The official name is the Republic of Latvia. Latvia is a country belonging to the Baltic states, it is located in the north-eastern part of Europe. The capital of the country is Riga, the official currency is the euro (previously the Latvian lat was used as a means of payment). The border of Latvia passes with Lithuania, Estonia, Russia and Belarus. On the western side, the country is washed by the waters of the Baltic Sea.
Geographical position
Latvia is a country, most of which is located on the lowlands and plains. It is also surrounded by the hills of the Vidzeme Upland, the highest point of which reaches only 311 meters.
Almost half of the Latvian territory is forest (at different times up to 44%). Also, nature is represented by a large number of water bodies: lakes, rivers, as well as the Baltic Sea, which is located in the western part of the country.
The climate is of mixed type, transitional from marine to continental. The average summer temperature is 18-20 degrees above zero. Rather high humidity, precipitation is observed here quite often. Winter is not harsh - usually the temperature is kept above zero.
The flora and fauna of the country is not very diverse: the country's forest lands are inhabited by species that are absolutely typical of the middle zone and temperate climate. These are hares, foxes, wolves, roe deer, etc. In the waters of the Baltic Sea, fishing is widely developed.
Country history
Latvia is a country with a rich and ancient history.
Until about the end of the 12th century, the tribes inhabiting the territory of modern Latvia and the surrounding lands did not yet have their own concept of statehood.
Then, by the beginning of the 13th century, these lands were captured by the crusaders, soon the main city of the country, Riga, was formed, and the territories on which modern Latvia and Estonia are located acquired the name Livonia.
Starting from the 16th century, these lands belonged to the Poles and Swedes. Mostly the undermining of Livonia’s statehood and divisions began due to the spread of Lutheranism in the territory, which was contrary to the prevailing teaching of the Catholic Church.
A key point in the history of Latvia can be considered the 17th century: it was at this time that individual nationalities living on these lands consolidated into an integral Latvian people, a separate language was formed that is spoken by all people living in this territory.
In 1710, after the victory of Peter I in the Northern War, the lands of Latvia departed from the Russian Empire. Despite this, the customs and legislation in these territories were significantly different from those that dominated the main Russian land.
After the First World War was over, the inhabitants of Latvia are fighting for independence. Around this time, rifle units supporting the Bolsheviks were also formed - later the street of the Latvian Riflemen in St. Petersburg was named after them.
The Republic of Latvia was proclaimed in 1918, and the country's independent status was declared.
After this event, Latvia’s independence was threatened for a long time: hostilities continued on the territory of the country until 1920, when a peace treaty was signed with Russia, in which the Soviet government refused to claim the land of Latvia.
Before the start of World War II, the country was actively developing; significant cultural and political changes were taking place.
In 1940, Latvia joins the Soviet Union. During the Second World War, the Latvians receive significant damage from the troops of Nazi Germany, but after the end of hostilities the country begins to develop again. The main course of development in those years was based on the ideology of building socialism, and the media and cultural works were censored by the Soviet government.
In the late 80s, the first signs of publicity appeared, and the country was again moving towards independence. The Latvian Popular Front is formed - a movement for the independence of the state, numbering several hundred thousand people.
In 1989, a peaceful protest action "The Baltic Way" was held - thousands of residents of the Baltic countries, holding hands, form a multi-kilometer live chain. This gesture symbolized the Baltic countries' desire for independence and the preservation of national identity.
The Declaration on the Restoration of Independence of Latvia was adopted in 1990.
After 14 years, Latvia becomes part of the European Union and NATO. Today, Latvia is an actively developing country within the European Union, considered one of the most important cultural centers in Europe.
The main cities of Latvia
The capital of Latvia is Riga. This is a city that has preserved the charm of the Middle Ages to this day, the main cultural and tourist center of the country. Here, the Old Town with neat old buildings contrasts with the developing and actively developing new areas. The population of Riga is 799 thousand people, it is the largest city in the country. In Riga there are a huge number of attractions and architectural monuments, the capital of Latvia is listed as a UNESCO heritage site.
The second largest city is Daugavpils. It is located near the border with Belarus, only 35 kilometers from it. The central part of this city is considered an urban monument, there are a large number of unique buildings of past centuries, many monuments and museums.
Jurmala is a resort city located on the shores of the Gulf of Riga. The name of the city itself can be translated as "sea resort". This city is famous primarily for its nature and unique environmental conditions - it has amazingly clean air, pleasant sea and mild climate. Usually people who cannot stand the hot resort towns in the south come here to rest. There is a large number of pensions and resorts, there are healing mineral springs and unique healing mud.
Liepaja is the third largest city in the country. This is a famous Baltic port. In the center and the northern part of the city are unique cathedrals and churches, as well as the Horse Riding Hall and the residence of Peter I.
Latvian cuisine
At different times, Russian, Estonian, Lithuanian, Belarusian and German cuisines influenced the formation of the national cuisine of Latvia.
Its basis is formed by dishes that are simple to prepare and hearty, but without frills and a large number of spices and ingredients. Main products: cereals, meat, fish.
On ordinary days, residents of Latvia prefer ordinary European cuisine, but on holidays they prepare old and national dishes.
The most interesting dishes include:
- Semolina dessert with various types of nuts, cranberries and cream.
- Bread soup with dried fruits.
- Ziwu-pudins is a special cod casserole.
- Gray peas with speck - a traditional Christmas dish.
- Klops is a steak, usually made of pork, with onion-based sauce.
One of the distinguishing features of the Latvian cuisine can be considered interesting and unusual combinations of ingredients, as well as the high nutritional value of dishes.
Latvian traditions
In Latvia, Ligo is considered the official day off - the summer solstice, celebrated annually on June 23 and 24. At this time, festivities are held in all cities and settlements. This is a very ancient holiday, which has pagan roots.
Among Latvians, respect for ancient rituals and traditions is still very developed. This is very well manifested, for example, in wedding ceremonies.
For example, during the wedding it is very important that no one passes between the newlyweds, for this they hold hands tightly, and by the way the bride carries the bouquet, they wondered how happy the future life of the young people will be.
Latvia has a very large number of Catholics, therefore Christian rituals are also widely observed and respected.
For example, during Advent (three Sundays before Christmas), menorahs are put on the windows, and every Sunday after the church service, one red candle is lit - with the expectation that four of them burn at once.
At the same time, special gingerbread cookies are baked - the most popular holiday treat.
Finally
Nowadays, Latvia is a beautiful, developed country, one of the cultural and tourist centers of Europe. People come here to immerse themselves in medieval architecture, visit the beaches of the Baltic Sea and enjoy the beautiful nature.