1. Latvia

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

3. 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

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

5. Latvia is a central country of the Baltic States.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

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

11. 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 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. 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.

23. Aglona Church Pipe organ

24. Russian orthodox churh Balvi

25. Riga - Cathedral of the Nativity

26. Aglona Church

27. Catholic church Riga

28. Riga- Dom Cathedral

29. Lutheran churches
Daugavpils
Krustpils

30. 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 Joint choir ( more than singers)

31. With dance about life

32. A Girl in Latvian national costume

33. Dance reherseal

34. Singing nation

35. 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.

36. 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.

37. 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.

38. 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

39. 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.

40. Vanšu (cable) bridge across Daugava river

41. St.Peter’s Church
St.Peter’s Church was first mentioned in 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  

42. Riga Opera House on Bastejkalns Canal

43. 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.

44. 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.

45. 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 and some were Lenin's bodyguards.

46. 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.

47. Riga

48. TV Tower
Riga

49. Saules Akmens building and Vansu bridge

50. Latvia Cities

51. Sigulda Turaida museum reserve

52. Sigulda The Gūtmaņa cave

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

54. New Sigulda Castle

55. Sandstone Cliff

56. Turaida Castle

57. Statute of a Daina (Latvian Folk Song)

58. 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.

59. Cesis lake

60. Daugavpils

61. City center

62. The Sea port Ventspils
Before Christmas

63. Ventspils
Floral design

64. Cows` parade in Ventspils

65. The Baltic sea

66. Stony beach in Vidzeme

67. The sea view in March

68. Sunset over the gulf of Riga

69. Sunset

70. Rivers of Latvia
There are more than 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.

71. Gauja River - Devil's Cliffs

72. 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

73. Waterfall Ventas rumba - with a stork

74. Daugava
Daugava in flood

75. The River Lielupe

76. Lielupe river beach

77. 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

78. Usma
Razna
Jugla

79. 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.    

80. Spring

81. Summer

82. Autumn

83. Winter

84. 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

85. Elk
Roes

86. Hedgehog

87. Wolf

88. Lynx
Red fox
European hare
Wild boar

89. Latvia`s nature

90. Birds
White Stork
Owl
Jackdaw

91. Swallow
Woodpecker
Seagull

92. Swan

93. Black stork

94. Nature

95. Spring flowers

96. Spring flowers

97. Spring flowers

98. Lilac

99. Tulips

100. Snowdrops

101. Snowdrops

102. Crocus

103. Dandelion