian Empire. [citation needed] Latvia is alive with vibrant cities, tantalising beaches, historic towns and a busy network of forests and rivers. In 2011, there were 416 religious Jews, 319 Muslims and 102 Hindus. The total length of its land boundary is 1,368 km (850 mi), of which 343 km (213 mi) is shared with Estonia to the north, 276 km (171 mi) with the Russian Federation to the east, 161 km (100 mi) with Belarus to the southeast and 588 km (365 mi) with Lithuania to the south. [citation needed], During the Great Northern War (1700–1721), up to 40 percent of Latvians died from famine and plague. This advisory body is consulted on proposed laws, to ensure these laws take account of the perspective from each region of the EU. The General representative of Germany August Winnig formally handed over political power to the Latvian Provisional Government on 26 November. Latvia's defence concept is based upon the Swedish-Finnish model of a rapid response force composed of a mobilisation base and a small group of career professionals. [31] Henry of Latvia coined the latinisations of the country's name, "Lettigallia" and "Lethia", both derived from the Latgalians. In ancient times, amber found along the Baltic Sea coast was sought by Vikings as well as traders from Egypt, Greece and the Roman Empire. Schengen: Bulgaria is currently in the process of joining the Schengen area. Latvia has 7 representatives on the European Committee of the Regions, the EU's assembly of regional and local representatives. [169] Kenneth Orchard, senior analyst at Moody's Investors Service argued that: The strengthening regional economy is supporting Latvian production and exports, while the sharp swing in the current account balance suggests that the country's 'internal devaluation' is working. [160] The Latvian economy fell 18% in the first three months of 2009, the biggest fall in the European Union. The agreement between the EU and the United Kingdom on future relationship discussed at the Cabinet and the Saeima commissions. [56]:127 Another 30,000 Jews from the Riga ghetto were killed in the Rumbula Forest in November and December 1941, to reduce overpopulation in the ghetto and make room for more Jews being brought in from Germany and the West. [196], Latvian policy in science and technology has set out the long-term goal of transitioning from labor-consuming economy to knowledge-based economy. Latvians march to commemorate SS veterans, "Opinion | Latvia opens its KGB archives — while Russia continues to whitewash its past", "Stories of Statelessness: Latvia and Estonia – IBELONG", "Emotion and Blame in Collective Action: Russian Voice in Kyrgyzstan and Latvia", "Land Use/Cover Area frame Survey 2012 Buildings, roads and other artificial areas cover 5% of the EU …and forests 40%", "Gauja National Park travel – Lonely Planet", "2012 Environmental Performance Index (EPI)", "Ecological Footprint Accounting for Countries: Updates and Results of the National Footprint Accounts, 2012-2018", "Латвийская более или менее официальная символика", "Anthropogenic modification of forests means only 40% of remaining forests have high ecosystem integrity - Supplementary Material", Constitution of the Republic of Latvia with amendments and revisions, "Diplomatic and Consular Representations", "A foreign policy based on co-operation and constructive engagement", "Estonian Chairmanship of the Baltic Council of Ministers in 2011", "Co-operation of Baltic and Nordic States", "Nordic-Baltic mobility programme for public administration", "Nordic-Baltic Mobility and Network Programme for Business and Industry", "Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Latvia", "Nordic Council of Ministers is looking for a Senior Adviser to run the Secretariat of Northern Dimension Partnership on Culture", "Enhanced Partnership in Northern Europe (e-PINE)", "The Economist Intelligence Unit's Index of Democracy 2008", "Statistics of the Human Development Report", Concluding observations of the Human Rights Committee: Latvia. This advisory body – representing employers, workers and other interest groups – is consulted on proposed laws, to get a better idea of the possible changes to work and social situations in member countries. After centuries of German, Swedish, Polish-Lithuanian and Russian rule, a rule mainly executed by the Baltic German aristocracy, the Republic of Latvia was established on 18 November 1918 when it broke away from the German empire and declared independence in the aftermath of World War I. Intra-EU trade accounts for 67% of Latvia’s exports (Lithuania 15%, Estonia 11% and Germany and Sweden 7%), while outside the EU 14% go to Russia and 4% to the United States. On the economic front, the Commission noted clear improvements and concluded that Latvia could now be classified as a "functioning market economy", a distinction that it failed to receive in the 1998 assessment. From 1 January 2007, Latvia switched to a professional fully contract-based army. Virtually all of the previously state-owned small and medium companies have been privatised, leaving only a small number of politically sensitive large state companies. Summers are usually warm and sunny, with cool evenings and nights. Affiliations of the areas that comprise modern Latvia in historical & regional context: Latvia lies in Northern Europe, on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea and northwestern part of the East European Craton (EEC), between latitudes 55° and 58° N (a small area is north of 58°), and longitudes 21° and 29° E (a small area is west of 21°). When peaceful means of conversion failed to produce results, Meinhard plotted to convert Livonians by force of arms. [125][137][138], The National Armed Forces (Latvian: Nacionālie Bruņotie Spēki (NAF)) of Latvia consists of the Land Forces, Naval Forces, Air Force, National Guard, Special Tasks Unit, Military Police, NAF staff Battalion, Training and Doctrine Command, and Logistics Command. Latvia has ratified the international Washington, Bern, and Ramsare conventions. [86][93], Latvia has the 5th highest proportion of land covered by forests in the European Union, after Sweden, Finland, Estonia and Slovenia. Since then, Lutheranism has declined to a slightly greater extent than Roman Catholicism in all three Baltic states. [212], Grey peas and ham are generally considered as staple foods of Latvians. The Young Latvian (Latvian: Jaunlatvieši) movement laid the groundwork for nationalism from the middle of the century, many of its leaders looking to the Slavophiles for support against the prevailing German-dominated social order. [209], During July 2014, Riga hosted the 8th World Choir Games as it played host to over 27,000 choristers representing over 450 choirs and over 70 countries. Latvia Highlights . There are four historical and cultural regions in Latvia – Courland, Latgale, Vidzeme, Zemgale, which are recognised in Constitution of Latvia. Latvia (/ˈlɑːtviə/ or /ˈlætviə/ (listen); Latvian: Latvija [ˈlatvija]), officially known as the Republic of Latvia (Latvian: Latvijas Republika), is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe.

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