The Republic of Latvia

INTRODUCTION The Republic of Latvia (Latvian Latvijas Republika) is a Member State of the European Union (64 589 km², 2 252 060 inhabitants according to 2012 data, capital Riga) in north-eastern Europe; it borders to the north with Estonia (267 km), east with Russia (217 km), south-east with Belarus (141 km) and south with Lithuania (453 km), and is washed to the west by the Baltic Sea. Latvia is a parliamentary republic; The post of prime minister is currently held by Ms. Kučinskis, from 11 February 2016, while the current president is Raimonds Vējonis, from 5 July 2015. The official language is Latvian.

CULTURAL HERITAGE CONTEXT Cultural monuments in the Republic of Latvia form a constituent part of cultural and historical heritage and are most commonly encountered as cultural and historical landscapes and individual territories (ancient burial sites, cemeteries, parks, sites of historical events, sites of activity of prominent persons), as well as individual burial sites, building complexes and separate buildings, pieces of art, equipment and items having historical, scientific, artistic or any other form of cultural value, the future preservation of which is crucial regarding the national and public interests of Latvia, as well as international interests.

THE MONUMENT TO FREEDOM The Monument to Freedom (Brīvības piemineklis in Latvian) of Riga was made by the Latvian sculptor Kārlis Zāle and erected in 1935 during a brief period of independence between the wars. The Monument is 42 meters high and is located in the center of Riga. At the top is a female figure representing freedom (affectionately called Milda), which raises above the head three golden stars that symbolize the three regions of Latvia: Courland , Livonia and Letgallia. Left intact by the Soviets, the tower remains a symbol full of power for the population and at the base of this are regularly left flowers.

TRADITION Latvian traditions are fundamentally linked to peasant life and the rhythms that punctuate it, so we can recognize the influence of pagan rituals. Folklore, handed down orally, is full of stories, fables, legends, sagas and dainas. The latter are short and poetic folk songs, comparable to Japanese haiku. Since 1873, every five years, the National Song Festival is held in Latvia, culminating in a large choir in the open-air amphitheater of the capital; the event involves approx. 20,000 artists including singers and amateur dancers. The most important festival of the year (23-24 June) is the Jani Festival, dedicated to the summer solstice. The population celebrates it in the countryside, where they brew beer, cheeses and cakes and wreaths of flowers and herbs; the latter are hung from the houses to keep away the evil spirits and sing songs (Ligo) around the bonfires. Amber handicraft (historical symbol of the country) and wood are common in the country. § Typical foods include smoked foods (especially fish), dairy products, potatoes, cereals and eggs. The basic element of the local diet is smoked fish (herring, eels and sardines), while lamprey is one of the most refined products. Latvians are also skilled pastry chefs, particularly experts in desserts made from fresh berries. Among the drinks, the most curious is the black balsam of Riga (produced only in Latvia since 1755), very alcoholic, often and very black in color.

THE LATVIAN CURRENCY This Baltic country has been a member of the European Union since 1 May 2004 and used the Latvian Lats prior to the adoption of the euro. Latvia, which entered ERM II, initially planned to enter the euro zone on 1 January 2008, but later the date was moved to 1 January 2014, [2] having the Latvian government launched a series of laws in November 2012 , which had to be approved in triple reading, aimed at facilitating this objective. The laws had final approval on January 31, 2013 [3] [4]. On 4 March 2013, the Latvian Government officially presented to the Council of the European Union the request for membership of the euro area starting from 1 January 2014. Following this request, on 5 June 2013 the European Commission presented its report on compliance convergence criteria (according to the parameters of 28 February 2013) and gave its favorable opinion on the adoption of the euro by Latvia

MADE BY: DE FINIS LUDOVICA PIOSELLI CAROLINA DI MAIO RITA