Latvia is a country located in the northeastern part of Europe, on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. It is one of the three Baltic states, along with Estonia and Lithuania. Latvia has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from Germanic, Slavic, and Nordic cultures, as well as a unique Latvian identity.

Latvia has a population of approximately 1.9 million people, with the majority living in the capital city of Riga and the surrounding area. The official language is Latvian, which is spoken by around 60% of the population, but many people also speak Russian and English.

The country has a temperate climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The landscape is diverse, ranging from forests and lakes to sandy beaches and rolling hills. Latvia is also known for its impressive architecture, including medieval castles, Art Nouveau buildings, and wooden houses.

Latvia is a member of the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations, among other international organizations. The economy is largely driven by services, with industries such as information technology, finance, and tourism playing a significant role. Latvia is also home to several notable universities, including the University of Latvia and Riga Technical University.

Tourism is a growing industry in Latvia, with visitors attracted by the country's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and vibrant cities. Popular tourist destinations include the capital city of Riga, the seaside resort town of Jurmala, and the medieval castle of Cesis. Latvia is also known for its excellent hiking and cycling opportunities, with numerous trails winding through the country's forests and countryside.

Telephone Code
371

Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 112, 03; Fire: 112, 01; Police: 112, 02

Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations

Climate
Maritime; wet, moderate winters

Currency (Code)
Euros (EUR)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F

Major Languages
Latvian, Russian

Major Religions
Lutheran 36.2%, Roman Catholic 19.5%, Orthodox 19.1%

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Gauja National Park; Jurmala Resort; Rundale Palace & Museum; Turaida Museum Reserve; Riga (includes Freedom Statue, Saint Peter's Church, Blackheads House)

Major Sports
Soccer, ice hockey, basketball

Cultural Practices
Even numbers of flowers indicate mourning, so be sure to present odd numbers of flowers in arrangements.

Tipping Guidelines
A 10% tip for good table service at a restaurant or lounge is appreciated. Round up the bill for bartenders and cab drivers.

Souvenirs
Amber jewelry and decorative items, ceramic items, wickerwork, silver, beer/liquor

Traditional Cuisine
Grey Peas and Bacon — grey peas cooked in smoked bacon, onion, and salt; rye bread

Geography
Area
total: 64,589 sq km
land: 62,249 sq km
water: 2,340 sq km

Climate
maritime; wet, moderate winters

Natural resources
peat, limestone, dolomite, amber, hydropower, timber, arable land

People and Society
Population
1,821,750 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Latvian 62.7%, Russian 24.5%, Belarusian 3.1%, Ukrainian 2.2%, Polish 2%, Lithuanian 1.1%, other 1.8%, unspecified 2.6% (2021 est.)

Languages
Latvian (official) 56.3%, Russian 33.8%, other 0.6% (includes Polish, Ukrainian, and Belarusian), unspecified 9.4%; note - data represent language usually spoken at home (2011 est.)

Religions
Lutheran 36.2%, Roman Catholic 19.5%, Orthodox 19.1%, other Christian 1.6%, other 0.1%, unspecified/none 23.5% (2017 est.)

Population growth rate
-1.13% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
parliamentary republic

Capital
name: Riga

Economy
Economic overview
high-income, EU-member Baltic economy; export-driven; major bribery and money-laundering scandals suggest widespread financial corruption; strong but gradual post COVID-19 recovery; regional tension with Belarus; highly developed transit services

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$60.457 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$32,100 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
wheat, milk, rapeseed, barley, oats, potatoes, rye, beans, pork, poultry

Industries
processed foods, processed wood products, textiles, processed metals, pharmaceuticals, railroad cars, synthetic fibers, electronics

Exports
$25.248 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
Lithuania 16%, Estonia 10%, Russia 9%, Germany 7%, Sweden 6%, United Kingdom 6% (2019)

Exports - commodities
lumber, broadcasting equipment, whiskey and other hard liquors, wheat, packaged medicines (2019)

Imports
$26.622 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
Russia 21%, Lithuania 14%, Germany 9%, Poland 7%, Estonia 7% (2019)

Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, broadcasting equipment, cars, packaged medicines, aircraft (2019)