Latvia

Latvia is one of three countries known as the "Baltic States".

Fact sheet Area: 64,589 sq.km Regions: Kurzeme, Vidzeme, Zemgale, Latgale Total nationl border lenght: 1,862 km Lenght of Latvia`s Baltic coastline: 494km Largest lake: Lubāns, 80,7 sq.km Deepest lake: Drīdzis, 65,1 metres Longest river within Latvian territory: the Gauja, 452 km Largest river to flow through Latvian territory: the Daugava, total lenght 1,005km, of which 352 km within Latvian territory Highest point: Gaiziņkalns, 311metres

On the world map Latvia is to be found in the North- eastern Europe, on the cost of the Baltic Sea.

Latvia is a central country of the Baltic States.

This would be among the oldest flags of the world. Flag of Latvia Written records of the red- white- red Latvian flag have existed since the second half of the 13th century. This would be among the oldest flags of the world.

Coat of arms The coat of arms combines symbols of Latvian national statehood( three stars, the see, and the sun) as well symbols representing ancient historical districts: Kurzeme, Vidzeme, Latgale.

Large Coat of Arms The large coat of arms can be used by the State President, Parliament, Prime Minister, Cabinet of Ministers, government ministries, as well as Latvia's diplomatic and consular missions.

Small Enhanced Coat of Arms The small enhanced coat of arms can be used by agencies of the Parliament, Cabinet of Ministers and other institutions under direct or indirect supervision of the government ministries.

Small Coat of Arms The small coat of arms can be used by other government institutions, municipal authorities and educational institutions on official documents.

President of Latvia Vaira Vīķe- Freiberga Vaira Vike-Freiberga, President of Latvia, was elected on 17 June 1999 by the Parliament for a four-year term and has been re-elected for a second term in 2003. She was named Special envoy on the reform of the United Nations in 2005 and was an official candidate for the position of Secretary General in 2006.  

The National Bird The Latvian national bird is the balta cielava or white wagtail . This slender and graceful bird is often found in Latvia from April till October. The white wagtail was affirmed the national bird of Latvia in 1960 by the International Bird Protection Council.

The National Insect The Latvian national insect is the two-spot ladybird. The insect’s Latvian name - marite - is a synonym for the ancient Latvian goddess Mara, who embodies the power of the earth. The two-spot ladybird was designated the national insect of Latvia by the Entomological Society of Latvia.

The National Flower The Latvian national flower is the  pipene or daisy, which also grows here in the wild. In Latvian conditions the common or wild daisy blossoms from June till September. Daisies are a very popular flower and are often used in flower arrangements or given as gifts.

National Trees The lime tree (Latvian: liepa) and the oak (Latvian: ozols) are considered the national trees of Latvia. The oak and the lime tree are characteristic elements of the Latvian landscape. Latvian dainas (folk songs) often reflect ethical and moral concepts of earlier times. Amongst other trees, these folk songs most often mention the oak and linden tree.

Amber Amber has long been viewed as a precious stone associated with the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea. Latvians themselves have occasionally referred to the Baltic Sea as the Amber Sea (Dzintarjura), reinforcing the symbolic importance of amber (dzintars) in Latvian culture and history.

Symbol of Latvian Fate – the River Daugava The Daugava is considered the Latvian national river. The Daugava is the largest river that flows through Latvia. Known as the "river of fate" or "mother of rivers", the Daugava has served as an ancient trade route linking the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea.

Symbol of Independence – Freedom Monument The Freedom monument, or Brivibas piemineklis, in the capital city Riga has become a symbol of independence. It was built from 1931 until 1935 from donated funds. The monument is designed by Latvian sculptor Karlis Zale. At the base of the monument sculptural reliefs illustrate different significant moments in Latvia’s history, while the very top displays the symbol of freedom – a woman who embodies the idea of Latvia’s sovereignty. At the foot of the freedom monument there is never a lack of flowers, which are placed here with deep respect for those, who have formed this nation and who have sacrificed their lives in the fight for independence.

Ethnic composition: 59.0% Latvian, 28.5% Russian, 3.8% Belorussian, 2.5% Ukrainian, 2.4% Polish, 1.4% Lithuanian, 0.4% Jewish, 2.0% other nationalities. Official Language: Latvian

Climate Summer: June - August. Winter: December - February. The average temperature In summer: 15.8°C (in the capital 16.1°C), In winter: -4.5°C (in the capital -3.8°C). The warmest month: July, The coldest month: January. The average precipitation amount In summer: 195 mm, In winter: 116 mm.

Education The state guarantees free primary and secondary (high school) education. More than 90% of children attend state schools which provide free education. 9 years of primary education are obligatory. The most of the students attend state-universities. Apart from state-financed educational institutions, there are also private schools and private universities in Latvia. Latvia also has state-financed ethnic minority schools or classes where courses are presented in Belorussian, Estonian, Hebrew, Lithuanian, Polish, Roma, Russian and Ukrainian.

Largest Religious Confessions: Evangelic Lutheran, Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox. Since the Reformation movement in the 16th century, the Lutheran church has played a leading role in Latvia.

Aglona Church Pipe organ

Russian orthodox churh Balvi

Riga - Cathedral of the Nativity

Aglona Church

Catholic church Riga

Riga- Dom Cathedral

Lutheran churches Daugavpils Krustpils

Song and Dance Festival Singing is very popular in Latvia Song and Dance Festival Singing is very popular in Latvia. Lots of people sing in choirs. And that`s because Latvia has ancient traditions of chorus singing. Our first national Song and Dance festival was held in 1863. Joint choir ( more than 12.000 singers)

With dance about life

A Girl in Latvian national costume

Dance reherseal

Singing nation

Midsummer day Jani - midnight ritual at the bonfire.The annual celebration of the summer solstice, known as Jani is generally viewed as the most important Latvian holiday. Jani is celebrated on June 23 and 24. The traditions and rituals associated with the celebration of Jani are deeply rooted in ancient Latvian folklore and continue to have deep symbolic meaning for the celebrants. Participants gather flowers, grasses and oak leaves which are used to make wreaths and decorate the farmstead, house and farm animals. Jani night activities include the singing of special Jani songs (Ligo songs) around a ceremonial bonfire. Home-brewed beer and a special Jani cheese are an essential part of this colourful holiday ritual.

The capital of Latvia- Riga Nearly one third of Latvia`s population (747 thousand) lives in the capital city Riga, the oldest still existing Latvian medieval city, was founded in 1201. Riga is situated on the Baltic sea coast by the riverside Daugava. Riga is the largest city in the Baltic states. The old city center has been included in UNESCO`s list of the world`s most important cultural and natural sites.

Riga Castle The fascinating mediavel building is Riga Castle. Castle was built in 1330 as a residence for the master of the Livonian Order. Over the course of time Riga Castle was destroyed and rebuilt and various governors was had their seat here. Today Riga Castle is residence of Latvian presidents. Here are located Latvian Foreign Art Museum and Rainis Museum of Literature and Art History.

Powder Tower From the 17th century, when the gunpowder had been kept in this tower, because the towers wall thick reaches 3m - it gained the name Pulvertornis (Powder Tower). Now there is situated the Latvian War Museum

Riga City Counsil Riga City Council (Latvian: Rīgas Dome) is the government of Riga City, the capital of Latvia. It is located in the Riga Town Hall at the Town Hall Square (Rātslaukums) in the very heart of Riga.

Vanšu (cable) bridge across Daugava river

St.Peter’s Church St.Peter’s Church was first mentioned in 1209. The tower and front part was built from 15th -18th centuries. At that time the tower was the highest wooden structure in Europe, its total height being more than 120 metres. The tower was burned down several times. Today it is restored according to the original plans, but in metal structur. In the church are held various concerts and exhibitions. In the tower is built the observation platform. From here you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of Riga  

Riga Opera House on Bastejkalns Canal

The Blackheads house in Riga The outstanding monument of Mannerism age was Melngalvju nams (the House of Blackheads) - oldest public building in Riga. It was rebuilt from ruins not long time ago. Unfortunately true House of Blackheads was destroyed during II World War in 1941.

Riga Dom Cathedral The Riga Dom has been rebuilt several times in the course of time. Therefor many architectural styles have been used in building: Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Jugendstil. Here are magnificent stained glass windows and famous organ - one of the biggest in Europe (6,768 pipes!). In evenings jou can come here listen organ concerts.

Latvian Riflemen Monument The statue, built in 1970 during Soviet times, honours the Latvian Riflemen, who were soldiers fighting against the Germans in WW1. Some of the Riflemen, known as the Red Riflemen, sided with the Bolsheviks in 1917 - and some were Lenin's bodyguards.

Three Brothers The Three Brothers are the oldest stone residential buildings in the city and represent different stages in the architectural development of Riga, from medieval to Baroque. The oldest of the three dates back to the 15th century. The other two were built in the 17th and 18th centuries, respectively.

Riga

TV Tower Riga

Saules Akmens building and Vansu bridge

Latvia Cities

Sigulda Turaida museum reserve

Sigulda The Gūtmaņa cave

VELNA ALA (DEVIL’S) CAVE PĒTERALA (PETER’S CAVE) Caves VELNA ALA (DEVIL’S) CAVE PĒTERALA (PETER’S CAVE)

New Sigulda Castle

Sandstone Cliff

Turaida Castle

Statute of a Daina (Latvian Folk Song)

Cesis castle Cesis castle ruins are one of the most majestic castle ruins in the Baltic countries. Once the most important castle of the Livonian order that also has been the official residence for orders chief was destroywd during the great northern war.

Cesis lake

Daugavpils

City center

The Sea port Ventspils Before Christmas

Ventspils Floral design

Cows` parade in Ventspils

The Baltic sea

Stony beach in Vidzeme

The sea view in March

Sunset over the gulf of Riga

Sunset

Rivers of Latvia There are more than 12 400 rivers in Latvia, but only 880 of them are longer than 10 km. 17 rivers are longer than 100 km. The largest rivers are Daugava (352 km in Latvian territory), Lielupe, Gauja and Venta.

Gauja River - Devil's Cliffs

The ancient valley of the Gauja River The Gauja is one of the longest rivers in Latvia with a length of 452 km. Its source is in the hills southeast of Cēsis. The Gauja flows into the Baltic Sea northeast of Riga. The ancient valley of the Gauja River

Waterfall Ventas rumba - with a stork

Daugava Daugava in flood

The River Lielupe

Lielupe river beach

The lakes of Latvia Lubāna Dridzis There are about 3000 lakes in Latvia. Most of them are rather small. Approximately 40 % are located in eastern part of Latvia. The deepest lake is Dridzis (65,1 m), the largest - Lubans (80,7 m), while Ezezers is rich in islands (33 islands) and is situated in Latgale. There is also Usma lake in Kurzeme with the oldest nature reserve on the island - Moricsala (founded in 1912). Dridzis

Usma Razna Jugla

Nature Latvia is a country of splendid and diverse natural landscapes. Forests cover 44 percent of the territory. The larger forest tracts are to be found in the northern part of Kurzeme. Here it is still possible to enjoy the beauty of nature untouched by man.     Latvia distinguishes itself with a large variety of flora and fauna.    

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

Fauna Latvia's fauna is typical for a region with mixed forests. Latvia has the largest otter population in Europe, and there is a much greater chance of seeing the rare black stork in Latvia's forests than in any other European country.   Beaver Hare

Elk Roes

Hedgehog

Wolf

Lynx Red fox European hare Wild boar

Latvia`s nature

Birds White Stork Owl Jackdaw

Swallow Woodpecker Seagull

Swan

Black stork

Nature

Spring flowers

Spring flowers

Spring flowers

Lilac

Tulips

Snowdrops

Snowdrops

Crocus

Dandelion