Latvia The Republic of Latvia (Latvian: Latvijas Republika), or Latvia (Latvian: Latvija), is a republic in Northeastern Europe. Bordering the Baltic Sea, Latvia is known as one of the Baltic States, together with Estonia and Lithuania, which border the nation in the north and south, respectively. In the east, it shares borders with Russia and Belarus. On 20 September 2003, in a nationwide referendum, the Latvians voted to join the European Union and Latvia's EU membership took effect on 1 May 2004. Latvia became a member state of NATO on March 29 2004. Latvijas Republika Flag of Latvia Latvia: Coat of Arms (In Detail) (Full size) National motto: None http://www.worldhistory.com/wiki/nophoto.jpg Official language Latvian Capital Riga Largest city Riga President Vaira Vike-Freiberga Prime minister Aigars Kalvitis Area  - Total  - % water Ranked 121st 64,589 km² 1.5% Population  - Total (2001)  - Density Ranked 137th 2,385,231 37/km² Independence  - Declared  - Recognised  - Regained From the Russian Empire 18 November 1918 11 August 1920 August 21 1991 (from the U.S.S.R.) Currency Lat Time zone UTC +2 National anthem Dievs, Sveti Latviju Internet TLD .lv Calling Code 371 History Main article: History of Latvia Known for the most part as Livonia, the area that now constitues Latvia was under the influence of the German Sword Brethren from the 13th century onward. However, in the 18th and 19th century, Russia gained control over Latvia and neighbouring regions. With Russia devastated by revolution and World War I, Latvia declared its independence in November 18 1918. From 1934 Latvia was an authoritarian state. This period of independence lasted only briefly, as the Soviet Union annexed the country on 17 June 1940 in accordance with the Soviet-Nazi agreement (Ribbentrop-Molotov pact) of 1939. Except for a brief period of German occupation during World War II, Latvia remained Soviet territory until reforms in Soviet communism such as glasnost stimulated the Latvian independence movement, and Latvia regained its independence on 21 August 1991. It has since followed a course to reinforce its links with the West, and became a member of both NATO and the European Union in 2004. Politics Main article: Politics of Latvia The 100-seat unicameral Latvian parliament, the Saeima, is elected by direct, popular vote every four years. The presidential elections are held separately, also every four years. The president is elected by Saeima. The president appoints a prime minister who, together with his cabinet, forms the executive branch of the government. Counties Main article: Counties of Latvia Latvia is divided into 26 counties called rajons. 7 cities have a separate status. Aizkraukles county Aluksnes county Balvu county Bauskas county Cesu county Daugavpils Daugavpils county Dobeles county Gulbenes county Jekabpils county Jelgava Jelgava county Jurmala Kraslavas county Kuldigas county Liepaja Liepaja county Limbazu county Ludzas county Madonas county Ogres county Preilu county Rezekne Rezekne county Riga Riga county Saldus county Talsu county Tukuma county Valkas county Valmieras county Ventspils Ventspils county Map of Latvia with cities Geography Main article: Geography of Latvia Large parts of Latvia are covered by forests, and the country has over 12,000 small rivers and over 3,000 lakes. Most of the country consists of fertile, low-lying plains with some hills in the east, the highest point being the Gaizinkalns at 312 m. An inlet of the Baltic Sea, the shallow Gulf of Riga is situated in the northwest of the country. The capital city Riga is located on the shores of this inlet, where the Daugava river flows into it. Other major cities include Daugavpils further upriver and Liepaja along the Baltic coast. The Latvian climate is maritime and temperate in nature, with cool summers and wet, moderate winters. Economy Main article: Economy of Latvia Latvia's transitional economy recovered from the 1998 Russian financial crisis, largely due to the previous government's budget stringency and a gradual reorientation of exports toward EU countries, lessening Latvia's trade dependency on Russia. The majority of companies, banks, and real estate have been privatised. Latvia officially joined the World Trade Organisation in February 1999 and the European Union in May 2004. The high current account deficit remains a major concern. Demographics Main article: Demographics of Latvia Less than 60% of the population of Latvia are ethnic Latvians. About 30% is Russian, whose wellbeing is a continuing concern for Russia. In the larger cities, such as Riga and Daugavpils, Russians outnumber Latvians. Sizeable minorities from other countries such as Belarus, Ukraine and Poland also live in Latvia. Latvian, a member of the Baltic languages, is the country's only official language, but Russian is also widely spoken. The population is largely Christian, divided between the Lutheran, Catholic and Russian Orthodox Churches. Another religion is Dievturi (The Godkeepers), which has historical roots based on preChristian era mythology. Culture List of famous Latvians Latvian mythology Music of Latvia International rankings Reporters Without Borders world-wide press freedom index 2004: Rank 10 out of 167 countries Environmental Sustainability Index 2002 Rank 10 out of all countries Miscellaneous topics Communications in Latvia Holidays in Latvia Transportation in Latvia Military of Latvia Foreign relations of Latvia List of cities in Latvia National Roads in Latvia Tourism in the Baltics Sports in Latvia External links Government The Latvian Institute - official government site with various factual materials about Latvia in several languages (en, de, fr, fi, se, ru - depending on the material) Cabinet of Ministers - Official governmental site President's Chancery - Official presidential site Saeima - Official parliamentary site (in Latvian) Other CIA - The World Factbook -- Latvia - CIA's Factbook on Latvia Welcome to Latvia - Wide collection of Latvian links Latvians Online - Popular online Latvian community latvians.com - Latvian identity in exile Toronto Zinas - World's only bilingual Latvian e-zine Wikitravel guide nds:Lettland simple:Latvia tokipona:ma Lawi Most Popular Articles: Music    Musical Instruments    Guitar    Classical Music    History    Music Definition    Country Music    Rock Music    Pop Music    Hip Hop    Rap    DJ    Video Games    Casino Games    Poker    Blackjack    Casinos    Real Estate    Loan    Auction    eBay    Marketing    Search Engine Optimization    File Sharing    MP3    Music Industry    Kazaa    Internet    Supermodel    Fashion    Fashion Designers    Erotica    Modeling    Clothing    Boots    Shoes    Diamond Engagement Rings    Diamond    Rugs    Gospel Music    Affiliate    E-Commerce    Radio This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License at http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html You may copy and modify it as long as the entire work (including additions) remains under this license. You must provide a link to http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html for use of this content. To view or edit this article at Wikipedia go to http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latvia