Latvia Republic of Latvia is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by Estonia (343 km), to the south by Lithuania (588 km), to the east by the Russian Federation (276 km), and to the southeast by Belarus (141 km). Across the Baltic Sea to the west lies Sweden. The territory of Latvia covers 64,589 km2 (24,938 sq mi) and it has a temperate seasonal climate.
The Republic of Latvia is founded on November 18, 1918
Location: Latvia is situated in Northern Europe, on the coast of the Baltic Sea.
The Territory of Latvia: 64,589 square kilometers (24,938 square miles).
National anthem: ‘Dievs, sveti Latviju!’ (God Bless Latvia)
Constitution: democratic parliamentary republic
The parliament, called the Saeima consists of 100 elected MPs.
President: Valdis Zatlers (since 8 July, 2007)
Official language: Latvian
Total population: 2 274 700 (uz 07.2007)
Capital city: Riga (with 723931 inhabitants)
Administrative organisation: 7 cities, 65 towns, 26 regions, 11 districts, 467 parishes
Traditionally divided into 4 regions: Vidzeme, Latgale, Kurzeme and Zemgale
Largest cities apart from Riga: Daugavpils, Jelgava, Jurmala, Liepaja, Rezekne, Ventspils
Major ports: Ventspils, Riga, Liepaja
Ethnic composition: Latvians -59.0% (1348344) , Russians – 28.3% (646567), Belorussians – 3.7% (85434), Ukrainians – 2.5% (57794), Poles- 2.4% (54831), Lithuanians – 1.4% (31034), Others – 2.1% ( uz 01.04.2007)
Religion: Non-religious – 35%, Lutheran – 24%, Catholic – 18%, Orthodox – 15%, Others – 8%
Currency: Lats (LVL), 1 lats = 100 santimi
