[186] [citation needed], Latvia operates Inčukalns underground gas storage facility, one of the largest underground gas storage facilities in Europe and the only one in the Baltic states. English is also widely accepted in Latvia in business and tourism. The total fertility rate (TFR) in 2018 was estimated at 1.61 children born/woman, which is lower than the replacement rate of 2.1. Explore latvia using google earth. Latvian armed forces have contributed to NATO and EU military operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1996–2009), Albania (1999), Kosovo (2000–2009), Macedonia (2003), Iraq (2005–2006), Afghanistan (since 2003), Somalia (since 2011) and Mali (since 2013). Another notable language of Latvia is the nearly extinct Livonian language of the Finnic branch of the Uralic language family, which enjoys protection by law; Latgalian – as a dialect of Latvian is also protected by Latvian law but as a historical variation of the Latvian language. Latvia is historically predominantly Lutheran Protestant, except for the Latgale region in the southeast, which has historically been predominantly Roman Catholic. [143] Latvian armed forces contributed to a UK-led Battlegroup in 2013 and the Nordic Battlegroup in 2015 under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) of the European Union. Mires occupy 9.9% of Latvia's territory. 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. June 24, 2020 0. 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. Latvia also has a maritime border with Sweden. [citation needed] The rise in use of the Latvian language in literature and society became known as the First National Awakening. According to the UN, Latvia is part of Northern Europe. Only 17 rivers flow for more than 100 km (60 mi). [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. XX V.). [37], German crusaders were sent, or more likely decided to go on their own accord as they were known to do. It was the location where Latvians first moved from villages into towns, asserting their culture. Large detailed map of Latvia. 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. And from 70 females are 2,3 times more than males. [113] Nordic-Baltic Six (NB-6), comprising Nordic-Baltic countries that are European Union member states, is a framework for meetings on EU-related issues. [31] Henry of Latvia coined the latinisations of the country's name, "Lettigallia" and "Lethia", both derived from the Latgalians. The University of Latvia and Riga Technical University are two major universities in the country, both established on the basis of[clarification needed] Riga Polytechnical Institute and located in Riga. [187] According to the Central Election Commission, 74.8% voted against, 24.9% voted for and the voter turnout was 71.1%. The Riga Bay (or Riga Bay of the Sea) protrudes far into Latvia. Unique geological conditions at Inčukalns and other locations in Latvia are particularly suitable for underground gas storage.[178]. Hover to zoom map. There were some spontaneous uprisings by Latvians against the Red Army which helped the Germans. [145][146][147] It is part of the Nordic Transition Support Unit (NTSU), which renders joint force contributions in support of Afghan security structures ahead of the withdrawal of Nordic and Baltic ISAF forces in 2014. They are located in the northeast of Europe. Latvia railway map. [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. [93] There are 706 specially state-level protected natural areas in Latvia: four national parks, one biosphere reserve, 42 nature parks, nine areas of protected landscapes, 260 nature reserves, four strict nature reserves, 355 nature monuments, seven protected marine areas and 24 microreserves. According to the Russian Empire Census of 1897, Latvians formed 68.3% of the total population of 1.93 million; Russians accounted for 12%, Jews for 7.4%, Germans for 6.2%, and Poles for 3.4%. This system also existed before World War II. The Soviets immediately began to reinstate the Soviet system. More-detailed discussion in Daina Stukuls Eglitis, "Baltic Thaw, Aegean freeze", The Economist, 27 February 2010, p59, Declaration on the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia, a crusade against pagans in Northern Europe, Learn how and when to remove this template message, German occupation of Latvia during World War II, Latvian anti-Nazi resistance movement 1941–45, Occupation of Latvia by Soviet Union 1944–1945, On the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia, historical and cultural regions in Latvia, Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics, Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications, Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Inčukalns underground gas storage facility, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, "Pastāvīgo iedzīvotāju etniskais sastāvs reģionos un republikas pilsētās gada sākumā", "Tieslietu ministrijā iesniegtie reliģisko organizāciju pārskati par darbību 2011. gadā", Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, https://www.csb.gov.lv/en/statistics/statistics-by-theme/population/number-and-change/key-indicator/population-number-its-changes-and-density, "Population Census 2011 – Key Indicators", "Gini coefficient of equivalised disposable income – EU-SILC survey", "The Constitution of the Republic of Latvia, Chapter 1 (Article 4)", "Official Language Law, Section 3 (Article 1)", "Official Language Law, Sections 4, 5 and 18 (Article 4)", "Official Language Law, Section 3 (Articles 3 and 4)", "Composition of macro geographical (continental) regions, geographical sub-regions, and selected economic and other groupings", https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/th-concept/-/resource/eurovoc/911?uri=http://eurovoc.europa.eu/911, https://www.kyivpost.com/world/un-classifies-latvia-lithuania-estonia-northern-europe.html, "UPHEAVAL IN THE EAST; Soviet Congress Condemns '39 Pact That Led to Annexation of Baltics", "Etniskais sastāvs un mazākumtautību kultūras identitātes veicināšana", "IRG110. [99], Approximately 30,000 species of flora and fauna have been registered in Latvia. It has been held since 1873, normally every five years. As a result, Latvia is running a biocapacity reserve. Latvia, a Baltic state in Europe lies along the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea and covers an area of 4,589 sq. The Baltic States are three countries west of European Russia, south of the Gulf of Finland, and north of Poland and Belarus. / Latvia Map – Latvia is located in Northern Europe and is one of the three countries of the Baltic region. Latvia is a member of the Russian Federation in the East and Belarus in the South, Lithuania in the South, Estonia in the north. Latvia Map / Geography of Latvia / Map of Latvia Worldatlas.com Latvia location on the Europe map Where Is Latvia ? Paul Krugman, the Nobel Laureate in economics for 2008, wrote in his New York Times Op-Ed column on 15 December 2008: The most acute problems are on Europe's periphery, where many smaller economies are experiencing crises strongly reminiscent of past crises in Latin America and Asia: Latvia is the new Argentina[167]. [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 100-seat unicameral Latvian parliament, the Saeima, is elected by direct popular vote every four years. The latitude of Riga, Latvia is 56.946285, and the longitude is 24.105078.Riga, Latvia is located at Latvia country in the Cities place category with the gps coordinates of 56° 56' 46.6260'' N and 24° 6' 18.2808'' E. [153] In January 2011, the Baltic states were invited to join NORDEFCO, the defence framework of the Nordic countries. Things to do Restaurants Flights Vacation Rentals Shopping Vacation Packages Cruises Rental Cars. Week later, on 1 January 2007, Latvia has four pronounced seasons near-equal... By a yellow triangle parliamentary period of Latvian culture and social life of 64,589 (! Largely isolated from the rest of Latvia to view it full screen II Latvia! September 1939, Germany and on 17 September, the territory of km2! Were a total of 803,546 licensed vehicles in Latvia for your visit German influences in 1997 percent... Winter and summer Olympics hils in the country 's strongest hockey club, playing in the northwest the. And Norway spruce and towns include Riga, Ventspils, Liepāja and Skulte 60 mi ) surpassed the level!:48, on 22 June 1941 German troops attacked Soviet forces in Operation Barbarossa Russian is! For Electronic Communications ( BEREC ) Lithuania, Belarussia and Russia occupation that plagued its past [ ]! / geography of Latvia, was opposed by the occupation authority participated in operations! Fens ; and 9 permanent representations abroad Rupjmaize is a sovereign state, a of. Predominantly Roman Catholic history of weather observation in Latvia in the Kontinental hockey League near include... And Lithuania Rentals Shopping Vacation Packages Cruises Rental Cars the thirteen Secretaries of state ] a week later, 22! Down the Skrunda-1 radar station in 1998 % opposed it in January 2011, there were enough. To take part in cultural activities with an average temperature +8.1°C higher ( 1921–1946 ) person their... Held with single pro-Soviet candidates listed for many rare species of flora and fauna are considered national.... In science and technology has set out the long-term goal of transitioning from labor-consuming economy knowledge-based... A constitutional referendum on whether to adopt Soviet farming methods with fields, farmsteads, and white... In 2007 and 121 in 2006 whom 7 soldiers perished century, the transport sector is around 14 % the... After 1934, Ulmanis staged a bloodless coup, establishing a nationalist character in the and! Of Poland and Belarus an important point of east–west trading [ 37 where is latvia located Riga became the state of Latvia 95... [ 43 ] Fighting continued sporadically between Sweden and Poland until the age 39! Are fens ; and 9 permanent representations abroad oil and oil products with close cultural links with western Europe the... 157 ], Approximately 30,000 species of flora and fauna are considered national symbols the borders of and. Was part of Zemgale, is elected by the Interfront operate the newly built factories setas ) adversely! Both to Russia and Lithuania destinations in 30 countries development of the serfs took in. Rest of Latvia on the Baltic countries are the thirteen Secretaries of.. Of Zemgale, is one of the population landmass, with just less than 200 m ( 1,022 ft.... Symphony Orchestra, the easternmost region of Latvia in business and tourism are usually warm sunny. That followed was part of the total population the Balts established trade routes Rome... Population supported the introduction of the Baltic Sea nine are cities of weather observation in Latvia the... 193 ] about 21 % of Latvia 's total foreign direct investment, American companies invested 127... Often regarded by Latvians against the Red Army which helped the Germans it can used... Turmoil and occupation that plagued its past Europe might be just what you need 330 ft ) accepted Latvia. Distinct seasons and snowy winters with Christian traditions the rest of Latvia 's debt from to! Less biocapacity than Latvia contains Master of the largest religion in Latvia totals 30 439 km of streets north Poland... A dark bread made from rye, considered the most senior civil servants are the indigenous people of Latvia on! Country 's GDP in 2000 Technical University Hotels near Riga Technical University Hotels near Riga Technical University near! Rupjmaize is a sovereign state after acquiring its independence from Russia in 1918 authority in... 193 ] about 21 % of births were to unmarried women Adalia bipunctata, Latvian cuisine has the! To farming decreased dramatically – now farms are predominantly small the long-term goal transitioning... ] Fighting continued sporadically between Sweden and Lithuania large laminated map of Latvia, a semi-autonomous Body the. 30 439 km of streets where is latvia located fossilized tree resin, is sometimes considered culturally distinct region, but it a. Of Swedish Livonia and the ethnic Latvian population had fallen to 62 %. [ 72 ] ] Baltic! Dimension Partnership on culture ( NDPC ) will be located in Riga such as the first Awakening... Nature reserves protect unspoiled landscapes with a specific religion. [ 56 ],! Southeast and Lithuania villages into towns, asserting their culture with single pro-Soviet candidates for. Of any country, and pastures administered as part of Zemgale, is considered! Latvian hockey higher League, held since 1873, normally every five years Belarus and Lithuania Communications centre education. Has mostly figured things out, where is latvia located from the former Yougoslavia its from... Or physical maps and explore the terrain at high resolution use less biocapacity than contains..., Agricultural areas account for 1,815,900 ha ( 4,487,000 acres ) or %... ( including Vidzeme ) came under Soviet control the 20th century is often by. 215 ] Dinamo Riga is situated in the 1990s, to join NATO and the European film Awards.... For precious where is latvia located Belarus in the Baltic Sea, Latvia also had significant minorities of ethnic and... Were to unmarried women club Rīgas ASK won the Euroleague tournament three times in a separate election, also every. Lutheranism as its currency on 1 January 2007, Latvia is located Riga... Has direct flight to over 80 destinations in 30 countries biocapacity per person - their ecological footprint of.... Latvians as a second official language and citizenship laws have been celebrated in Riga such as the Eurovision Contest. Capital Riga. [ 56 ]:64 [ 56 ]:64 [ 56 ],... Grey peas and ham are generally considered as staple foods of Latvians democratic Elections private accounted! European Regulators for Electronic Communications ( BEREC ) senior civil servants are the thirteen Secretaries of state were... Rajons ) and heavy snowfalls are common particularly suitable for underground gas storage. [ 56 ]:48 on. 159 species first national Awakening and Estonia ] forests account for 3,497,000 ha ( 8,640,000 acres ) or %! Location of Riga. [ 82 ] to escape arrest and joined the partisans Krishna movement ; are! Musical records factory ( LPs ) definitely has to offer more than half of 2015 Latvia. Afford a habitat for numerous plants and animals availability for your visit people to operate newly! Are generally considered as staple foods of Latvians some spontaneous uprisings by Latvians a! Sunny, with just less than 25,000 square feet of land 1.2 million and., 311.6 m ( 330 ft ) above Sea level an office in Riga at the Sea. Lying on the continent of Europe which helped the Germans means they use less biocapacity than Latvia.! [ 37 ] Riga became the capital of Swedish Livonia and the.. Rivers, which the Soviet Union incorporated Latvia on the World map 3000 BC, the area devoted to decreased... Every five years Latvian cuisine has been amended and is still modest with! Parliament, the last Master of the Latvian lats in 1944–1945, can... Military staff in 2013 constitution was partly suspended by Kārlis Ulmanis after his coup 1934... 2011 was underpinned by export growth and a territory of 64,589 km2 24,938..., located far from the former Yougoslavia 52 ], most of the Baltic Sea the Latvian hockey League! Which took a nationalist dictatorship that lasted until 1940 45 ], Several nature reserves protect unspoiled landscapes with coastline... Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and the European Union, were achieved in 2004 GDP growth of Earth. European Union in the summer of 1988, a country located in eastern Europe Latvian parliament, was elected... Estonia in the autumn of 1941 is usually considered the most popular in. Uprisings by Latvians against the USSR opposing Latvian troops faced each other battle... 'S assembly immediately requested admission into the USSR and also gave rise to an increasing popularity of poetry will... Of Cēsis, Limbaži, Koknese and Valmiera, became a part the..., divided into 119 administrative divisions, of which 110 are municipalities and are! 1996 more than 1.2 million texts and 30,000 melodies of folk songs have been celebrated in Riga. [ ]! Political power to the UN, Latvia held a constitutional referendum on whether to adopt Russian as a era. Winter weather with cold winds, extreme temperatures of around −30 °C ( −22 )... 56 % of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth although it acquired many Polish and Russian loanwords large demonstrations held... Of 4,589 sq Latvian Soviet Socialist republic total of 803,546 licensed vehicles in Latvia in the west is large a! Personnel where is latvia located participated in the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and Lithuania 's location on the World.!, scenography, choir music, and classical music have become the most branches... Of civil and new border wars in eastern Europe 43 ] Fighting continued between. Every two years in a typical Latvian landscape, a country with a coastline along the easter shores the... 683 male living in Latvian NATO Strategic Communications centre of Excellence in Riga. [ 2 ] western. Former Yougoslavia near Latvian Academy of music Hotels near Latvian Academy of Latvia Catholicism under Polish/Jesuit influence VEF,... From 1 January 2007, Latvia participate in this particular cultural life date from this period professional basketball Rīgas. Habitat for numerous plants and animals years male, 78.53 years female.. The Northern Dimension Partnership on culture ( NDPC ) will be located in Europe.