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 About Latvia |
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The Republic of Latvia is Founded on November 18, 1918.
After a brief period of independence between the two World Wars, Latvia was annexed by the USSR in 1940. It reestablished its independence in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status of the Russian minority (some 30% of the population) remains of concern to Moscow.
Latvia joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004. |
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Location |
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The Republic of Latvia (Latvian: Latvijas Republika) is a country in Northern Europe. Latvia has land borders with its two fellow Baltic states — Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south — and Russia and Belarus to the east. In the west Latvia shares a maritime border with Sweden. The capital of Latvia, Riga (Latvian: Riga), is the largest city in the Baltic States.
The coastal plain is mostly flat but, inland to the east, the land is hilly with forests and lakes. There are about 12,000 rivers in Latvia, the biggest being the River Daugava. The ports of Riga, Liepaja and Ventspils often freeze over during the winter.
The area of Latvia is 64,589 sq km. |
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Population |
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The populating of Latvia is 2.3 million Inhabitants.
Latvians are the indigenous people of Latvia. Little less than 60% of the population is ethnic Latvians. Almost 28% are Russian which is the largest national minority in Latvia.
Most of the population is Christian (the majority being Lutheran, with smaller percentages Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox). Another religion is Dievturi (The Godkeepers), which has historical roots based on pre-Christian era mythology. There are also Jews in Latvia who are mainly a remainder from the Soviet Union. |
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Language |
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The official language of the Republic of Latvia is Latvian. The Latvian language, like Lithuanian and the extinct Old Prussian language, belongs to the Baltic language group of the Indo-European language family and is neither Germanic nor Slavic. Russian is by far the most widespread minority language, also spoken or at least understood by large sections of non-Russian population. The Latgalian language is widespread in Latgale, though authorities consider it a dialect of Latvian for political reasons. |
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Education |
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BASIC EDUCATION
Education begins in Latvia at age six or seven and continues for a total of nine years. English is taught from third grade onward; starting in sixth grade, a second foreign language is taught. Once this basic education program has been completed a certificate is issued. Most students continue their education at a general secondary school; about one-third attend a vocational school.
GENERAL SECONDARY EDUCATION
General secondary education adds three years to the nine years of compulsory basic education. Seven subjects are compulsory in all of these programs: Latvian language and literature, mathematics, history, one foreign language, physical education, basic information science, and basic economics.
In order to receive a general secondary education certificate, the pupil must pass five final examinations, two of which are obligatory throughout the country, with another three chosen by the pupil. In order to ensure equal requirements and evaluation for all secondary school-leavers, centralized final examinations have been introduced in Latvia. On successful completion of the secondary school curriculum, the pupil receives a general secondary education certificate.
In Latvia, most secondary school leavers go on to attend a higher education institution. Only about a quarter end their education at this stage. |
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Weather |
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From early November until the April thaw, temperatures struggle to rise above 0°C (32°F) as
the sun makes a brief appearance during the day and drops well below zero at night. June to August daytime highs are normally around 20 to 22°C (68-72°F) and are particularly pleasant. July and August are the warmest months, though prone to moderate but persistent showers. |
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Money and Cost of Living |
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According to the 2005 Cost-of-Living Survey of Mercer Human Resource Consulting, Riga is ranked as 54 just after Chicago (52) and San-Francisco (50). |
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Currency |
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The Latvian lats (Ls) has been the legal currency in Latvia since June 1993 when it replaced the transitional Latvian rouble. Units of lats are called santimi (1 lat = 100 santimi). Lats come in banknote denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100. Coins come in denominations of 1 and 2 lats as well as in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 santimis. Money can easily be changed at numerous exchange bureaus, hotels and banks. It is best to bring cash (crisp, clean, newer bills) in small denominations to exchange for Latvian currency.
1 Latvian Lats (Ls1) = £0.98; US$1.75; C$2.12; A$2.28; €1.42
Currency conversion rates as of August 2005
Most banks are open 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday; some banks are also open on Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm.
International credit cards are accepted at all major hotels, restaurants and shops. Traveler's checks are not accepted in restaurants or shops, but most banks will exchange them. Banks will also give cash advances on most credit cards. ATMs are available in Riga and other major cities. |
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Health |
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Medical care in Latvia is available, and it is greatly improving; however, it is not up to Western standards. Thus, although there are no health certificates or vaccinations required to enter Latvia, it is recommended that visitors be in good medical health and be up-to-date on the following list of immunizations:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Tetanus/Diphtheria
- Typhoid
- Tuberculosis skin test
Tick-borne encephalitis is present, particularly in forested areas. Campers and trekkers should wear protective clothing; immunization is strongly advisable as reported cases have increased in recent years. Diphtheria and hepatitis A have been reported in the area. Diphyllobothriasis (fish tapeworm) can be ingested from freshwater fish caught around the Baltic Sea area. Tuberculosis has been reported and precautions are necessary.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.
Food & drink: Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilized. |
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Weights and Measures |
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The official System in Latvia is the Metric system. |
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Electricity |
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The electric current in Latvia is 220 volts AC, 50 Hz. Latvia uses European-style 2 pin plugs. |
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