Latvia

About Latvia

Capital

Riga

Continent

Independence Date

18 November 1918

Official Language	Latvian
Second Language	Russian, English
Population	~1.8 million
Passport Color	Red
Passport Rank	#11
Dialing Code	371
Country TLD	.lv

Latvia Overview

Latvia, officially the Republic of Latvia (Latvian: Latvijas Republika), is a country in Northern Europe on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. It shares borders with Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, Russia to the east, and Belarus to the southeast. The capital and largest city is Riga.

Latvia is known for its rich history, Art Nouveau architecture, and extensive natural landscapes including forests, rivers, and lakes. It is a member of the European Union, Eurozone, and NATO. The country has a high standard of living, advanced education system, and a thriving culture influenced by both Nordic and Baltic traditions.

The official language is Latvian, while English and Russian are widely understood. The national currency is the Euro (EUR). Latvia’s economy is diverse, with key sectors including manufacturing, IT, logistics, forestry, and tourism. Riga’s historic center is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Quick Facts About Latvia

Coordinates	56.8796° N, 24.6032° E
Bordering Countries	Estonia, Lithuania, Russia, Belarus
Region / Continent	Europe (Northern Europe)
Total Area	~64,589 sq km
Population Density	~30 people per sq km
Highest Point	Gaiziņkalns – 312 m
Major Rivers	Daugava, Gauja, Lielupe, Venta
Climate Type	Oceanic/Continental; cold winters, mild summers
Famous For	Riga’s architecture, Baltic Sea beaches, folk traditions, Song Festival
Major Landmarks	Old Town Riga, Gauja National Park, Rundāle Palace, Jurmala
Official Language	Latvian
Currency	Euro (EUR)
Government Type	Unitary Parliamentary Republic
Time Zone	UTC+2 (EET); UTC+3 (DST)
Major Exports	Timber, machinery, electronics, food products
Visitor Entry	Schengen Area member; visa-free for EU and many other countries