Latvia. Get to know it!
LOCATION
Coastline is 513 km long
The area of Latvia is 64 573 km2
Located on the Eastern coast of Baltic sea
Situated in Northern Europe Information from csb.gov.lv
BORDERS Borders with Estonia, Lithuania, Russia and Belarus Overall length of land borders: 1 387 km
Information from Latvia.The Greenovative Country.
“LATVIA”
Latgalians (latgaļi) formed the core of the Latvian people
Name came from the ancient Latgalians (latgaļi)
One of the oldest flags in the world
FLAG Based on a legend from13th century
Officially adopted in 1923 Cesis-the birthplace of the flag Information from Latvia.The Greenovative Country.
LANGUAGE Considered one of the oldest languages in Europe, it belongs to the Baltic branch of the Indo-European language family One of the two remaining Baltic languages with official status
Information from Latvia.The Greenovative Country.
HISTORY
The idea of Latvia emerged in the 19th century
18 November 1918 Declaration of the Republic of Latvia
1918-1920 War of Independence
1 May 1920 Constitutional Assembly is convened
November 1922 Introduction of national currency “Lats”
Information from Latvia’s Century. 10 Steps in Latvia’s History.
1940-1945 Latvia lost its independence and became a suppressed state
1944-1990 Latvia under Soviet occupation
23 August 1989 Baltic Way-live people chain in Baltic states
4 May 1990 Restoration of Latvia’s Independence
2004 Latvia joins European Union and NATO
Information from Latvia’s Century. 10 Steps in Latvia’s History.
RĪGA Rīga is the capital of Latvia and also the biggest city in Baltic states Approximately one third of Latvian citizens live in Rīga Rīga was established in 1201 by bishop Albert 40% of building in the historic centre are Art Nouveau. It is the biggest collection in the world
Information from csb.gov.lv; Latvia.The Greenovative Country.
National Library is one of the modern landmarks in Riga
Masterpiece of the world famous architect Gunnar Birkerts
Named among the most beautiful libraries in the world
THE CASTLE OF LIGHT Information from csb.gov.lv; Latvia.The Greenovative Country.
RIGA CENTRAL MARKET One of the biggest covered markets in Europe Its pavilions are housed in giant zeppelin hangars left behind by the German army after World War I A good place to look for traditional Latvian delicacies such as lampreys, hemp butter or pickles Information from LV100 Snapshot stories; Latvia.The Greenovative Country.
THE FREEDOM MONUMENT
Survived WWII, the Soviet Occupation and numerous attempts to demolish it
Built entirely from public donations and unveiled on 18 November 1935
Information from Latvia.The Greenovative Country.
The monument honours heroes of the War of Independence in 1919
DAUGAVPILS Latvia's second largest city Cross-border cultural, scientific and educational centre Daugavpils Fortress is the last bastion-type fortress in the world Birthplace of the outstanding American painter Mark Rothko and for his art centre
Information from Daugavpils.lv
Information from Liepaja.lv; Latvia.The Greenovative Country.
Famous as the “city where the wind is born” Latvia’s third largest city Liepāja is a hometown of NBA player Kristaps Porziņģis
LIEPĀJA
PRIME MINISTER Krišjānis Kariņš Prime Minister is the head of the government
PRESIDENT Egils Levits President is formal representative of Latvia
EVERY MINISTRY IN LATVIA HAS ITS OWN COLOUR
Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Welfare
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Transport
Ministry of Economics
Ministry of Justice
Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Interior
Ministry of Education and Science
Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development
Ministry of Culture
Ministry of Agriculture
MINISTER OF ECONOMY JÄ nis Vitenbergs In office since 02.04.2020
Information from mk.gov.lv
ECONOMY GDP per capita 15 928 € GDP in total 30 476 087 € Annual GDP growth 2,2% International credit rating: A Unemployment rate 8,5 % Public debt to GDP ratio 36,4%
Information from csb.gov.lv
Exported goods
Imported goods
Information from csb.gov.lv
Main export partners
Main import partners
Information from csb.gov.lv
MINISTER OF FINANCE JÄ nis Reirs In office since 23.01.2019
Information from mk.gov.lv
FINANCE 4x increase in number of startups since 2012
In 2019, the average monthly gross salary reached 1,076 euros
In 2017, Latvia was ranked 3rd of Europe’s entrepreneurial hotspots
Latvia was ranked first in terms of total early entrepreneurial activity in 2017
Information from LIAA; Latvia. The Greenovative Country.
MINISTER OF CULTURE Nauris Puntulis In office since 08.07.2019
Information from mk.gov.lv
CULTURE There are 9 state and municipal theaters The Opera house in Rīga, built in 1863, is central to our cultural identity; we even call it “our white house” During 2018 when Latvia celebrated 100 years since independence there were 30 documentaries, 1 animation, 10 feature films and 7 short films released Information from csb.gov.lv, km.gov.lv
SONG AND DANCE CELEBRATION Occurs every 5 years
For the first time occurred in 1873
Recognised as a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity
In 2018, celebration gathered 43 thousand people
Information from csb.gov.lv, km.gov.lv; Latvia. The Greenovative Country
SINGING The most popular Latvian brand is “BrainStorm” Many famous opera singers are from Latvia such as Elīna Garanča, Kristīne Opolais, Aleksandrs Antoņenko Andris Nelsons and Mariss Jansons are among the top 5 best conductors in the world
Information from csb.gov.lv, km.gov.lv; Latvia. The Greenovative Country
Around 1.2 million dainas have been registered
The most outstanding monument of the Latvian language
Included in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register
DAINAS Information from Latvia. The Greenovative Country
KOKLE A xither-like stringed instrument, prowess in playing it realise equally on the skill in suppressing unused strings as well as strumming and picking the ones that make the sound The kokle is an instrument for the soul-it performs best when in solitude with its player
Information from Latvia 100 Snapshot stories
As a design element it even appears in our passports
THE LIELVÄ€RDE SASH
Part of woman’s folk dress
Information from Latvia 100 Snapshot stories
Extremely complicated woven geometric pattern that changes up to 22 times in its approximately 3 meters of length
NATION OF READERS Latvia’s literacy rating is 99.9% making it 9th most literate nation in the world Reading is a hobby for 39% inhabitants 13’621’471 book borrowed yearly 1’541 libraries Information from Latvia. The Greenovative Country
MITTENS
The most vivid expressions of our aesthetic taste, creativity and craftmanship
An ancient version of a women’s business cards
Information from Latvia 100 Snapshot stories
THE FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE According to a chronicle, Riga is the place where the Christmas tree decoration tradition started in 1510 Typical traditions include mumming and dragging the Yule log, which symbolises the pains and sorrows of the last year and has to be burnt
Information from Latvia. The Greenovative Country
TRADITION OF JĀŅI Dancing around and jumping over bonfire, wearing herb crown
An ancient fertility festival on the shortest night of the year
Eating caraway-seed cheese, drinking beer, singing folk songs Information from Latvia. The Greenovative Country
Average inhabitant of Latvia eats 62 kilos of potatoes and 15 kilos of rye bread yearly.
CUISINE
The two “whales� of Latvian cuisine are the potatoes and the rye bread
Information from Latvia. The Greenovative Country
Ilga Å uplinska
In office since 23.01.2019
MINISTER OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE Information from mk.gov.lv
EDUCATION AND SCIENCE In 2019, 30.5% of the population aged 15-74 had higher education Most undergraduates choose to study social sciences, business and law
Information from csb.gov.lv
The number of internationally mobile students continues to grow significantly. Currently, 10.1 thousand mobile students studying in Latvia
University of Latvia is the largest university with 13 faculties
UNIVERSITIES
Information from lu.lv
Riga Technical University and Riga Stradiņť University is the best ranked universities
SCIENCE Latvia's priority directions in science: • technologies and cybersecurity; • energy efficiency; • environmental protection; • research of local natural resources; • Latvian statehood, language and values, culture and art; • public health; • economic sustainability; • demography, sports, prosperity; • national security and defence. Information from izm.gov.lv
Around 93.1% of children at age 3-6 attend preschool educational institutions
CHILDREN EDUCATION
The literacy rate of Latvian pupils is slightly higher than the OECD average
Students in Latvia learns an average of 1.7 foreign languages
Information from csb.gov.lv
WOMEN AND EDUCATION The share of Latvian females having higher education is 7.2 higher than the EU average Latvia is the leader in the EU with women employed in research-52% The share of women among doctorated is the highest in the world-60% Information from Latvia.The Greenovative Country
Our skeletons racer Martins Dukurs is 5-time world champion
A unique object is the bobsleigh and luge racetrack in Sigulda
The most popular sports are ice hockey, basketball, volleyball and football
SPORTS
Latvians stand out in winter sports such as skeleton, bobsled and hockey
Information from csb.gov.lv, Latvia.The Greenovative Country
Jeļena Ostapenko, Anastasija Sevastova, Ernests Gulbis, Kārlis Ozoliņš-the best tennis players in Latvia
Mairis Briedis became Latvia’s first ever world boxing champion in 2017
Riga Marathon is the only marathon in region, which has been awarded with Golden Mark
There are currently 5 Latvians playing both in NBA and NHL
The most famous Latvian in basketball world is the 2.21m tall Kristaps Porziņģis
Information from csb.gov.lv, rimirigamarathon.com; Latvia.The Greenovative Country
Pauls Jonass, Matīss Karo-the most successful Latvian motocross drivers
Reinis Nitšs, Jānis Baumanis-the world-famous Latvian rallycross drivers
In 2008, Māris Štrombers became the first every Olympic champion in BMX
MINISTER OF DEFENCE Artis Pabriks In office since 23.01.2019
Information from mk.gov.lv
DEFENCE The basic strategic principle of Latvia's national defence is participation in the collective defence system of the NATO The President is the Commander-in-Chief of the Latvian State Armed Forces With the motto "It is an honour to serve Latvia!" National armed forces protects family, nation and state from aggression. Information from mod.gov.lv; mil.lv, mfa.gov.lv
In office since 25.10.2011
Edgars Rinkēvičs
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Information from mk.gov.lv
FOREIGN AFFAIRS Ministry of Foreign Affairs continued to work also during occupation years
Latvia has 47 diplomatic and consular missions around the world
Latvia is part of such international organizations as UN, OECD, EU, NATO and many more
Information from mfa.gov.lv
In office since 23.01.2019
Sandis Ģirģens
MINISTER OF INTERIOR Information from mk.gov.lv Information from mk.gov.lv
INTERIOR The number of inhabitants: 1 908 000 (2020) Most Latvians live in Alsunga municipality-96,5% Urban population-68,5%
Information from csb.gov.lv
INTERIOR
Information from csb.gov.lv
INTERIOR In 2019, 11.2 thousand people from other countries came to Latvia. 2.5 thousand (23% of foreigners) arrived from European Union (EU) countries.
Information from csb.gov.lv
Information from csb.gov.lv
Latvia is on of the top 10 countries when it comes to internet speed
WI-FI
Riga is often called Europe’s capital of free Wi-Fi
Information from mk.gov.lv
In office since 23.01.2019
Ramona PetraviÄ?a
MINISTER OF WELFARE
WELFARE As in most of EU countries, there were more women than men in Latvia in 2019 For every 100 men, there were 177 women in Latvia (EU average 105 women to every 100 men)
Information from csb.gov.lv
MINISTER OF TRANSPORT In office since 23.01.2019
TÄ lis Linkaits
Information from mk.gov.lv
TRANSPORT Riga Airport is the largest airport in the Baltic States The Latvian national airline “airBaltic” has become the world's first airline to accept Bitcoin “Rail Baltic” is a new Baltic railway project, which will provide fast rail connection between Baltic capitals.
Information from airbaltic.com
Three biggest ports in Latvia are located in Riga, Liepaja and Ventspils
Information from mk.gov.lv
MINISTER OF JUSTICE Jānis Bordāns In office since 23.01.2019
Information from president.lv
The president of Latvia is an author of the Declaration on the Restoration of Independence
General elections occur every 4 years
JUSTICE Egils Levits was the first Latvian judge at the European Court of Human Rights.
Information from mk.gov.lv
In office since 23.01.2019
Ilze Viņķele
MINISTER OF HEALTH
HEALTH The number of people dying from various diseases and traffic accidents is declining As almost every country in the world, the society of Latvia is ageing Number of smokers is declining The number of vegans and vegetarians are growing as the number of vegetarian and vegan products in stores is growing Information from spkc.gov.lv
In office since 23.01.2019
Juris PÅ«ce MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Information from mk.gov.lv
There are a total of 683 specially protected nature territories in Latvia
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Information from cdb.gov.lv, varam.lv, lvm.lv
The year 2019 with an average air temperature of + 8.2 ° C has become the warmest in observation history
Biggest greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions is generated by energy sector
FORESTS Percentage of forests (from national territory) 48% (2019) Latvia is the fourth most forested country in Europe (2018)
Information from cdb.gov.lv, lvm.lv
Venta Waterfall the widest natural waterfall in Europe (249 m)
With 12 500 rivers, springs and more than 3900 lakes, Latvia is also the 4th in Europe by freshwater resources
The amount of municipal waste generated per capita is relatively low. In 2018, it was 407 kg per capita
Information from Latvia. The Greenovative country.
THE GREAT CLEAN-UP Since 2008, “The Great Clean-up� project aims to make Latvia the greenest and cleanest place on earth Each year, on a certain date thousands of volunteers gather to tidy up their grounds, collect trash, plant some greens and refurbish courtyards Information from Latvia. The Greenovative country.
A peculiar tradition is the gathering of birch water in early spring
At the end of the summer, national sport is mushrooming Information from Latvia. The Greenovative country.
Plants with healing qualities are gathered year by year
OLD ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION 119 administrative areas – 9 republic cities and 110 municipalities
Information from saeima.lv, varam.lv
NEW ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION (FROM 1ST JULY, 2021) 42 administrative areas and 10 republic cities
In office since 23.01.2019
Kaspars Gerhards
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE Information from mk.gov.lv
AGRICULTURE Grain and dairy farming make up the majority of Latvia's agricultural production Although Latvia has difficult climatic conditions and a short vegetation period, the availability and quality of agricultural land and water is very good Grain is Latvia's main agricultural and food export group Information from csb.gov.lv, zm.gov.lv
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