Latvia, officially known as the Republic of Latvia, is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. One of the three Baltic states, Latvia shares its borders with Estonia, Russia, Belarus, Lithuania, and a maritime boundary to the west with Sweden. With an area of 64,589 square kilometers and a population of 1.9 million, Latvia is a democratic and developed country that combines its rich historical legacy with modernity.
Geography
Latvia is positioned at the nexus of Northern and Eastern Europe, nestled between latitudes 55° and 58° N and longitudes 21° and 29° E. The country’s terrain is marked by a vast tapestry of fertile plains, rolling hills, and numerous rivers and lakes that traverse the landscape before draining into the Baltic Sea.
Latvia’s topography is characterized by its flatlands and moderate hills, with its highest point, Gaiziņkalns, standing at 311.6 meters above sea level. It boasts the Gulf of Riga, an extensive inlet of the Baltic Sea, and its largest lake, Lubāns, spans an area of 80.7 square kilometers. The Gauja is the longest river within Latvia, complemented by the Daugava, which is significant for its historical trade importance.
Demographics
The Latvian nation comprises a diverse ethnic mix, with Latvians making up 63% of the population, followed by a significant Russian minority of 24.2%. Other ethnic groups include Belarusians, Ukrainians, Poles, Lithuanians, Roma, and Jews.
Latvian, a Baltic language, is the official language and is used in all facets of public life. Recognized regional languages include Livonian and Latgalian, which have special legal status, along with the Latvian Sign Language. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 64% of the population, with Lutheranism, Catholicism, and Orthodoxy as the main denominations.