[110][111][112], Since the early 1990s, Latvia has been involved in active trilateral Baltic states co-operation with its neighbours Estonia and Lithuania, and Nordic-Baltic co-operation with the Nordic countries. [55] A week later, on 1 September 1939, Germany and on 17 September, the Soviet Union invaded Poland. The length of Latvia's Baltic coastline is 494 km (307 mi). This system also existed before World War II. [23] Latvians and Livonians are the indigenous people of Latvia. and Sovieticised. Instead, its work is led by the country holding the Council presidency, which rotates every 6 months. [4], The Saeima, Latvia's parliament, was again elected in 1993. [208], After incorporation into the Soviet Union, Latvian artists and writers were forced to follow the socialist realism style of art. [83] With the dismantling of collective farms, the area devoted to farming decreased dramatically – now farms are predominantly small. [57] Most of those who remained left for Germany in summer 1940, when a second resettlement scheme was agreed. BK Ventspils, which participates in EuroChallenge, is the second strongest basketball club in Latvia, previously winning LBL eight times and BBL in 2013. [56]:48, On 22 June 1941 German troops attacked Soviet forces in Operation Barbarossa. Russian, which was widely spoken during the Soviet period, is still the most widely used minority language by far (in 2011, 34% spoke it at home, including people who were not ethnically Russian). Latvia plans to base the development of its scientific potential on existing scientific traditions, particularly in organic chemistry, medical chemistry, genetic engineering, physics, materials science and information technologies. [citation needed] [140][141][142] Latvia also took part in the US-led Multi-National Force operation in Iraq (2003–2008)[143] and OSCE missions in Georgia, Kosovo and Macedonia. Every year more boys are born. From the age of 40 – more female. [67] Rural areas were forced into collectivization. [35], Although the local people had contact with the outside world for centuries, they became more fully integrated into the European socio-political system in the 12th century. The prices of real estate, which were at some points growing by approximately 5% a month, were long perceived to be too high for the economy, which mainly produces low-value goods and raw materials. [37] Together with southern Estonia, these conquered areas formed the crusader state that became known as Terra Mariana or Livonia. Still, today there are 290,660 non-citizens in Latvia, which represent 14.1% of the population. The pact contained a secret protocol, revealed only after Germany's defeat in 1945, according to which the states of Northern and Eastern Europe were divided into German and Soviet "spheres of influence". [160] The Latvian economy fell 18% in the first three months of 2009, the biggest fall in the European Union. There were some spontaneous uprisings by Latvians against the Red Army which helped the Germans. [113] Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB-8) is the joint co-operation of the governments of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden. [56]:127 Another 30,000 Jews from the Riga ghetto were killed in the Rumbula Forest in November and December 1941, to reduce overpopulation in the ghetto and make room for more Jews being brought in from Germany and the West. VET ([1] In the education system and policy of Latvia VET is referred to as ‘vocational education’ (in Latvian: ‘profesionālā izglītība’).The term ‘training’ is not commonly used in the national context.) [33] The Balts established trade routes to Rome and Byzantium, trading local amber for precious metals. [165] As of 2015, Latvia is estimated to have the lowest male-to-female ratio in the world, at 0.85 males/female. [166] In April 2010 Latvia had the highest unemployment rate in the EU, at 22.5%, ahead of Spain, which had 19.7%.[167]. Most transit traffic uses these and half the cargo is crude oil and oil products. [30], The name Latvija is derived from the name of the ancient Latgalians, one of four Indo-European Baltic tribes (along with Couronians, Selonians and Semigallians), which formed the ethnic core of modern Latvians together with the Finnic Livonians. [54], Early in the morning of 24 August 1939, the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany signed a 10-year non-aggression pact, called the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash. Find out more about how Latvia benefits from EU funding. Latvia's population has been multiethnic for centuries, though the demographics shifted dramatically in the 20th century due to the World Wars, the emigration and removal of Baltic Germans, the Holocaust, and occupation by the Soviet Union. This advisory body – representing employers, workers and other interest groups – is consulted on proposed laws, to get a better idea of the possible changes to work and social situations in member countries. In 2018, share of population aged 30–34 with tertiary education attainment in Latvia was above the EU average, but adults' participation in lifelong learning is below the EU average. [165][2] The largest groups as of 2011[update] were: In the Eurobarometer Poll 2010, 38% of Latvian citizens responded that "they believe there is a God", while 48% answered that "they believe there is some sort of spirit or life force" and 11% stated that "they do not believe there is any sort of spirit, God, or life force". [citation needed], In the 12th century in the territory of Latvia, there were lands with their rulers: Vanema, Ventava, Bandava, Piemare, Duvzare, Upmale, Sēlija, Koknese, Jersika, Tālava and Adzele. To work and reside in Latvia as a highly-qualified worker for longer than 90 days within half a year (counting from the first day of entrance), you can apply for an EU Blue Card. [22] Latvia is a democratic sovereign state, parliamentary republic. The Duchy of Courland and Semigallia became an autonomous Russian province (the Courland Governorate) in 1795, bringing all of what is now Latvia into the Russian Empire. 70% percent of the mires are untouched by civilization, and they are a refuge for many rare species of plants and animals. It has been held since 1873, normally every five years. However, there were not enough people to operate the newly built factories. Latvia has a long and successful tradition of extra-curricular education, called interest-related or hobby education. *From within the EU: Entry Restrictions- Citizens from EU Member States plus Schengen associated countries, as well as people with permanent residence status in those countries, when travelling from their home countries to Latvia no longer face 10 days self-isolation period, if 14-day cumulative number of COVID-19 cases per 100 000 inhabitants does not exceed the threshold rate in Latvia. On 1 July 2016, Latvia became a member of the OECD.[82]. Latvia has 7 representatives on the European Committee of the Regions, the EU's assembly of regional and local representatives. [49], During the 19th century, the social structure changed dramatically. Severe spells of winter weather with cold winds, extreme temperatures of around −30 °C (−22 °F) and heavy snowfalls are common. [53] Latvian soldiers fought on both sides of the conflict, mainly on the German side, with 140,000 men in the Latvian Legion of the Waffen-SS,[63] The 308th Latvian Rifle Division was formed by the Red Army in 1944. The Latvian SSR, along with the other Baltic Republics was allowed greater autonomy, and in 1988, the old pre-war Flag of Latvia flew again, replacing the Soviet Latvian flag as the official flag in 1990. [109], Latvia's foreign policy priorities include co-operation in the Baltic Sea region, European integration, active involvement in international organisations, contribution to European and transatlantic security and defence structures, participation in international civilian and military peacekeeping operations, and development co-operation, particularly the strengthening of stability and democracy in the EU's Eastern Partnership countries. This means they use less biocapacity than Latvia contains. [97] Nationally protected areas account for 12,790 km2 (4,940 sq mi) or around 20% of Latvia's total land area. Latvia lies in Northern Europe, on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea and northwestern part of the East European Craton (EEC), between latitudes 55° and 58° N (a small area is north of 58°), and longitudes 21° and 29° E (a small area is west of 21°). A full member of the Eurozone, it began using the euro as its currency on 1 January 2014, replacing the Latvian lats. Latvia is a member of the United Nations, European Union, Council of Europe, NATO, OECD, OSCE, IMF, and WTO. It has 44 diplomatic and consular missions and maintains 34 embassies and 9 permanent representations abroad. [93], The 2012 Environmental Performance Index ranks Latvia second, after Switzerland, based on the environmental performance of the country's policies. [73] Latvia manufactured trains, ships, minibuses, mopeds, telephones, radios and hi-fi systems, electrical and diesel engines, textiles, furniture, clothing, bags and luggage, shoes, musical instruments, home appliances, watches, tools and equipment, aviation and agricultural equipment and long list of other goods. Gotthard Kettler, the last Master of the Order of Livonia, formed the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia. On 20 September 2003, Latvians held an election to vote on joining. Transit between Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan as well as other Asian countries and the West is large. [80], Language and citizenship laws have been opposed by many Russophones. [citation needed], Riga International Airport is the busiest airport in the Baltic states with 7.8 million passengers in 2019. The president appoints a prime minister who, together with his cabinet, forms the executive branch of the government, which has to receive a confidence vote by the Saeima. [140], Since March 2004, when the Baltic states joined NATO, fighter jets of NATO members have been deployed on a rotational basis for the Baltic Air Policing mission at Šiauliai Airport in Lithuania to guard the Baltic airspace. Latvia is a member of the European Union, Eurozone, NATO, the Council of Europe, the United Nations, CBSS, the IMF, NB8, NIB, OECD, OSCE, and WTO. 250 people identify as Livonians (Baltic Finnic people native to Latvia). [citation needed][108]. On 28 December 2020, the Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia discussed the agreement achieved on 24 December between the European Union and the United Kingdom on their future relationship after the... Read more. [169] Kenneth Orchard, senior analyst at Moody's Investors Service argued that: The strengthening regional economy is supporting Latvian production and exports, while the sharp swing in the current account balance suggests that the country's 'internal devaluation' is working. Spring and autumn bring fairly mild weather. For elections in the European Union, Latvia is a European Parliament constituency, currently represented by eight MEPs. 56 percent[84] of Latvia's territory is covered by forests, mostly Scots pine, birch, and Norway spruce. How much each EU country pays into the EU budget is calculated fairly, according to means. In a typical Latvian landscape, a mosaic of vast forests alternates with fields, farmsteads, and pastures. [citation needed], Numeracy was also higher in the Livonian and Courlandian parts of the Russian Empire, which may have been influenced by the Protestant religion of the inhabitants. [181] In 2017 there were 1 054 433 female and 895 683 male living in Latvian territory. [173], The four biggest ports of Latvia are located in Riga, Ventspils, Liepāja and Skulte. [32], Around 3000 BC, the proto-Baltic ancestors of the Latvian people settled on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. Latvia replaced its previous currency, the lats, with the euro on 1 January 2014, after a European Union assessment in June 2013 asserted that the country had met all convergence criteria necessary for euro adoption. [188] According to the Central Election Commission, 74.8% voted against, 24.9% voted for and the voter turnout was 71.1%. State administrators were liquidated and replaced by Soviet cadres. Approximately 72% of Latvian citizens are Latvian, while 20% are Russian; less than 1% of non-citizens are Latvian, while 71% are Russian. [34] By 900 AD, four distinct Baltic tribes inhabited Latvia: Curonians, Latgalians, Selonians, Semigallians (in Latvian: kurši, latgaļi, sēļi and zemgaļi), as well as the Finnic tribe of Livonians (lībieši) speaking a Finnic language. Since independence, theatre, scenography, choir music, and classical music have become the most notable branches of Latvian culture. [citation needed]. [58] The racially approved being resettled mainly in Poland, being given land and businesses in exchange for the money they had received from the sale of their previous assets.[56]:46. The Evangelical Lutheran Church, with an estimated 600,000 members in 1956, was affected most adversely. Pope Celestine III had called for a crusade against pagans in Northern Europe in 1193. [37] Riga became an important point of east–west trading[37] and formed close cultural links with Western Europe. The 2006 IIHF World Championship was held in Riga. [105], Several nature reserves protect unspoiled landscapes with a variety of large animals. To qualify for a Blue Card, you must hold a university or college diploma from an educational programme that lasted three years or longer. [212], Grey peas and ham are generally considered as staple foods of Latvians. Winters have average temperatures of −6 °C (21 °F) and are characterized by stable snow cover, bright sunshine, and short days. [48], The emancipation of the serfs took place in Courland in 1817 and in Vidzeme in 1819. Of these, 42% are raised bogs; 49% are fens; and 9% are transitional mires. The NATO Summit 2006 was held in Riga. Eager to join Western economic institutions like the World Trade Organization, OECD, and the European Union, Latvia signed a Europe Agreement with the EU in 1995—with a 4-year transition period. The longest river on Latvian territory is the Gauja, at 452 km (281 mi) in length. The United Kingdom remains a major partner to Latvia and the EU; therefore, in the future, we would like to have as close as possible cooperation in safeguarding people’s interests, in security, defence, foreign affairs, trade, education and other matters. [174], Latvian Railway's main network consists of 1,860 km of which 1,826 km is 1,520 mm Russian gauge railway of which 251 km are electrified, making it the longest railway network in the Baltic States. Unique geological conditions at Inčukalns and other locations in Latvia are particularly suitable for underground gas storage.[179]. Latvia is part of the Schengen Area and joined the Eurozone on 1 January 2014. The country is subdivided into 110 one-level municipalities and 9 cities. Latvia closed 131 schools between 2006 and 2010, which is a 12.9% decline, and in the same period enrolment in educational institutions has fallen by over 54,000 people, a 10.3% decline. Sjanits’ job is to respond to the exodus triggered by Latvia’s accession to the EU. In the 23rd block of the Vorverker cemetery, a monument was erected after the Second World War for the people of Latvia, who had died in Lübeck from 1945 to 1950. [85], The total length of Latvia's boundary is 1,866 km (1,159 mi). [43] Fighting continued sporadically between Sweden and Poland until the Truce of Altmark in 1629. The total fertility rate (TFR) in 2018 was estimated at 1.61 children born/woman, which is lower than the replacement rate of 2.1. Latvia is historically predominantly Lutheran Protestant, except for the Latgale region in the southeast, which has historically been predominantly Roman Catholic. [175] However, Rail Baltica railway, linking Helsinki-Tallinn-Riga-Kaunas-Warsaw is under construction and is set to be completed in 2026. Amber, fossilized tree resin, is one of Latvia's most important cultural symbols. Innovation and rising productivity led to rapid growth of the economy, but it soon suffered from the effects of the Great Depression. The largest city in Latvia is Riga, the second largest city is Daugavpils and the third largest city is Liepaja. [87][88][89], Coastal regions, especially the western coast of the Courland Peninsula, possess a more maritime climate with cooler summers and milder winters, while eastern parts exhibit a more continental climate with warmer summers and harsher winters. Throughout all the centuries, however, an actual Latvian state had not been established, so the borders and definitions of who exactly fell within that group are largely subjective. [211], Latvian cuisine typically consists of agricultural products, with meat featuring in most main meal dishes. The total length of its maritime boundary is 498 km (309 mi), which is shared with Estonia, Sweden and Lithuania. The growth momentum has continued into 2012 and 2013 despite deteriorating external conditions, and the economy is expected to expand by 4.1 percent in 2014. Apart from road and railway connections, Ventspils is also linked to oil extraction fields and transportation routes of Russian Federation via system of two pipelines from Polotsk, Belarus. Other popular sports include football, floorball, tennis, volleyball, cycling, bobsleigh and skeleton. [37] The southern part of Estonia and the northern part of Latvia were ceded to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and formed into the Duchy of Livonia (Ducatus Livoniae Ultradunensis). However, by 2010, commentators[169][170] noted signs of stabilisation in the Latvian economy. Two thirds of Latvians voted to join, and on 1 May 2004 Latvia became a member of … TALLINN - Compared with the national threshold, the share of signatories in Latvia to a petition to establish unconditional basic income in the European Union had exceeded the corresponding share in Estonia by Tuesday afternoon, rising to third place in the EU. Latvia was the last of the states which would join the EU in 2004 to hold a referendum on the issue. Questions regarding specific cases or additional information can be sent to: info@li.lv . The European Union (EU) is an economic and political union of 27 countries. World War I devastated the territory of what became the state of Latvia, and other western parts of the Russian Empire. [citation needed] In practice, however, the emancipation was actually advantageous to the landowners and nobility,[citation needed] as it dispossessed peasants of their land without compensation, forcing them to return to work at the estates "of their own free will". [70] An extensive program to impose bilingualism was initiated in Latvia, limiting the use of Latvian language in official uses in favor of using Russian as the main language. The terms inspired the variations on the country's name in Romance languages from "Letonia" and in several Germanic languages from "Lettland". [96], Latvia has a long tradition of conservation. Latvia participates in several NATO Centres of Excellence: Civil-Military Co-operation in the Netherlands, Cooperative Cyber Defence in Estonia and Energy Security in Lithuania. The Soviets reoccupied the country in 1944–1945, and further deportations followed as the country was collectivised [193], The country's Orthodox Christians belong to the Latvian Orthodox Church, a semi-autonomous body within the Russian Orthodox Church. Latvia-EU. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is €24.378 billion, as per 2015. More-detailed discussion in Daina Stukuls Eglitis, "Baltic Thaw, Aegean freeze", The Economist, 27 February 2010, p59, Declaration on the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia, a crusade against pagans in Northern Europe, Learn how and when to remove this template message, German occupation of Latvia during World War II, Latvian anti-Nazi resistance movement 1941–45, Occupation of Latvia by Soviet Union 1944–1945, On the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia, historical and cultural regions in Latvia, Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics, Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications, Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Inčukalns underground gas storage facility, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, "Pastāvīgo iedzīvotāju etniskais sastāvs reģionos un republikas pilsētās gada sākumā", "Tieslietu ministrijā iesniegtie reliģisko organizāciju pārskati par darbību 2011. gadā", Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, "Population number, its changes and density | Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia", "Population Census 2011 – Key Indicators", "Gini coefficient of equivalised disposable income – EU-SILC survey", "The Constitution of the Republic of Latvia, Chapter 1 (Article 4)", "Official Language Law, Section 3 (Article 1)", "Official Language Law, Sections 4, 5 and 18 (Article 4)", "Official Language Law, Section 3 (Articles 3 and 4)", "Composition of macro geographical (continental) regions, geographical sub-regions, and selected economic and other groupings", "Northern Europe - EU Vocabularies - Publications Office of the EU", "UN classifies Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia as Northern Europe - Jan. 09, 2017", "UPHEAVAL IN THE EAST; Soviet Congress Condemns '39 Pact That Led to Annexation of Baltics", "Etniskais sastāvs un mazākumtautību kultūras identitātes veicināšana", "IRG110. [36] The first missionaries, sent by the Pope, sailed up the Daugava River in the late 12th century, seeking converts. In 2015 Latvia held the presidency of Council of the European Union. Paul Krugman, the Nobel Laureate in economics for 2008, wrote in his New York Times Op-Ed column on 15 December 2008: The most acute problems are on Europe's periphery, where many smaller economies are experiencing crises strongly reminiscent of past crises in Latin America and Asia: Latvia is the new Argentina[168]. Latvia's highest point is Gaiziņkalns, 311.6 m (1,022 ft). EU Multiannual Financial Framework [69] Some managed to escape arrest and joined the partisans. [38], At the beginning of the 13th century, Germans ruled large parts of what is currently Latvia. [173] Free port of Ventspils is one of the busiest ports in the Baltic states. Once you’ve had your fill of Baroque, Art Nouveau and Renaissance wonders, head to the nearest beer garden and make friends with some of the liveliest locals in Eastern Europe. RIGA - Latvia has the highest crime rate in the EU and the second highest in Europe, according to a recent report. airBaltic is the Latvian flag carrier airline and a low-cost carrier with hubs in all three Baltic States, but main base in Riga, Latvia. [201] There were 59 hospitals in Latvia in 2009, down from 94 in 2007 and 121 in 2006. [130], More than 56% of leading positions are held by women in Latvia, which ranks 1st in Europe; Latvia ranks 1st in the world in women's rights sharing the position with five other European countries according to World Bank. [93], Latvia's national parks are Gauja National Park in Vidzeme (since 1973),[95] Ķemeri National Park in Zemgale (1997), Slītere National Park in Kurzeme (1999), and Rāzna National Park in Latgale (2007). In 2016, Latvia had 8.5 global hectares[99] of biocapacity per person within its territory, much more than the world average of 1.6 global hectares per person. Latvia has a total area of 64,559 km (24,926 sq mi) of which 62,157 km (23,999 sq mi) land, 18,159 km (7,011 sq mi) agricultural land, 34,964 km (13,500 sq mi) forest land and 2,402 km (927 sq mi) inland water. [60] Latvia, then a puppet government, was headed by Augusts Kirhenšteins. Latvia and the United States have signed treaties on investment, trade, and intellectual property protection and avoidance of double taxation.[163][164]. All three Baltic provinces preserved local laws, German as the local official language and their own parliament, the Landtag. The images may be used free of charge only for the purpose of promoting Latvia to foreign media. Although the stateless population has not been mapped, the Latvian authorities count and publish population data on statelessness, with a ‘stateless’ (bezvalstnieks) category in national statistics. Bulgaria has committed to adopt the euro once it fulfils the necessary conditions. In the recent years a couple of dozen of wind farms as well as biogas or biomass power stations of different scale have been built in Latvia. Oak (Quercus robur, Latvian: ozols), and linden (Tilia cordata, Latvian: liepa) are Latvia's national trees and the daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare, Latvian: pīpene) its national flower. Council meetings are regularly attended by representatives from the Latvian government, depending on the policy area being addressed. The secretariat of the Northern Dimension Partnership on Culture (NDPC) will be located in Riga. 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