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	\| image_coat = Coat of Arms of Latvia.svg		\| image_coat = Coat of Arms of Latvia.svg
	\| image_map = Latvia location in Europe.jpg		\| image_map = Latvia location in Europe.jpg
	\| map_caption = {{~~map_caption~~\|location_color=dark green\|region=]\|region_color=dark grey\|subregion=the ]\|subregion_color=light green\|legend=Latvia location in Europe.jpg}}		\| map_caption = {{map caption\|location_color=dark green\|region=]\|region_color=dark grey\|subregion=the ]\|subregion_color=light green\|legend=Latvia location in Europe.jpg}}
	\| national_motto = "For the Fatherland and Freedom"{{spaces\| 2}}<br /><small>({{lang-lv\|Tēvzemei un Brīvībai}})</small>		\| national_motto = "For the Fatherland and Freedom"{{spaces\| 2}}<br /><small>({{lang-lv\|Tēvzemei un Brīvībai}})</small>
	\| national_anthem = "]"{{spaces\| 2}}<br /><small>({{lang-lv\|Dievs, svētī Latviju!}}) </small>		\| national_anthem = "]"{{spaces\| 2}}<br /><small>({{lang-lv\|Dievs, svētī Latviju!}}) </small>
	\| official_languages = ]		\| official_languages = ]
	\| ethnic_groups = 60% ]<br/>27.1% ]<br/>{{spaces\| 2}}2.9% ]<br/>{{spaces\| 2}}2.5% ]<br/>{{spaces\| 2}}6.1% others<ref></ref>		\| ethnic_groups = 59.2% ]<br/>28.0% ]<br/>{{spaces\| 2}}3.7% ]<br/>{{spaces\| 2}}2.5% ]<br/>{{spaces\| 2}}6.6% others <ref name="csb.gov.lv">{{cite web\|url=http://data.csb.gov.lv/Dialog/varval.asp?ma=04-17a&ti=4%2D17%2E+RESIDENT+POPULATION+BY+ETHNICITY+AT+THE+BEGINNING+OF+THE+YEAR+++&path=../DATABASEEN/Iedzsoc/Annual%20statistical%20data/04.%20Population/&lang=1 \|title=2008 RESIDENT POPULATION BY ETHNICITY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR \|publisher=Centrālās statistikas pārvaldes datu bāzes \|accessdate=2008-01-25}}</ref>
	\| ethnic_groups_year =		\| ethnic_groups_year =
	\| demonym = Latvian		\| demonym = Latvian
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	'''Latvia''' ({{Audio-IPA\|en-us-Latvia.ogg\|/ˈlætviə/}}; {{lang-lv\|Latvija}} ~~(Also ])~~, officially '''Republic of Latvia''' ({{lang-lv\|Latvijas Republika}}) is a ] in ] in the ]. It is bordered to the north by ] (343 km), to the south by ] (588 km), and to the east both by ] (141 km) and the ] (276 km).<ref>, {{~~En_icon~~}}</ref> Across the ] to the west lies ]. The territory of Latvia covers 64,589 km² and has a ].		'''Latvia''' ({{Audio-IPA\|en-us-Latvia.ogg\|/ˈlætviə/}}; {{lang-lv\|Latvija}}, officially '''Republic of Latvia''' ({{lang-lv\|Latvijas Republika}}) is a ] in ] in the ]. It is bordered to the north by ] (343 km), to the south by ] (588 km), and to the east both by ] (141 km) and the ] (276 km).<ref>, {{En icon}}</ref> Across the ] to the west lies ]. The territory of Latvia covers 64,589 km² and has a ].

	The ] are a ] culturally related to the ] and ], with the ] having many similarities with ], but not with the ]. Today the Latvian and Lithuanian languages are the only surviving members of the ] of the ] family. The modern name of Latvia is thought to originate from the ancient ] name ''Latvji'', which, like the name of Lithuania, may have originated from the river named Latva or Latuva, which may be today's ''Lates upe''.<ref>Termina "Latvija" vēsturiskā izcelšanās un attīstība, retrieved September 16, 2008; according to J. Lange's dictionary "Vollstandiges deutsch–lettisches Lexicon"</ref>		The ] are a ] culturally related to the ] and ], with the ] having many similarities with ], but not with the ]. Today the Latvian and Lithuanian languages are the only surviving members of the ] of the ] family. The modern name of Latvia is thought to originate from the ancient ] name ''Latvji'', which, like the name of Lithuania, may have originated from the river named ] or Latuva, which may be today's ''Lates upe''.<ref>Termina "Latvija" vēsturiskā izcelšanās un attīstība, retrieved September 16, 2008; according to J. Lange's dictionary "Vollstandiges deutsch–lettisches Lexicon"</ref>

	Latvia is a ] ] and is divided into 26 ]. The capital and largest city is ]. Latvia has been a member of the ] since ] ], of the ] since ] ] and of ] since ] ].		Latvia is a ] ] ] and is divided into 26 ]. The capital and largest city is ]. Latvia has been a member of the ] since ] ], of the ] since ] ] and of ] since ] ].

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	==History==		==History==
	{{main\|History of Latvia}}		{{main\|History of Latvia}}
			{{see also\|List of museums in Latvia}}
			The territory of Latvia has been populated since 9000 BC, with the proto-Baltic ancestors of the Latvian people settling on the eastern coast of the ] around the beginning of the third millennium BC (3000 BC).<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/ee/msr/Ethno/dategen1.html\|title=Data: 3000 BC to 1500 BC \|publisher=The Ethnohistory Project\|work=The European Ethnohistory Database\|accessdate=2006-08-06}}</ref> By 900 AD, four Baltic tribal cultures had developed: ], ], ], ] (in Latvian: ''kurši'', ''latgaļi'', ''sēļi'' and ''zemgaļi''), as well as the ] (''lībieši'') speaking a Finno-Ugric language.

			===The Middle Ages period===
	=== Prehistory and early history ===
			] ] arrived in 1180. As the Balts did not readily convert and strongly opposed their Christianization, ] were sent into Latvia to convert the pagan population by force of arms.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.balticsworldwide.com/Crusaders.htm\|title=The Crusaders\|publisher=City Paper\|accessdate=2007-07-28\|date=2006-03-22}}</ref> By 1211, Christianity had effective control with the foundation stone for the Dome Cathedral in Riga laid.
	Latvia has been inhabited since 9000 B.C. The proto-] forefathers of the ] people have lived on the eastern coast of the ] since the third millennium BCE <ref></ref>.

			In the thirteenth century, a confederation of feudal nations called ] developed under German rule. Livonia included today's Latvia and Southern Estonia. In 1282, Riga and later the cities of ], ], ] and ] were included in the ]. From this time, Riga became an important point in west-east trading. Riga, being the centre of the eastern Baltic region, formed close cultural contacts with Western Europe.
	]

			===The Reformation period===
	At the beginning of this era, the territory known today as ] became famous as a trading crossroads. The famous "route from the ] to the ]" mentioned in ancient chronicles stretched from ] through Latvian territory via the River ] to the ancient ] and ].
			The sixteenth century was a time of great changes for the inhabitants of Latvia, notable for the reformation and the collapse of the Livonian state. After the ] (1558–1583), today's Latvian territory came under ] rule.

			The seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries saw a struggle between ], ] and ] for supremacy in the eastern Baltic. Most of ], including Vidzeme, came under ] with the ] in 1629. Under the Swedish rule, ] was eased and a network of schools was established for the peasantry.
	The ancient Balts of this time actively participated in the trading network. Across the European continent, Latvia's coast was known as a place for obtaining ]. Until well into the ], amber was more valuable than gold in many places. Latvian amber was known as far away as ] and the ] and the ] was intensively used for the transfer of amber to the south of Europe. In the 10th century AD, the ancient Balts started to form specific tribal realms. Gradually, four individual Baltic tribal cultures developed: ], ], ], ] ({{lang-lv\|kurši, latgaļi, sēļi, zemgaļi}}). The largest of them was the Latgallian tribe, which was the most advanced in its socio-political development. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the Couronians maintained a lifestyle of intensive invasions that included looting and pillaging.

			===Latvia in the Russian Empire===
	On the west coast of the ], they became known as the "Baltic Vikings". But the Selonians and Semgallians, during this time, were known as peace-loving and prosperous farmers.
			The ] ending the ] in 1721 gave Vidzeme to Russia (it became part of the ]). The Latgale region remained part of Poland as ] until 1772, when it was joined to Russia. The ] became a Russian province (the ]) in 1795, bringing all of what is now Latvia into the ].

			The promises ] made to the Baltic German nobility at the fall of Riga in 1710, confirmed by the Treaty of Nystad and known as "the Capitulations," largely reversed the Swedish reforms. The emancipation of the serfs took place in Courland in 1817 and in Vidzeme in 1819. In practice, the emancipation was actually advantageous to the nobility because it dispossessed the peasants of their land without compensation. The social structure changed dramatically, with a class of independent farmers establishing itself after reforms allowed the peasants to repurchase their land, landless peasants numbering 591,000 in 1897, a growing urban ] and an increasingly influential Latvian ]. The ] ({{lang-lv\|Jaunlatvieši}}) movement laid the groundwork for ] from the middle of the century, many of its leaders looking to the ]s for support against the prevailing German-dominated social order. ] began in Latgale after the Polish led ] in 1863 and spread to the rest of what is now Latvia by the 1880s. The Young Latvians were largely eclipsed by the ], a broad ] social and political movement, in the 1890s. Popular discontent exploded in the ], which took on a nationalist character in the Baltic provinces.
	=== German period ===
	] in 1260.]]Because of its strategic geographic location, Latvian territory has always been invaded by other larger nations, and this situation has defined the fate of Latvia and its people.

			===Declaration of independence===
	At the end of the 12th century, Latvia was more often visited by traders from western Europe who set out on trading journeys along Latvia's longest river, the Daugava, to Russia. At the very end of the 12th century, ] traders arrived and with them came preachers of the ] faith who attempted to convert the ] Baltic and ] tribes to the Christian faith. The Balts did not willingly convert to the new and different beliefs and practices, and particularly opposed the ritual of ]. News of this reached the ] in Rome and it was decided that ] would be sent into Latvia to influence the situation.
			{{see also\|United Baltic Duchy}}
			] (light brown). {{Fact\|date=January 2009}}]]
			].]]
			] devastated the country. Demands for ] were at first confined to ], but full independence was proclaimed in Riga on ], ], by the ], ] becoming the head of the provisional government. The ] that followed was a very chaotic period in Latvia's history. By the spring of 1919, there were actually three governments — Ulmanis' government; the ] led by ], whose forces, supported by the ], occupied almost all of the country; and the ] government of "Baltic Duchy" headed by ] and supported by ] and German ] unit ]. ]n and Latvian forces defeated the Germans at the ] in June 1919, and a massive attack by a German and Russian force under ] was repelled in November. Eastern Latvia was cleared of ] forces by ], Latvian, and German troops in early 1920.

			A freely elected ] was convened on ], ] and adopted a ] ], the '']'', in February 1922. This was partly suspended by Ulmanis after his coup in 1934, but reaffirmed in 1990. Since then, it has been amended and is the constitution still in use in Latvia today. With most of Latvia's industrial base evacuated to the interior of Russia in 1915, radical ] was the central political question for the young state. In 1897, 61.2% of the rural population had been landless; by 1930, that percentage had been reduced to 23.2%. The extent of cultivated land surpassed the pre-war level already in 1923. Innovation and rising productivity led to rapid growth of economy, but it soon suffered the effects of the ]. Latvia showed signs of economic recovery and the electorate had steadily moved toward the centre during the parliamentary period. Ulmanis staged a bloodless ] on ], ], establishing a nationalist ] that lasted until 1940.
	The Germans founded ] in 1201, and gradually it became the largest city in the southern part of the Baltic Sea. With the arrival of the German Crusaders, the development of separate tribal realms of the ancient Latvians came to an end.

			===Latvia in World War II===
	In the 13th century, an ecclesiastical state ] was established under the Germanic authorities consisting of Latvia and ]. In 1282, Riga and later ], ], ] and ] were included in the Northern German Trading Organisation, or the ] (Hansa). From this time, Riga became an important point in west-east trading. Riga, being the centre of the eastern Baltic region, formed close cultural contacts with ].
			Most of the Baltic Germans left Latvia by agreement between Ulmanis' government and ] after the conclusion of the ]. On ], ], Latvia was forced to accept a "mutual assistance" pact with the ], granting the Soviets the right to station 25,000 troops on Latvian territory. On ], ], ] presented the Latvian representative in ] with an ultimatum accusing Latvia of violations of that pact, and on ] great numbers of Soviet forces ]. Еlections for the "People's Saeima" were held, and a puppet government headed by ] led Latvia into the USSR.{{Fact\|date=July 2007}} The annexation was formalised on ], ].

			The Soviets dealt harshly with their ] – prior to ], in less than a year, at least 27,586 persons were arrested; most were deported, and about 945 persons were shot. While under German occupation, Latvia was administered as part of '']''. Latvian paramilitary and ] units established by occupation authority participated in the ] as well. More than 200,000 Latvian citizens died during World War II, including approximately 70,000 Latvian ] murdered during the Nazi occupation. Latvian soldiers fought on both sides of the conflict, including in the ] of the ], most of them conscripted by the occupying Nazi and Soviet authorities. Refusal to join the occupying army resulted in imprisonment, threats to relatives, or even death.
	=== Polish and Swedish period ===

			===Soviet occupation===
	The ] were a time of great changes for the inhabitants of Latvia, notable for the reformation and the collapse of the Livonian nation.
			The Soviets reoccupied the country in 1944–1945, and further mass deportations followed as the country was forcibly ] and ]; 42,975 persons were deported in 1949. An influx of labourers, administrators, military personnel and their dependents from Russia and other Soviet republics started, and by 1959, the ethnic Latvian population had fallen to 62%. During the ], attempts by national ] led by ] to gain a degree of autonomy for the republic and protect the rapidly deteriorating position of the ] were suppressed.

			===Restoration of independence===
	==== Livonian War 1558-1582 ====
			In 1989, the ] of the USSR adopted a resolution on the "]", in which it declared that the occupation was "not in accordance with law," and not the "will of the Soviet people". A national movement coalescing in the ] took advantage of ] under ], opposed by the ]. On ], ], the ] of the Latvian SSR adopted the ], subject to a transition period that came to an end with Latvian independence on ], ], after the failure of the ]. The ], Latvia's parliament, was again elected in 1993, and Russia completed its military withdrawal in 1994.
	{{main\|Livonian War}}

			The major goals of Latvia in the 1990s, to join ] and the ], were achieved in 2004. Language and citizenship laws have been opposed by many ]s, although a majority have now become citizens. (] was not automatically extended to former Soviet citizens who settled during the Soviet occupation or to their subsequent offspring. Children born to non-nationals after the reestablishment of independence are automatically entitled to citizenship.) The government denationalised private property confiscated by the Soviet rule, returning it or compensating the owners for it, and ] most state-owned industries, reintroducing the ]. Albeit having experienced a difficult transition to a liberal economy and its re-orientation toward Western Europe, its economy has one of the highest growth rates.{{Fact\|date=March 2008}}
	], ].]]

	] once again asked for help of ], and The ] also began direct ]s with Gustavus, but nothing resulted because on ], ], Gustavus I Vasa died. The chances for success of ] and his supporters looked particularly good in 1560 (and 1570). In the former case he had been ] as their ] by The ] and The ], and as their prospective ruler by the authorities of The ]; The ] with the ]-] ] were on his side; ] conditionally recognised his right of ] of ] (Principality of Estonia). Then along with ] ] of The ] and his ] ], Kettler gave to Magnus the portions of The ], which he had taken possession of, but they refused to give him any more land. Once ] became king he took quick actions to get involved in the war. He negotiated a continued ] with ] and spoke to the ]s of ] ]. He offered them goods to submit to him as well as threatening them. By ], ] they submitted to him contrary to the ]s of Kettler to the burghers. The King's brother Johan married the Polish ] ]. Wanting to obtain his own land in Livonia, he loaned Poland money and then claimed the ]s they had pawned as his own instead of using them to pressure Poland. After Johan returned to ], Erik XIV forbade him to deal with any foreign countries without his consent. Shortly after that Erik XIV started acting quickly lost any allies he was about to obtain, either from Magnus or the Archbishop of ]. Magnus was upset he had been ]ed out of his ] of ]. After Sweden ] Reval, ] made a treaty with Erik XIV of Sweden in August 1561. The brothers were in great disagreement and Frederick II negotiated a treaty with Ivan IV on ], ] in order to help his brother obtain more land and stall further Swedish advance. Erik XIV did not like this and The ] between The ], Denmark, Poland, and Sweden broke out. While only losing land and trade, Frederick II and Magnus were not faring well. But in ] Erik XIV became ] and his brother Johan III took his place. Johan III ascended to the ] of Sweden and due to his friendship with Poland he began a policy against Muscovy. He would try to obtain more land in Livonia and exercise strength over Denmark. After all parties had been financially drained, Frederick II let his ally, King ] of ], know that he was ready for peace. On ], ], the ] was concluded. It is, however, more difficult to estimate the ] and ] of the support Magnus received in Livonian cities. Compared to the Harrien-Wierland gentry, the Reval city council, and hence probably the majority of citizens, demonstrated a much more reserved attitude towards Denmark and King Magnus of Livonia. Nevertheless, there is no reason to speak about any strong pro-Swedish sentiments among the residents of Reval. The citizens who had fled to The Bishopric of Dorpat or had been deported to Muscovy hailed Magnus as their saviour until ]. The analysis indicates that during the ] a pro-] wing emerged among the Livonian gentry and townspeople, forming the so-called "]". Dismissing hostilities, these forces perceived an agreement with Muscovy as a chance to escape the atrocities of war and avoid the division of Livonia. That is why Magnus, who represented Denmark and later struck a deal with Ivan the Terrible, proved a suitable figurehead for this faction.

	The Peace Party, however, had its own armed forces – scattered bands of household troops ('']'') under diverse command, which only united in action in ] (Battle of Pärnu, 1565 and Siege of Reval, 1565), in 1570 – 1571 (Siege of Reval, 1570-1571; 30 weeks), and in ] – ] (first on Sweden’s side, then came the sale of ] to the ], and the loss of the territory to ]). In ] after Muscovy attacked Danish claims in Livonia, Frederick II dropped out of the competition as well as the Holy Roman Emperor. After this Johan III held off on his pursuit for more land due to Muscovy obtaining lands that Sweden controlled. He used the next two years of truce to get in a better position. In ], he resumed the fight for not only Livonia, but also everywhere due to an understanding he made with ]. In 1578 Magnus retired to Rzeczpospolita and his brother all but gave up the land in Livonia.

	==== Duchy of Livonia 1561-1621 ====
	{{main\|Duchy of Livonia}}

	]

	In 1561 during the ], Livonia fell to the ]<ref name="Bumblauskas"
	>{{lt icon}} {{cite book \| author =] \| title =Senosios Lietuvos istorija 1009 - 1795 \| year =2005 \| editor = \| pages =256–259 \| publisher =R. Paknio leidykla \| location =] \| isbn =9986-830-89-3}}</ref><ref name="Obolensky">{{cite book \| author =] \| title =Companion to Russian Studies: Volume 1 Vol 1 Introduction to Russian History \| year =1981 \| editor =D. Obolensky \| pages =101 \| publisher =] \| location = ] \| isbn =0-521-28038-9 \| url = http://books.google.com/books?visbn=0521280389&id=xxREnBcMFcEC&pg=PA101&lpg=PA101&dq=Obolensky+livonia&sig=PsBvcEQZfnfa1eKESrtPgC91rBQ }}</ref
	><ref name="Szilvia"
	>{{cite book
	\| author =], ] \| title =Foreword to the Past: a cultural history of the Baltic People \| year =1999 \| editor = \| pages =172 \| publisher =] \| location = \| isbn =963-9116-42-4
	\| url = http://books.google.com/books?visbn=9639116424&id=<!--
	-->5aoId7nA4bsC&pg=PA172&lpg=PA172&dq=Szilvia+R%C3%A9dey+Endre+Bojt%C3%A1r+<!--
	-->livonia+australis&sig=_TUIOgIvbukv_eQz4FoPz00dnRA}}</ref
	> with vassal dependency of it.<ref name="Szilvia"/> Eight years later, in 1569, when the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Kingdom of Poland formed ], Livonia became a joint domain administered directly by the king and grand duke.<ref name="Szilvia"/><ref name="Bumblauskas"/><ref name="Davies">{{cite book \| author =] \| title =Europe: a History \| year =1996 \| editor = \| pages =555 \| publisher =] \| location =Oxford \| isbn =0-19-820171-0 \| url =http://books.google.com/books?visbn=0198201710&id=jrVW9W9eiYMC&pg=PA555&lpg=PA555&vq=Livonia&dq=Livonia+1561&sig=1Sl_hyH0vNKbfvIJPNfhpY1K8xw}}</ref><ref name="Miller">{{cite book \| author =] \| coauthors = \| title =History, philosophically issustrated, from the fall of the Roman empire to the French revolution \| year =1832 \| editor = \| pages =258 \| chapter =Modern History \| chapterurl = \| publisher = \| location = \| url =http://books.google.com/books?vid=0kFemdBg0yzAOrIa&id=6eDVcRegbxQC&pg=PA258&vq=Livonia+Poland&dq=Livonia+1561 }}</ref><ref name="Bilmanis">{{cite book \| author =] \| coauthors = \| title =Baltic Essays \| year =1945\| editor = \| pages =69–80 \| chapter = \| chapterurl = \| publisher =The Latvian Legation \| location = \| id ={{OCLC\|1535884}} \| url =http://books.google.com/books?vid=OCLC01535884&id=DIkNAAAAIAAJ&q=Livonia+1561&dq=Livonia+1561&pgis=1 }}</ref><ref name="Kidd">{{cite book \| author =] \| coauthors = \| title =The Counter-reformation, 1550-1600 \| year =1933 \| editor = \| pages =121 \| chapter = \| chapterurl = \| publisher =Society for promoting Christian knowledge \| location = \| id = \| url =http://books.google.com/books?vid=OCLC65660984&id=KTgdUIiBYfQC&q=Livonia+1561&dq=Livonia+1561&pgis=1 \| format = \| accessdate = }}</ref>
	Having rejected peace proposals from its enemies, ] found himself in a difficult position by ], when ] devastated Muscovian territories and burnt down ] (see ]), the ] and ] have fatally affected the economy, ] had thoroughly disrupted the government, while The ] ] The ] and acquired an energetic leader, ], supported by ] (]). Stefan Batory replied with a series of three ]s against Muscovy, trying to cut The ] from Muscovian territories. During his first offensive in 1579 with 22,000 men he retook ], during the second, in ], with 29,000-strong army he took ], and in ] with a 100,000-strong army he started the ]. ] had trouble continuing the fight against Muscovy unlike ] and Poland. He came to an agreement with ] in 1580 giving him the titles in Livonia. That war would last from ] to ]. Muscovy recognized Polish-Lithuanian control of ] only in ]. After ] died in ], Poland invaded his territories in The ] and Frederick II decided to sell his rights of ]. Except for the island of ], ] was out of the ] by ]. As of ] ] was divided onto:
	* ] (''województwo wendeńskie'', ])
	* ] (''województwo dorpackie'', ])
	* ] (''województwo parnawskie'', ])

	==== Kingdom of Livonia 1570-1578 ====
	{{main\|Kingdom of Livonia}}

	The armies of ] were initially successful, taking ] (]) and ] (]) and overrunning much of Grand Duchy of Lithuania up to ]. Eventually, Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Kingdom of Poland formed ] in ] under the ]. ] did not like this and The ] between ], Denmark, Poland, and Sweden broke out. While only losing land and trade, ] and ] of ] were not faring well. But in ] Erik XIV became ] and his brother ] took his place. After all parties had been financially drained, Frederick II let his ally, King ], know that he was ready for peace. On ], ], the ] was concluded.

	] of ].]]

	In the next phase of the conflict, in ] Ivan IV took opportunity of the Commonwealth internal strife (called the war against ] in Polish historiography), and during the reign of ] in Poland invaded Livonia, quickly taking almost the entire territory, with the exception of ] and ]. In ] ] ] the ] of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (not ] by the ] of Poland-Lithuania, or recognized by Denmark). The Kingdom of Livonia was beaten back by Muscovy on all fronts. In 1578 Magnus of Livonia retired to The ] and his brother all but gave up the land in Livonia.

	The Livonian Confederation became secularized under the ] of ], ]. After the ] (]–]), today's Latvian territory came under the rule of the ] and was later passed to the ], as the ] and the ]. The ] faith was accepted in ], ] and ], but the Roman Catholic faith maintained its dominance in ] – it remains so to this day.

	In the 17th century, the ], once a part of Livonia, experienced a notable economic boom. It established two colonies — an island in the estuary of the ] River (in ]) and ] Island (in the ]). Names from this period still survive today in these places.

	However after the Polish-Swedish war (1600-1629) Riga came under ] rule in 1621. It became the largest and most developed Swedish City. During this time Vidzeme was known as the "Swedish Bread Basket" because it supplied the larger part of the Swedish kingdom with wheat. The rest of Latvia stayed Polish until the second partition of Poland in 1793, when it became Russian.

	Consolidation of the Latvian nation occurred in the 17th century. With the merging of the Couronians, Latgallians, Selonians, Semgallians and ] (Finno-Ugrians, in Latvian called: ''lībieši'' or ''līvi'') a culturally unified nation was developed – the Latvians (Latvian: ''latvieši'') that spoke a common language called Latvian (Latvian: ''latviešu valoda'').

	=== Russian period ===
	In 1700, the ] broke out. The course of this war was directly linked with today's Latvian territory and the territorial claims of the ]. One of its goals was to secure the famous and rich town of Riga. In 1710, the Russian Tsar, ], managed to secure Vidzeme. Through Vidzeme to Riga, Russia obtained a clear passage to Europe. By the end of the 18th century, due to the ], all of Latvia's territory was under Russian rule.

	] was abolished in ] in ] and ] in ]. In 1849, a law granted a legal basis for the creation of peasant-owned farms. Reforms were slower in ] where serfdom was only abolished in ]. Industry developed quickly and the number of the inhabitants grew. Latvia became one of Russia's most developed provinces.

	In the ], the first ] began among ethnic Latvian intellectuals, a movement that partly reflected similar ] trends elsewhere in Europe. This revival was led by the "]" (in Latvian: ''jaunlatvieši'') from the ] to the ]. Primarily a literary and cultural movement with significant political implications, the Young Latvians soon came into severe conflict with the ].

	With increasing pauperization in rural areas and growing urbanization, a loose but broad leftist movement called the "]" arose in the late 1880s. Led by ] and ], editors of the newspaper ''Dienas Lapa'', this movement was soon influenced by ] and led to the creation of the ].

	Latvia in the 20th century saw an explosion of popular discontent in the ].

	=== Independence ===

	], ] - ], ].]]
	], ] - ], ].]]


	The idea of an independent Latvia became a reality at the beginning of the 1900s. The course of ] (WWI) activated the idea of independence. WWI directly involved Latvians and Latvian territory. ] (''latviešu strēlnieki'') fought on the Russian side during this war, and earned recognition for their bravery far into Europe. During the ] (1917-1922), Latvians fought on both sides with a significant group (known as ]) supporting the ]s. In the autumn of 1919 the red Latvian division participated in a major battle against the "white" anti-bolshevik army headed by the Russian general ]. See also ].


	Latvia was ostensibly included within the ]-led ] {{Fact\|date=December 2007}}, but this collapsed after the defeat of the ] in 1918. The post-war confusion was a suitable opportunity for the development of an independent nation. Latvia proclaimed independence shortly after the end of WWI – on ], ] which is now the ''Independence Day'' in ]. The first major power to recognise Latvia's independence was the ] (on ], ]), which relinquished authority over the Latvian nation and claims to Latvian territory once and for all times.

	The international community recognized Latvia's independence on ], ], and the recognition from many other countries followed soon. In this year Latvia also became a member of the ] (], ]).

	Because of the world economic crisis there was a growing dissatisfaction among the population at the beginning of the 1930s. In Riga on May 15, ], Prime Minister ], one of the fathers of Latvian independence, took power by a bloodless coup d'état: the activities of the Parliament (the ]) and all the political parties were suspended.

	Rapid economic growth took place in the second half of 1930s, due to which Latvia reached one of the highest living standards in Europe<ref>{{
	cite web
	\|author = Dr. Raimonds Cerūzis
	\|year = 2007-2008
	\|title = The Fight for Independence and the Republic of Latvia
	\|url = http://www.li.lv/index.php?Itemid=446&id=71&option=com_content&task=view
	\|work = The Latvian Institute
	\|publisher = The University of Latvia
	\|accessdate = 2008-08-14
	}}</ref>. Because of improving living standards in Latvian society, there was no serious opposition to the authoritarian rule of the Prime Minister ] and no possibility of it arising.

	=== Soviet period, including World War II ===
	{{main\|Occupations of Latvia\|Occupation of Baltic states}}
	The Soviet Union guaranteed its interests in the Baltics with the signing of the ] between the ] and ] on ], ]. Under threat of invasion,<ref>Soviet-Latvian negotiations started on 2 October, 1939 and on the following day Latvia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Vilhelms Munters informed his government that Josif Stalin had said that "as for the Germans, , we can occupy you" and threatened that the USSR could also seize "territory with a Russian minority." {{cite paper \| author = Dr. hab.hist. Inesis Feldmanis \| title = The Occupation of Latvia: Aspects of History and International Law \| publisher = Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia \| year = 2004 \| url = http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/latvia/history/occupation-aspects/ \| accessdate = 2007-02-21 }}</ref> Latvia (along with Estonia and Lithuania) signed a mutual assistance pact with ], providing for the stationing of up to 25,000 Soviet troops on Latvian soil. Following the initiative from Nazi Germany, Latvia on ], ] concluded an agreement to repatriate ethnic Germans in the wake of the impeding Soviet takeover.

	Seven months later, the Soviet foreign minister ] accused the Baltic states of conspiracy against the Soviet Union. On June 16, 1940, threatening an invasion,<ref> and presenting the ultimatum and accusations of violation by Latvia of the terms of mutual assistance treaty of 1939, Molotov issued an overt threat to "take action" to secure compliance with the terms of ultimatum – see report of Latvian Chargé d'affaires, Fricis Kociņš, regarding the talks with soviet Foreign Commissar Molotov; text in Latvian: {{cite book \| last = I.Grava-Kreituse, I.Feldmanis, J.Goldmanis, A.Stranga. \| title = Latvijas okupācija un aneksija 1939-1940: Dokumenti un materiāli. ''(The Occupation and Annexation of Latvia: 1939-1940. Documents and Materials.)'' \| publisher = Preses nams \| year = 1995 \| pages= 348–350 \| url = http://www.historia.lv/alfabets/L/la/okupac/dokumenti/kocins/1940.21.06.htm }}</ref> Soviet Union issued an ultimatum demanding that the government be replaced and that an unlimited number of Soviet troops be admitted.<ref>see text of ultimatum; text in Latvian: {{cite book \| last = I.Grava-Kreituse, I.Feldmanis, J.Goldmanis, A.Stranga. \| title= Latvijas okupācija un aneksija 1939-1940: Dokumenti un materiāli. ''(The Occupation and Annexation of Latvia: 1939-1940. Documents and Materials.)'' \| publisher = Preses nams \| year = 1995 \| pages = 340–342 \| url=http://www.historia.lv/alfabets/L/la/okupac/dokumenti/1940.06.16.ultim.htm}}</ref> Knowing that the Red Army had entered Lithuania a day before, that its troops were massed along the eastern border and mindful of the Soviet military bases in Western Latvia, the government acceded to the demands, and Soviet troops occupied the country on June 17. Staged elections were held ]-], ], whose results were announced in Moscow 12 hours before the polls closed; Soviet documents show the election results were forged. The newly elected "People's Assembly" declared Latvia a Socialist Soviet Republic and applied for admission into the ] on July 21. Latvia was incorporated into the ] on ], ]. The overthrown Latvian government continued to function in exile while the republic was under the Soviet control.

	]]]

	In the spring of 1941, the Soviet central government began planning the mass deportation of anti-Soviet elements from the occupied Baltic states. In preparation, General Ivan Serov, Deputy People's Commissar of Public Security of the Soviet Union, signed ], "Regarding the Procedure for Carrying out the Deportation of Anti-Soviet Elements from Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia." During the night from the ]/] June, 1941, 15,424 inhabitants of Latvia — including 1,771 Jews and 742 ] — were deported to ] and ], mostly in ].<ref>{{cite book \|editor= Elmārs Pelkaus \|title= Aizvestie: 1941. gada 14. jūnijā \|year= 2001 \|publisher= Latvijas Valsts arhīvs; Nordik \|location= Riga \|language= Latvian, English, and Russian \|isbn= 9984-675-55-6 \|oclc= 52264782 }}</ref> 35,000 people were deported in the first year of Soviet occupation (131,500 across the Baltics). The Nazi invasion, launched a week later, cut short immediate plans to deport several hundred thousand more from the Baltics.

	Nazi troops occupied Riga on ], ]. Immediately after the installment of ] authority, a process of eliminating the ]ish and ] population began, with many killings taking place in ]. The killings were committed by the ], the ] and Marines (in ]), as well as by Latvian collaborators, including the 500-1,500 members of the infamous ] (which alone killed around 26,000 Jews) and the 2,000 or more Latvian members of the ].<ref name="HIL_EZ">] The Holocaust in Latvia, 1996</ref><ref></ref> By the end of ] almost the entire Jewish population was killed or placed in the ]s. In addition, some 25,000 Jews were brought from Germany, Austria and the present-day Czech Republic, of whom around 20,000 were killed. The Holocaust claimed approximately 85,000 lives in Latvia,<ref name="HIL_EZ" /> the vast majority of whom were Jews.

	A large number of Latvians resisted the German occupation. The resistance movement was divided between the pro-independence units under the Latvian Central Council and the pro-Soviet units under the ] (латвийский штаб партизанского движения) in ]. Their Latvian commander was ]. The Nazis planned to Germanise the Baltics after the war.<ref name="HIL_EZ" />)

	In 1943 and 1944 ] of ] were formed from Latvian volunteers to help Germany against the ]. In ] when the Soviet military advances reached the area heavy fighting took place in Latvia between German and Soviet troops which ended with another German defeat. During the course of the war, both occupying forces conscripted Latvians into their armies, in this way increasing the loss of the nation's "live resources". In ], part of the Latvian territory once more came under Soviet control. The Soviets immediately began to reinstate the Soviet system. After the German surrender it become clear that Soviet forces were there to stay, and pro-independence partisans (]), soon to be joined by German collaborators, began their fight against another occupier - the ].

	The first post-war years were marked by particularly dismal and sombre events in the fate of the Latvian nation. 120,000 Latvian inhabitants were imprisoned or deported to Soviet concentration camps (the ]). Some managed to escape arrest and joined the ]. 130,000 took refuge from the Soviet army by fleeing to the West. On ], ], 43,000 rural residents ("]") and Latvian patriots ("]") were deported to Siberia in a sweeping repressive action "Beachcomber" in all three ], which was carefully planned and approaved in Moscow already on ] ].
	An extensive programme to impose ] was initiated in ], limiting the use of minor languages in favor of Latvian and Russian. In some fields there existed either ] or Latvianization.

	In the post-war period, Latvia was forced to adopt Soviet farming methods and the economic infrastructure developed in the 1920s and 1930s was eradicated. Rural areas were forced into ].

	Because ] had still maintained a well-developed infrastructure and educated specialists it was decided in Moscow that some of the Soviet Union's most advanced manufacturing factories were to be based in Latvia. New industry was created in Latvia, including a major machinery factory RAF and electrotechnical factories, as well as some food and oil processing plants. However, there were not enough people to operate the newly built factories. In order to expand industrial production, Russian workers were transferred into the country, noticeably decreasing the proportion of ethnic Latvians. By 1989, the ethnic Latvians comprised about 52% of the population (1,387,757), compared to a pre-war proportion of 77% (1,467,035). In 2005 there were 1,357,099 ethnic ], showing a real decrease in the titular population. Proportionately, however, the titular nation already comprises approximately 60% of the total population of Latvia (2,375,000).

	=== Restoration and final independence ===

	] in the ] regime began in the mid ] in the USSR with the ] and ] instituted by ]. In Latvia, several mass socio-political organisations were constituted that made use of this opportunity – Tautas Fronte (]), Latvijas Nacionālās Neatkarības Kustība (The Movement for National Independence), and Pilsoņu Kongress (]). These groups began to agitate for the restoration of national independence.

	On the 50th anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact (], ]) to the fate of the ], ], ] and ] joined hands in a human chain, the ], that stretched 600 kilometres from ], to Riga, to ]. It symbolically represented the united wish of the ] for independence.

	Subsequent steps towards full independence were taken on ], ]. The ] ], elected in the first democratic elections since the 1930s, adopted a ] that included a transition period between autonomy within the Soviet Union and full independence. On the ], ] parliament voted for an end to the transition period, thus restoring Latvia's pre-war independence. On ], ] Latvian independence was once again recognised by the ].

	===Modern history===

	Soon after reinstating independence, Latvia, which had been a member of the ] prior to WWII, became a member of the ]. In 1992, Latvia became eligible for the ] and in 1994 took part in the ] '']'' program in addition to signing the free trade agreement with the ]. Latvia became a member of the ] as well as a candidate for the membership in the European Union and NATO. Latvia was the first of the three ] to be accepted into the ].

	At the end of 1999 in ], the heads of the European Union governments invited Latvia to begin negotiations regarding accession to the European Union. In ], Latvia's most important foreign policy goals, membership of the European Union and NATO, were fulfilled. On ], Latvia became a member of NATO and on ], Latvia, along with the other two Baltic States, became a member of the European Union. Around 67% had voted in favor of EU membership in a September ] referendum with turnout at 72.5 percent.

	==Geography==		==Geography==
	{{main\|Geography of Latvia}}		{{main\|Geography of Latvia}}
	]		]
	] ~~river,~~ ~~longest~~ ~~river~~ in ~~Latvia.~~]]		]]]
	Located on the eastern shore of the ], Latvia lies on the ], however in vegetation is much different than the rest of the ] and shares many similarities with the ] biome. It consists of fertile, low-lying plains, largely covered by ], mostly ]s, the highest point being the ] at 311.6 m (1,020 ft). ], Latvia is shared between the Central European and Northern European provinces of the ] within the ]. According to the ], the territory of Latvia belongs to the ] of ]. Common species of wildlife in Latvia include ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://latvijas.daba.lv/scripts/db/saraksti/saraksti.cgi?l=en&s=en\|title=List of species\|publisher=Nature of Latvia\|accessdate=2007-03-07}}</ref> The major rivers include the ], the ], the ], the Venta, and the ]. An inlet of the ], the shallow ] is situated in the northwest of the country. Latvia's coastline extends for 531 kilometers.		Located on the eastern shore of the ], Latvia lies on the ], however in vegetation is much different than the rest of the ] and shares many similarities with the ] biome. It consists of fertile, low-lying plains, largely covered by ], mostly ]s, the highest point being the ] at 311.6 m (1,020 ft). ], Latvia is shared between the Central European and Northern European provinces of the ] within the ]. According to the ], the territory of Latvia belongs to the ] of ]. Common species of wildlife in Latvia include ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://latvijas.daba.lv/scripts/db/saraksti/saraksti.cgi?l=en&s=en\|title=List of species\|publisher=Nature of Latvia\|accessdate=2007-03-07}}</ref> The major rivers include the ], the ], the ], the Venta, and the ]. An inlet of the ], the shallow ] is situated in the northwest of the country. Latvia's coastline extends for 531 kilometers.
	Latvia has an abundant network of rivers, contributing to the visual beauty and the economy of the country. The largest river is the Daugava, which has been an important route for several thousand years. It has been used by local tribes as well as by Vikings, Russians, and other Europeans for trade, war, and conquest. With a total length of 1,020 kilometers, the Daugava (or Zapadnaya Dvina in its upper reaches) originates in the Valday Hills in Russia's Tver' Oblast, meanders through northern Belarus, and then winds through Latvia for 370 kilometers before emptying into the Gulf of Riga. It is about 200 meters wide when it enters Latvia, increasing to between 650 and 750 meters at Riga and to 1.5 kilometers at its mouth.

	]]]
	The river carries an average annual flow of 21 cubic kilometers. Its total descent within Latvia of ninety-eight meters has made it an attractive source of hydroelectric power production. The first hydroelectric station, at Kegums, was built during Latvia's independence period. The second dam, at Plavinas, aroused an unusual wave of protest in 1958. Most Latvians opposed the flooding of historical sites and a particularly scenic gorge with rare plants and natural features, such as the Staburags, a cliff comparable in cultural significance to the Lorelei in Germany. The construction of the dam was endorsed in 1959, however, after the purge of relatively liberal and nationally oriented leaders under ] and their replacement by Moscow-oriented, ideologically conservative cadres led by ]. The third dam, just above Riga, did not provoke much protest because of the seeming hopelessness of the cause. The proposed fourth dam, at the town of ] on the Daugava River, became the rallying point for protest in 1986-87 by hundreds of thousands of Latvians. This dam was not constructed, in spite of the vast expenditures already poured into the project.

	Smaller rivers include the ], in central Latvia, with an average annual flow of 3.6 cubic kilometers; the ], in the west, with 2.9 cubic kilometers; the ], in the northeast, with 2.5 cubic kilometers; and the ], in the east, with 2.1 cubic kilometers. Very little hydroelectric power is generated by their waters, although planners are now thinking of reactivating some of the abandoned older dams and turbines. The Gauja is one of Latvia's most attractive, relatively clean rivers and has an adjoining large ] along both of its banks as one of its notable features. Its cold waters attract trout and salmon, and its sandstone cliff and forest setting are increasingly a magnet for tourists interested in the environment.

	More than 60% of the annual water volume of Latvia's six largest rivers comes from neighboring countries, mainly from Belarus and Lithuania. These adjoining resources create obvious needs for cooperation, especially in pollution control. The dangers from a lack of cooperation were brought home to Latvians in November 1990, when a polymer complex in ], Belarus, accidentally spilled 128 tons of cyanide derivatives into the Daugava River with no warning to downstream users in Latvia. Only the presence of numerous dead fish alerted Latvian inhabitants to the danger.

	===Climate===		===Climate===
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	==Districts==		==Districts==
	{{main\|Districts of Latvia}}		{{main\|Districts of Latvia}}
	] city center]]
	Latvia is divided into 26 ] (''rajoni''). There are also seven cities (''lielpilsētas'') that have a separate status. Latvia is also divided into five planning regions.<ref></ref>		Latvia is divided into 26 ] (''rajoni''). There are also seven cities (''lielpilsētas'') that have a separate status. Latvia is also divided into five planning regions.<ref></ref>

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	], the capital of Latvia.]]		], the capital of Latvia.]]

	=== Regions and cities ===		=== Regions and cities ===
	{{main\|Regions of Latvia\|Subdivisions of Latvia}}		{{main\|Regions of Latvia\|Subdivisions of Latvia}}
	{{see also\|List of cities in Latvia}}		{{see also\|List of cities in Latvia}}
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	{{main\|Parliament of Latvia}}		{{main\|Parliament of Latvia}}
	{{main\|Government of Latvia}}		{{main\|Government of Latvia}}
			The 100-seat ] Latvian ], the '']'', is ] by direct popular vote every four years. The president is elected by the ''Saeima'' in a separate election, also held every four years. The president appoints a ] who, together with his ], forms the ] of the government, which has to receive a confidence vote by the '']''. This system also existed before the ].<ref name="Constitution">{{Lv icon}} (Retrieved on 24 December 2006)</ref> Highest civil servants are sixteen ].

	]]]

	Since the 1998 elections, the Latvian party structure began to consolidate with only six parties winning seats in the Saeima. Andris Šķēle's newly formed ] garnered a plurality with 24 seats. Though the election represented a victory for the center-right, personality conflicts and scandals within the two largest right of center parties–] and the ]–prevented stable coalitions from forming. Two shaky governments under ] and Andris Šķēle quickly collapsed in less than a year. In May 2000, a compromise candidate was found in the form of Andris Bērziņš, the ] mayor of Rīga. His four-party coalition government lasted till the next elections in 2002.

	In 1999, the Saeima elected ], a compromise candidate with no party affiliation, to the presidency. Though born in Rīga in 1937, she settled in Canada during the years of the Soviet occupation, becoming a well-respected academic in the subject of Latvian culture. Since her election, she has become one of the most popular political figures in Latvia.

	Local elections in 2001 represented a victory for the left-of-center parties in several municipalities, including Rīga. A leftist coalition in the Rīga City Council elected ], a Social Democrat, to the office of mayor.

	]]]
	Between local elections in 2001 and Saeima elections in 2002, two new parties formed: the conservative ] led by ] and Christian Democratic ]. Both of them promised to fight corruption and made that the most important issue in 2002 elections. Six parties were elected to Saiema in 2002 elections. ] with 26 seats out of 100 became the largest party in the parliament. Several previously successful parties such as ] and the Social Democrats did not reach the 5% threshold of the popular vote needed to be in the parliament. This was mostly due to voters perceiving these parties as corrupt. After elections, Einars Repše formed a government consisting of his ] and three other parties.

	In 2003, Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga was reelected to the presidency for the second term, until 2007. On ] ], Latvia voted to join European Union in a referendum. Virtually all of major political parties and major Latvian-language media supported the 'YES' vote. Latvian government also spent significant amount of money for the 'YES' campagain. The 'NO' campaign lacked both funding and media access. Out of voters who participiated in the referendum, 66.9% of cast votes in favor of EU. The vote was largerly along the ethnic lines. It is estimated that 84% of ethnic Latvians voted 'YES', while 91% of ethnic Russians voted 'NO' .

	After the referendum, Repše's government started to fall apart and he eventually resigned in January 2004. A new government, led by ], head of the conservative "]" (ZZS) was approved by the parliament in March 2004. The government is a coalition of ZZS, TP (]), and LPP (First Party); the coalition has only 46 out of 100 seats in Latvia's parliament, but was also supported by TSP, the leftist party of national harmony. After the Saeima did not accept the budget for 2005 proposed by the government of Indulis Emsis, the government resigned. On ] ], ] became the new Prime Minister and thus head of the government.

	The 100-seat ] Latvian ], the '']'', is ] by direct popular vote every four years. The president is elected by the ''Saeima'' in a separate election, also held every four years. The president appoints a ] who, together with his ], forms the ] of the government, which has to receive a confidence vote by the '']''. This system also existed before the ].<ref name="Constitution">{{Lv icon}} (Retrieved on 24 December 2006)</ref> Highest civil servants are sixteen ].

	===Foreign relations===		===Foreign relations===
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	==Military==		==Military==
	{{main\|Military of Latvia}}		{{main\|Military of Latvia}}
	]
	Latvia's defense concept is based upon the Swedish-Finnish model of a rapid response force composed of a mobilization base and a small group of career professionals. The armed forces consists of mobile riflemen, an air force, and a navy. Latvia cooperates with Estonia and Lithuania in the joint infantry battalion BALTBAT and naval squadron BALTRON which are available for peacekeeping operations.		Latvia's defense concept is based upon the Swedish-Finnish model of a rapid response force composed of a mobilization base and a small group of career professionals. The armed forces consists of mobile riflemen, an air force, and a navy. Latvia cooperates with Estonia and Lithuania in the joint infantry battalion BALTBAT and naval squadron BALTRON which are available for peacekeeping operations.

	As of March 29, 2004, Latvia officially joined NATO. Currently, NATO is involved in the patrolling and protection of the Latvian air space as the Latvian army does not have the means to do so effectively. For this goal a rotating force of four NATO fighters, which comes from different nations and switches at two or three month intervals, is based in Lithuania to cover all three Baltic states (see ]).		As of March 29, 2004, Latvia officially joined NATO. Currently, NATO is involved in the patrolling and protection of the Latvian air space as the Latvian army does not have the means to do so effectively. For this goal a rotating force of four NATO fighters, which comes from different nations and switches at two or three month intervals, is based in Lithuania to cover all three Baltic states (see ]).
	The main mission of the National Armed Forces is to:

	*Provide for the inviolability of all national territory, its waters and air space;
	*Participate in international operations;
	*Participate in national threat elimination;
	*Provide for the training of personnel and military reserves.
	*Ensure modernization and enhancement of professional combat training;

	==Economy==		==Economy==
	{{main\|Economy of Latvia}}		{{main\|Economy of Latvia}}
	]		]

	] and part of its ].]]]

	]
	Since the year 2000 Latvia has had one of the highest (]) growth rates in ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page?_pageid=1996,39140985&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL&screen=detailref&language=en&product=sdi_ed&root=sdi_ed/sdi_ed/sdi_ed1000 \|title=Growth rate of real GDP per capita\|publisher=]\|accessdate=2007-07-28}}</ref> In 2006, annual GDP growth was 11.9% and ] was 6.2%. ] was 8.5% — almost unchanged compared to the previous two years. However, it has recently dropped to 6.1%, partly due to active economic ], mostly to ] and the ]. Some believe that Latvia's ] is responsible for its high growth rate, but this is not universally accepted. ] is mostly complete, except for some of the large ] utilities. Latvia is a member of the ] (1999) and the ] (2004). Since 2001, Latvia's chief export has been Domestic Livestock.		Since the year 2000 Latvia has had one of the highest (]) growth rates in ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page?_pageid=1996,39140985&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL&screen=detailref&language=en&product=sdi_ed&root=sdi_ed/sdi_ed/sdi_ed1000 \|title=Growth rate of real GDP per capita\|publisher=]\|accessdate=2007-07-28}}</ref> In 2006, annual GDP growth was 11.9% and ] was 6.2%. ] was 8.5% — almost unchanged compared to the previous two years. However, it has recently dropped to 6.1%, partly due to active economic ], mostly to ] and the ]. Some believe that Latvia's ] is responsible for its high growth rate, but this is not universally accepted. ] is mostly complete, except for some of the large ] utilities. Latvia is a member of the ] (1999) and the ] (2004). Since 2001, Latvia's chief export has been Domestic Livestock.

			]

	The fast growing economy is regarded as a possible ], because it is driven mainly by growth of domestic ], financed by a serious increase of private ], as well as a negative foreign ]. The prices of ], which were appreciating at approximately 5% a month, are perceived to be too high for the economy, which mainly produces low valued goods and ]. As stated by Ober-Haus, a real estate company operating in Poland and the Baltics, the prices of some segments of the real estate market have stabilised as of summer 2006 and some experts expect serious reduction of prices in the near future.		The fast growing economy is regarded as a possible ], because it is driven mainly by growth of domestic ], financed by a serious increase of private ], as well as a negative foreign ]. The prices of ], which were appreciating at approximately 5% a month, are perceived to be too high for the economy, which mainly produces low valued goods and ]. As stated by Ober-Haus, a real estate company operating in Poland and the Baltics, the prices of some segments of the real estate market have stabilised as of summer 2006 and some experts expect serious reduction of prices in the near future.
	The government has recently introduced a special programme to reduce inflation and retain high growth rates.{{~~facts~~\|date=July 2007}} The main points of the plan are:		The government has recently introduced a special programme to reduce inflation and retain high growth rates.{{Facts\|date=July 2007}} The main points of the plan are:
	*To create a non-deficit country budget for the current 2007 year and a budget with a surplus for 2008 and beyond;		*To create a non-deficit country budget for the current 2007 year and a budget with a surplus for 2008 and beyond;
	*to tax any transaction concerning real estate that has been in a person's possession less than three years;		*to tax any transaction concerning real estate that has been in a person's possession less than three years;
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	*to increase energy effectiveness in homes and business to guard against possible rises in energy costs, and		*to increase energy effectiveness in homes and business to guard against possible rises in energy costs, and
	*to increase work productivity and stimulate competition in business.		*to increase work productivity and stimulate competition in business.

			] and part of its ].]]

	Latvia plans to introduce the ] as the country's currency but, due to the inflation being above ]'s guidelines, the government's official target is now 1 January 2012. However in October 2007, with inflation above 11%, the head of the ] suggested that 2013 may be a more realistic date.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.baltictimes.com/news/articles/19151/ \|title=Bank targets 2013 as Latvia’s ‘E-day’ \|publisher=Baltictimes.com \|date=2009-01-05 \|accessdate=2009-01-05}}</ref>		Latvia plans to introduce the ] as the country's currency but, due to the inflation being above ]'s guidelines, the government's official target is now 1 January 2012. However in October 2007, with inflation above 11%, the head of the ] suggested that 2013 may be a more realistic date.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.baltictimes.com/news/articles/19151/ \|title=Bank targets 2013 as Latvia’s ‘E-day’ \|publisher=Baltictimes.com \|date=2009-01-05 \|accessdate=2009-01-05}}</ref>
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	], the Nobel Laureate in economics for 2008, wrote in his ] Op-Ed column for December 15th, 2008:		], the Nobel Laureate in economics for 2008, wrote in his ] Op-Ed column for December 15th, 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 "'' <ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/15/opinion/15krugman.html \|title=European Crass Warfare \|publisher=]\|accessdate=2008-12-15}}</ref>		:"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 " <ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/15/opinion/15krugman.html \|title=European Crass Warfare \|publisher=]\|accessdate=2008-12-15}}</ref>

	===Infrastructure===		===Infrastructure===
	{{main\|Transportation in Latvia\|National Roads in Latvia}}		{{main\|Transportation in Latvia\|National Roads in Latvia}}
	]]]
	]]]
	] lounge]]
	The transport sector is around 14% of GDP. Transit between Russia and the West is large.<ref name="wpt">, World Bank</ref>		The transport sector is around 14% of GDP. Transit between Russia and the West is large.<ref name="wpt">, World Bank</ref>

	Key ports are in ], ], and ]. Most transit traffic uses these and half the cargo is crude oil and oil products.<ref name="wpt"/>		Key ports are in ], ], and ]. Most transit traffic uses these and half the cargo is crude oil and oil products.<ref name="wpt"/>

	The ] plans to build another Airport terminal capable of handling 20 million passengers a year. The first part of this project has begun in 2008. The airport also plans to build new hotels, a business park, a second pier, new parking, a second runway, a new control tower, a new high-speed tram link or railway to the city centre, and a new check-in hall, all by 2011. The airport is currently soliciting bids for airport expansion that encompasses, as the first stage, a construction of a new (fourth) terminal with 23 gates facing north, and in the second stage, seemlessly joining the current airport terminals with the new terminal in a unified architectural entity. <ref></ref>


	] is the largest airport with 3.2 million passengers in 2007.		] is the largest airport with 3.2 million passengers in 2007.
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	{{main\|Demographics of Latvia}}		{{main\|Demographics of Latvia}}
	{\| class="wikitable" align="right"		{\| class="wikitable" align="right"
	\|+ Residents of Latvia by ethnicity +\|Residents of Latvia by ethnicity <ref name="~~CIS_demographics~~" />		\|+ Residents of Latvia by ethnicity +\|Residents of Latvia by ethnicity <ref name="csb.gov.lv" />
	\| align="left"\| ] \|\| 60%</tr>		\| align="left"\| ] \|\| 59.2%</tr>
	\| align="left"\| ] \|\| ~~26.7~~%</tr>		\| align="left"\| ] \|\| 28%</tr>
	\| align="left"\| ] \|\| 4.1%</tr>		\| align="left"\| ] \|\| 3.7%</tr>
	\| align="left"\| ] \|\| 2.7%</tr>		\| align="left"\| ] \|\| 2.5%</tr>
	\| align="left"\| ] \|\| 2.5%</tr>		\| align="left"\| ] \|\| 2.4%</tr>
	\| align="left"\| ] \|\| 1.9%</tr>		\| align="left"\| ] \|\| 1.3%</tr>
	\| align="left"\| ~~Others~~ \|\| 2.0%		\| align="left"\| ] \|\| 0.5%</tr>
			\| align="left"\| ] \|\| 0.4%</tr>
			\| align="left"\| ] \|\| 0.2%</tr>
			\| align="left"\| ] \|\| 0.1%</tr>
			\| align="left"\| ''Others'' \|\| 1.7%</tr>
	\|}		\|}

	]
	]

	===Ethnic and cultural diversity===		===Ethnic and cultural diversity===
	{{Main\|Latvian people\|Latvian Russians\|Latvian Germans\|Latvian Jews\|Latgalians\|Livonians}}		{{Main\|Latvian people\|Latvian Russians\|Latvian Germans\|Latvian Jews\|Latgalians\|Livonians}}
	Latvia's ] has been ] for centuries, though the ] shifted dramatically in the twentieth century due to the World Wars, the emigration and removal of ], the ], and occupation by the ].{{~~facts~~\|date=July 2007}}		Latvia's ] has been ] for centuries, though the ] shifted dramatically in the twentieth century due to the World Wars, the emigration and removal of ], the ], and occupation by the ].{{Facts\|date=July 2007}}

	] and ], the indigenous peoples of Latvia, now form about 60% of the population; ~~26.7~~% of the inhabitants are Russians , Belorussians 4.1%, Ukrainians 2.7% , Poles 2.5% ~~and~~ Lithuanians 1.9%. ~~<ref~~ ~~name="CIS_demographics">{{cite web\|url=https://www~~.~~cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/lg.html~~ ~~\|title=CIA~~ - ~~The~~ ~~World~~ ~~Factbook~~ -- ~~Latvia~~ ~~\|publisher=Central~~ ~~Intelligence~~ ~~Agency,~~ ~~USA~~ ~~\|accessdate~~=~~2009-02-24}}<~~/~~ref~~> Approximately 56% of the ethnic Russians living in Latvia are citizens of Latvia.<ref name="nvalde"> People who arrived whilst Latvia was occupied by the ], and their descendants born before 1991, must be ] to receive Latvian citizenship. Over 100,000 persons have been naturalised in recent years.{{Facts\|date=July 2007}}</ref>		] and ], the indigenous peoples of Latvia, now form about 59.2% of the population; 28% of the inhabitants are Russians , Belorussians 3.7%, Ukrainians 2.5% , Poles 2.4%, Lithuanians 1.3%, Jews 0.5%, Roma people 0.4%, Germans 0.2%, Estonians 0.1% and others 1.7% <ref name="csb.gov.lv" />. Approximately 56% of the ethnic Russians living in Latvia are citizens of Latvia.<ref name="nvalde"> People who arrived whilst Latvia was occupied by the ], and their descendants born before 1991, must be ] to receive Latvian citizenship. Over 100,000 persons have been naturalised in recent years.{{Facts\|date=July 2007}}</ref>

	In some large cities, e.g. ], ] and ], Russians and other minorities outnumber Latvians. Minorities from other countries such as ], ], ], ], etc., also live in Latvia. The share of ethnic Latvians had fallen from 77% (1,467,035) in 1935 to 52% (1,387,757) in 1989.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.lka.edu.lv/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=index&topic=68\|title=About Latvia\|publisher= Latvian Academy of Culture\|accessdate=2007-07-28}}</ref> In 2005 there were even fewer Latvians than in 1989, though their share of the population was larger — 1,357,099 (57.% of the inhabitants).<ref name="nvalde" />		In some large cities, e.g. ], ] and ], Russians and other minorities outnumber Latvians. Minorities from other countries such as ], ], ], ], etc., also live in Latvia. The share of ethnic Latvians had fallen from 77% (1,467,035) in 1935 to 52% (1,387,757) in 1989.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.lka.edu.lv/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=index&topic=68\|title=About Latvia\|publisher= Latvian Academy of Culture\|accessdate=2007-07-28}}</ref> In 2005 there were even fewer Latvians than in 1989, though their share of the population was larger — 1,357,099 (57.% of the inhabitants).<ref name="nvalde" />
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	==Culture and arts==		==Culture and arts==
	{{Main\|Culture of Latvia}}		{{Main\|Culture of Latvia}}
	]		].]]

	]
	]
	]
	Between the thirteenth and nineteenth century, ], many of whom were originally of non-German ancestry but had been assimilated into ], formed the upper class.{{Fact\|date=July 2007}} They developed a distinct cultural heritage, characterised by both Latvian and German influences. It has survived in German Baltic families to this day, in spite of their dispersal to Germany, the USA, Canada and other countries in the early 20th century. However, most indigenous Latvians did not participate in this particular cultural life.{{Fact\|date=July 2007}} Thus, the mostly peasant local ] heritage was preserved, partly merging with Christian traditions, for example in one of the most popular celebrations today which is ], a pagan celebration of the ], celebrated on the feast day of St. ].		Between the thirteenth and nineteenth century, ], many of whom were originally of non-German ancestry but had been assimilated into ], formed the upper class.{{Fact\|date=July 2007}} They developed a distinct cultural heritage, characterised by both Latvian and German influences. It has survived in German Baltic families to this day, in spite of their dispersal to Germany, the USA, Canada and other countries in the early 20th century. However, most indigenous Latvians did not participate in this particular cultural life.{{Fact\|date=July 2007}} Thus, the mostly peasant local ] heritage was preserved, partly merging with Christian traditions, for example in one of the most popular celebrations today which is ], a pagan celebration of the ], celebrated on the feast day of St. ].

			] cheese is traditionally served on the Latvian festival ].]]
	In the nineteenth century Latvian nationalist movements emerged promoting Latvian culture and encouraging Latvians to take part in cultural activities. The nineteenth century and beginning of the twentieth century is often regarded as a classical era of Latvian culture. Posters show the influence of other European cultures, for example, works of artists such as the Baltic-German artist ] and the French ].{{facts\|date=July 2007}} With the onset of World War II, many Latvian artists and other members of the cultural elite fled the country yet continued to produce their work, largely for a Latvian émigré audience.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://latvianart.org/historical.html\|title=Latvianart.org, "Historical Background"}}</ref>

	After incorporation into the ], Latvian artists and writers were forced to follow the ] style of art. During the Soviet era, music became increasingly popular, with the most popular being songs from the 1980s. At this time, songs often made fun of the characteristics of Soviet life and were concerned about preserving Latvian identity. This aroused popular protests against the USSR and also gave rise to an increasing popularity of poetry. Since independence, ], ] and ] have become the most notable branches of Latvian culture.{{facts\|date=July 2007}}

	===Sport===

	In ], basketball is sometimes mentioned as a national sport.
	Latvia has a long basketballing tradition. Latvia won the first European championship in 1935 and hosted the second championship in 1937.

	] is considered to be the most popular sport in Latvia. Latvia has one pro ], there are also several amateur hockey leagues.

	] (soccer) was most popular sport in Latvia during first independence (1918-1940).

	] participated in final stage of ]. The leading scorer of Latvian national football team is ].

	Latvian athletes have achieved medals in Olympics and European/World championships. Most recently ] with a silver medal in the men's ] at the ] in ]. ] won silver medal in 2002, and gold medal in 2006 at European Championships in the ]. ] has won New York City marathon in 2005.

	Since 2006 tennis has become popular sport in Latvia, because of ]'s achievements. He has participated in 3 ] tournaments, reaching 4th round of ] where in 3rd round he beat world No. 8 ]. ] has reached 56th position in ] ranking. Of course he isn't only Latvian who has played tennis at high level.

	{\| class="wikitable"
	\|-
	! Medal
	! Name
	! Sport
	! Event
	\|-
	\|{{gold medal}} \|\| ] \|\| ] \|\| ]
	\|-
	\|{{silver medal}} \|\| ] \|\| ] \|\| ]
	\|-
	\|{{bronze medal}} \|\| ] \|\| ] \|\| ]
	\|-
	\|}

			In the nineteenth century Latvian nationalist movements emerged promoting Latvian culture and encouraging Latvians to take part in cultural activities. The nineteenth century and beginning of the twentieth century is often regarded as a classical era of Latvian culture. Posters show the influence of other European cultures, for example, works of artists such as the Baltic-German artist ] and the French ].{{Facts\|date=July 2007}} With the onset of World War II, many Latvian artists and other members of the cultural elite fled the country yet continued to produce their work, largely for a Latvian émigré audience.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://latvianart.org/historical.html\|title=Latvianart.org, "Historical Background"}}</ref>
	], home of the ]]]
	] is participating in ] since ] when it won rights to get promoted to Group II of Europe/Africa zone. In ] Latvia was relegated to Group III. It next year Latvia returned to Group II, but was relegated again in ]. Latvia returned to Group II already in next year and since then is playing there. In ] Latvians met ] team. Latvia won and were promoted to Group I for ], where the ] shall be their first rival. Besides ], in team were also playing ], ] and ].

			After incorporation into the ], Latvian artists and writers were forced to follow the ] style of art. During the Soviet era, music became increasingly popular, with the most popular being songs from the 1980s. At this time, songs often made fun of the characteristics of Soviet life and were concerned about preserving Latvian identity. This aroused popular protests against the USSR and also gave rise to an increasing popularity of poetry. Since independence, ], ] and ] have become the most notable branches of Latvian culture.{{Facts\|date=July 2007}}
	Also Latvian cycling athletes are famous in the world arena. Lately in ]. First time in Europe cycling history one country Latvian BMX Elite Riders (], ],] ]) triumphed on European Championships 2006. ] is the reigning UCI BMX World champion (2008) and Beijing ] gold medalist .

	==Society==		==Society==
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	===Religion===		===Religion===
	{{see also\|Islam in Latvia}}		{{see also\|Islam in Latvia}}
	] at sunset]]
	The largest religion is ], although only 7% of population attend religious services regularly.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/trust.in.religious.institutions.does.not.convey.to.church.attendance/1462.htm\|title=Trust in Religious Institutions does not convey to Church Attendance\|publisher=Christian Today\|date=2004-09-23\|accessdate=2007-07-28\|author=Eunice K. Y. Or}}</ref> The largest groups in 2006 are:		The largest religion is ], although only 7% of population attend religious services regularly.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/trust.in.religious.institutions.does.not.convey.to.church.attendance/1462.htm\|title=Trust in Religious Institutions does not convey to Church Attendance\|publisher=Christian Today\|date=2004-09-23\|accessdate=2007-07-28\|author=Eunice K. Y. Or}}</ref> The largest groups in 2006 are:
	*] — 400,000{{Fact\|date=October 2007}}		*] — 400,000{{Fact\|date=October 2007}}
Line 490:		Line 316:
	*] — 350,000<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://ekai.pl/serwis/?MID=12767\|title=Na Łotwie działa ponad 1,2 tys. wspólnot religijnych\|language=Polish\|accessdate=2007-07-28}}</ref>		*] — 350,000<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://ekai.pl/serwis/?MID=12767\|title=Na Łotwie działa ponad 1,2 tys. wspólnot religijnych\|language=Polish\|accessdate=2007-07-28}}</ref>

	According to the most recent ] 2005,<ref name="EUROBAROMETER">{{cite web\|url=http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_225_report_en.pdf\|title=Eurobarometer on Social Values, Science and technology 2005 - page 11\|accessdate=2007-05-05\|format=PDF}}</ref> 37% of Latvian citizens responded that "they believe there is a god", whereas 49% answered that "they believe there is some sort of spirit or life force" and 10% that "they do not believe there is any sort of spirit, god, or life force". Lutheranism was much stronger before the Soviet occupation, when it was a majority religion, but since then Lutheranism in all the ] has declined to a much greater extent than Roman Catholicism has. The country's Orthodox Christians belong to the ], a semi-autonomous body within the ]. There are 182 known ] living in Latvia though the total number is estimated to be much larger: from 500 to 5,000. There are also ] (9,743 in 2006) in Latvia.{{~~facts~~\|date=July 2007}}		According to the most recent ] 2005,<ref name="EUROBAROMETER">{{cite web\|url=http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_225_report_en.pdf\|title=Eurobarometer on Social Values, Science and technology 2005 - page 11\|accessdate=2007-05-05\|format=PDF}}</ref> 37% of Latvian citizens responded that "they believe there is a god", whereas 49% answered that "they believe there is some sort of spirit or life force" and 10% that "they do not believe there is any sort of spirit, god, or life force". Lutheranism was much stronger before the Soviet occupation, when it was a majority religion, but since then Lutheranism in all the ] has declined to a much greater extent than Roman Catholicism has. The country's Orthodox Christians belong to the ], a semi-autonomous body within the ]. There are 182 known ] living in Latvia though the total number is estimated to be much larger: from 500 to 5,000. There are also ] (9,743 in 2006) in Latvia.{{Facts\|date=July 2007}}

	There are more than 600 Latvian ]s, '']'' (The Godskeepers), whose religion is based on ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.bibelesbiedriba.lv/religiju-enciklopedija/statistika.html\|title=Statistics of approved parishes in Latvia\|date=2004-01-01\|accessdate=2007-03-07\|publisher=The Latvian Bible Society\|work=Reliģiju Enciklopēdija\|language=Latvian}}</ref> About 40% of the total population is not affiliated with a specific religion.{{~~facts~~\|date=July 2007}}		There are more than 600 Latvian ]s, '']'' (The Godskeepers), whose religion is based on ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.bibelesbiedriba.lv/religiju-enciklopedija/statistika.html\|title=Statistics of approved parishes in Latvia\|date=2004-01-01\|accessdate=2007-03-07\|publisher=The Latvian Bible Society\|work=Reliģiju Enciklopēdija\|language=Latvian}}</ref> About 40% of the total population is not affiliated with a specific religion.{{Facts\|date=July 2007}}

	==International rankings==		==International rankings==
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	]		]
	]		]
	]		]
	]		]
	]		]

Revision as of 05:43, 12 February 2009

For other uses, see the European country.

Republic of LatviaLatvijas Republika
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: "For the Fatherland and Freedom" (Template:Lang-lv)
Anthem: "God bless Latvia!" (Template:Lang-lv)
Location of Latvia (dark green) – in Europe (light green & dark grey) – in the European Union (light green) – [Legend]
Capitaland largest city	Riga
Official languages	Latvian
Ethnic groups	59.2% Latvians 28.0% Russians 3.7% Belarusians 2.5% Ukrainians 6.6% others
Demonym(s)	Latvian
Government	Parliamentary republic

• President	Valdis Zatlers
• Prime Minister	Ivars Godmanis

Independence from Russia and Germany

• Declared	November 18, 1918
• Recognized	January 26, 1921
• Suspended	August 5, 1940
• Proclaimed	May 4, 1990
• Completed	September 6, 1991

Area
• Total	64,589 km (24,938 sq mi) (124th)
• Water (%)	1.5
Population
• January 2009 estimate	2,261,100 (143rd)
• 2000 census	2,375,000
• Density	36/km (93.2/sq mi) (166th)
GDP (PPP)	2008 estimate
• Total	$40.420 billion (92nd)
• Per capita	$17,800 (IMF) (46th)
GDP (nominal)	2008 estimate
• Total	$33.902 billion (83rd)
• Per capita	$14,930 (IMF) (47th)
Gini (2003)	37.7 medium inequality
HDI (2007)	0.855 Error: Invalid HDI value (45th)
Currency	Lats (Ls) (LVL)
Time zone	UTC+2 (EET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+3 (EEST)
Drives on	Right
Calling code	371
ISO 3166 code	LV
Internet TLD	.lv
Latvia is continuous with the first republic. Secession from Soviet Union begun. Also .eu, shared with other European Union member states.

Latvia (/ˈlætviə/; Template:Lang-lv, officially Republic of Latvia (Template:Lang-lv) is a country in Northern Europe in the Baltic region. It is bordered to the north by Estonia (343 km), to the south by Lithuania (588 km), and to the east both by Belarus (141 km) and the Russian Federation (276 km). Across the Baltic Sea to the west lies Sweden. The territory of Latvia covers 64,589 km² and has a temperate seasonal climate.

The Latvians are a Baltic people culturally related to the Estonians and Lithuanians, with the Latvian language having many similarities with Lithuanian, but not with the Estonian language. Today the Latvian and Lithuanian languages are the only surviving members of the Baltic languages of the Indo-European family. The modern name of Latvia is thought to originate from the ancient Latvian name Latvji, which, like the name of Lithuania, may have originated from the river named Latva or Latuva, which may be today's Lates upe.

Latvia is a unitary democratic parliamentary republic and is divided into 26 districts. The capital and largest city is Riga. Latvia has been a member of the United Nations since 17 September 1991, of the European Union since 1 May 2004 and of NATO since 29 March 2004.

History

Main article: History of Latvia See also: List of museums in Latvia

The territory of Latvia has been populated since 9000 BC, with the proto-Baltic ancestors of the Latvian people settling on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea around the beginning of the third millennium BC (3000 BC). By 900 AD, four Baltic tribal cultures had developed: Couronians, Latgallians, Selonians, Semigallians (in Latvian: kurši, latgaļi, sēļi and zemgaļi), as well as the Livonians (lībieši) speaking a Finno-Ugric language.

The Middle Ages period

Christian missionaries arrived in 1180. As the Balts did not readily convert and strongly opposed their Christianization, German crusaders were sent into Latvia to convert the pagan population by force of arms. By 1211, Christianity had effective control with the foundation stone for the Dome Cathedral in Riga laid.

In the thirteenth century, a confederation of feudal nations called Livonia developed under German rule. Livonia included today's Latvia and Southern Estonia. In 1282, Riga and later the cities of Cēsis, Limbaži, Koknese and Valmiera were included in the Hanseatic League. From this time, Riga became an important point in west-east trading. Riga, being the centre of the eastern Baltic region, formed close cultural contacts with Western Europe.

The Reformation period

The sixteenth century was a time of great changes for the inhabitants of Latvia, notable for the reformation and the collapse of the Livonian state. After the Livonian War (1558–1583), today's Latvian territory came under Polish-Lithuanian rule.

The seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries saw a struggle between Poland, Sweden and Russia for supremacy in the eastern Baltic. Most of Polish Livonia, including Vidzeme, came under Swedish rule with the Truce of Altmark in 1629. Under the Swedish rule, serfdom was eased and a network of schools was established for the peasantry.

Latvia in the Russian Empire

The Treaty of Nystad ending the Great Northern War in 1721 gave Vidzeme to Russia (it became part of the Riga Governorate). The Latgale region remained part of Poland as Inflanty Voivodeship until 1772, when it was joined to Russia. The Duchy of Courland became a Russian province (the Courland Governorate) in 1795, bringing all of what is now Latvia into the Russian Empire.

The promises Peter the Great made to the Baltic German nobility at the fall of Riga in 1710, confirmed by the Treaty of Nystad and known as "the Capitulations," largely reversed the Swedish reforms. The emancipation of the serfs took place in Courland in 1817 and in Vidzeme in 1819. In practice, the emancipation was actually advantageous to the nobility because it dispossessed the peasants of their land without compensation. The social structure changed dramatically, with a class of independent farmers establishing itself after reforms allowed the peasants to repurchase their land, landless peasants numbering 591,000 in 1897, a growing urban proletariat and an increasingly influential Latvian bourgeoisie. The Young Latvians (Template:Lang-lv) movement laid the groundwork for nationalism from the middle of the century, many of its leaders looking to the Slavophiles for support against the prevailing German-dominated social order. Russification began in Latgale after the Polish led January Uprising in 1863 and spread to the rest of what is now Latvia by the 1880s. The Young Latvians were largely eclipsed by the New Current, a broad leftist social and political movement, in the 1890s. Popular discontent exploded in the 1905 Revolution, which took on a nationalist character in the Baltic provinces.

Declaration of independence

Latvia in World War II

Most of the Baltic Germans left Latvia by agreement between Ulmanis' government and Nazi Germany after the conclusion of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. On October 5, 1939, Latvia was forced to accept a "mutual assistance" pact with the Soviet Union, granting the Soviets the right to station 25,000 troops on Latvian territory. On June 16, 1940, Vyacheslav Molotov presented the Latvian representative in Moscow with an ultimatum accusing Latvia of violations of that pact, and on June 17 great numbers of Soviet forces occupied the country. Еlections for the "People's Saeima" were held, and a puppet government headed by Augusts Kirhenšteins led Latvia into the USSR. The annexation was formalised on August 5, 1940.

The Soviets dealt harshly with their opponents – prior to the German invasion, in less than a year, at least 27,586 persons were arrested; most were deported, and about 945 persons were shot. While under German occupation, Latvia was administered as part of Reichskommissariat Ostland. Latvian paramilitary and Auxiliary Police units established by occupation authority participated in the Holocaust as well. More than 200,000 Latvian citizens died during World War II, including approximately 70,000 Latvian Jews murdered during the Nazi occupation. Latvian soldiers fought on both sides of the conflict, including in the Latvian Legion of the Waffen-SS, most of them conscripted by the occupying Nazi and Soviet authorities. Refusal to join the occupying army resulted in imprisonment, threats to relatives, or even death.

Soviet occupation

The Soviets reoccupied the country in 1944–1945, and further mass deportations followed as the country was forcibly collectivised and Sovietised; 42,975 persons were deported in 1949. An influx of labourers, administrators, military personnel and their dependents from Russia and other Soviet republics started, and by 1959, the ethnic Latvian population had fallen to 62%. During the Khrushchev Thaw, attempts by national communists led by Eduards Berklavs to gain a degree of autonomy for the republic and protect the rapidly deteriorating position of the Latvian language were suppressed.

Restoration of independence

In 1989, the Supreme Soviet of the USSR adopted a resolution on the "Occupation of the Baltic states", in which it declared that the occupation was "not in accordance with law," and not the "will of the Soviet people". A national movement coalescing in the Popular Front of Latvia took advantage of glasnost under Mikhail Gorbachev, opposed by the Interfront. On May 4, 1990, the Supreme Soviet of the Latvian SSR adopted the Declaration of the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia, subject to a transition period that came to an end with Latvian independence on August 21, 1991, after the failure of the August Putsch. The Saeima, Latvia's parliament, was again elected in 1993, and Russia completed its military withdrawal in 1994.

The major goals of Latvia in the 1990s, to join NATO and the European Union, were achieved in 2004. Language and citizenship laws have been opposed by many Russophones, although a majority have now become citizens. (Citizenship was not automatically extended to former Soviet citizens who settled during the Soviet occupation or to their subsequent offspring. Children born to non-nationals after the reestablishment of independence are automatically entitled to citizenship.) The government denationalised private property confiscated by the Soviet rule, returning it or compensating the owners for it, and privatised most state-owned industries, reintroducing the prewar currency. Albeit having experienced a difficult transition to a liberal economy and its re-orientation toward Western Europe, its economy has one of the highest growth rates.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Latvia

Located on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, Latvia lies on the East European Plain, however in vegetation is much different than the rest of the plain and shares many similarities with the boreal biome. It consists of fertile, low-lying plains, largely covered by forest, mostly pines, the highest point being the Gaiziņkalns at 311.6 m (1,020 ft). Phytogeographically, Latvia is shared between the Central European and Northern European provinces of the Circumboreal Region within the Boreal Kingdom. According to the WWF, the territory of Latvia belongs to the ecoregion of Sarmatic mixed forests. Common species of wildlife in Latvia include deer, wild boar, moose, lynx, bear, fox, beaver and wolves. The major rivers include the Daugava, the Lielupe, the Gauja, the Venta, and the Salaca. An inlet of the Baltic Sea, the shallow Gulf of Riga is situated in the northwest of the country. Latvia's coastline extends for 531 kilometers.

Climate

The Latvian climate is humid, continental and temperate owing to the maritime influence of the Baltic Sea. Summers are warm, and the weather in spring and autumn fairly mild; however, the winters can be extreme due to the northern location. Precipitation is common throughout the year with the heaviest rainfall in August. During severe spells of winter weather, Latvia is dominated by cold winds from the interior of Russia, and severe snowfalls are very common.

Districts

Main article: Districts of Latvia

Latvia is divided into 26 districts (rajoni). There are also seven cities (lielpilsētas) that have a separate status. Latvia is also divided into five planning regions.

50km

Abrene District (1919 – 1940), the eastern part of which was annexed to Russia in 1944.
The legal status of the annexed portion was disputed — the western part of the former district is now in Balvi District. In January 2007, Latvian Parliament agreed to sign the Border Treaty with Russia, making no open references to the 1920 Border Treaty and Abrene District problem.

Regions and cities

Main articles: Regions of Latvia and Subdivisions of Latvia See also: List of cities in Latvia

Latvia is divided into several historical and cultural regions.

Government and politics

Main article: Politics of Latvia Main article: Parliament of Latvia Main article: Government of Latvia

The 100-seat unicameral Latvian parliament, the Saeima, is elected by direct popular vote every four years. The president is elected by the Saeima in a separate election, also held every four years. 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. This system also existed before the Second World War. Highest civil servants are sixteen Secretaries of State.

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of Latvia

Membership in the EU and NATO were major policy goals during the 1990s. In a nation-wide referendum on September 20, 2003, 66.9% of those taking part voted in favour of joining the European Union. Latvia became a member of the European Union on May 1, 2004. Latvia has been a NATO member since March 29, 2004.

Treaty delimiting the boundary with Russia has been signed and ratified in 2007, under the treaty the Abrene district passes to Russia; ongoing talks over maritime boundary dispute with Lithuania (primary concern is oil exploration rights)

Military

Main article: Military of Latvia

Latvia's defense concept is based upon the Swedish-Finnish model of a rapid response force composed of a mobilization base and a small group of career professionals. The armed forces consists of mobile riflemen, an air force, and a navy. Latvia cooperates with Estonia and Lithuania in the joint infantry battalion BALTBAT and naval squadron BALTRON which are available for peacekeeping operations.

As of March 29, 2004, Latvia officially joined NATO. Currently, NATO is involved in the patrolling and protection of the Latvian air space as the Latvian army does not have the means to do so effectively. For this goal a rotating force of four NATO fighters, which comes from different nations and switches at two or three month intervals, is based in Lithuania to cover all three Baltic states (see Baltic Air Policing).

Economy

Main article: Economy of Latvia

File:Saules Akmens no Vansu tilta.jpg

A high rise building

Since the year 2000 Latvia has had one of the highest (GDP) growth rates in Europe. In 2006, annual GDP growth was 11.9% and inflation was 6.2%. Unemployment was 8.5% — almost unchanged compared to the previous two years. However, it has recently dropped to 6.1%, partly due to active economic migration, mostly to Ireland and the United Kingdom. Some believe that Latvia's flat tax is responsible for its high growth rate, but this is not universally accepted. Privatisation is mostly complete, except for some of the large state-owned utilities. Latvia is a member of the World Trade Organization (1999) and the European Union (2004). Since 2001, Latvia's chief export has been Domestic Livestock.

The fast growing economy is regarded as a possible economic bubble, because it is driven mainly by growth of domestic consumption, financed by a serious increase of private debt, as well as a negative foreign trade balance. The prices of real estate, which were appreciating at approximately 5% a month, are perceived to be too high for the economy, which mainly produces low valued goods and raw materials. As stated by Ober-Haus, a real estate company operating in Poland and the Baltics, the prices of some segments of the real estate market have stabilised as of summer 2006 and some experts expect serious reduction of prices in the near future. The government has recently introduced a special programme to reduce inflation and retain high growth rates. The main points of the plan are:

To create a non-deficit country budget for the current 2007 year and a budget with a surplus for 2008 and beyond;
to tax any transaction concerning real estate that has been in a person's possession less than three years;
to increase control of credit;
to increase energy effectiveness in homes and business to guard against possible rises in energy costs, and
to increase work productivity and stimulate competition in business.

File:European flag in the wind.jpg

Since 2004 Latvia has been a member state of the European Union and part of its single market.

Latvia plans to introduce the Euro as the country's currency but, due to the inflation being above EMU's guidelines, the government's official target is now 1 January 2012. However in October 2007, with inflation above 11%, the head of the National Bank of Latvia suggested that 2013 may be a more realistic date.

Privatisation in Latvia is almost complete. Virtually all of the previously state-owned small and medium companies have been successfully privatized, leaving only a small number of politically sensitive large state companies. Latvian privatization efforts have led to the development of a dynamic and prosperous private sector, which accounted for nearly 68% of GDP in 2000.

Foreign investment in Latvia is still modest compared with the levels in north-central Europe. A law expanding the scope for selling land, including to foreigners, was passed in 1997. Representing 10.2% of Latvia's total foreign direct investment, American companies invested $127 million in 1999. In the same year, the United States exported $58.2 million of goods and services to Latvia and imported $87.9 million. 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. Latvia and the United States have signed treaties on investment, trade, and intellectual property protection and avoidance of double taxation.

Economic contraction 2008

The Latvian economy entered a phase of fiscal contraction during the second half of 2008 after an extended period of credit-based speculation and unrealistic inflation of real estate values. The national account deficit for 2007, for example, represented more than 22% of the GDP for the year while inflation was running at 10%.

Paul Krugman, the Nobel Laureate in economics for 2008, wrote in his New York Times Op-Ed column for December 15th, 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 "

Infrastructure

Main articles: Transportation in Latvia and National Roads in Latvia

The transport sector is around 14% of GDP. Transit between Russia and the West is large.

Key ports are in Riga, Ventspils, and Liepaja. Most transit traffic uses these and half the cargo is crude oil and oil products.

Riga International Airport is the largest airport with 3.2 million passengers in 2007.

Education

University of Latvia is the oldest university in Latvia and is located in Riga. Daugavpils University is the second largest university.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Latvia

Residents of Latvia by ethnicity
Latvians	59.2%
Russians	28%
Belarusians	3.7%
Ukrainians	2.5%
Poles	2.4%
Lithuanians	1.3%
Jews	0.5%
Roma	0.4%
Germans	0.2%
Estonians	0.1%
Others	1.7%

Ethnic and cultural diversity

Main articles: Latvian people, Latvian Russians, Latvian Germans, Latvian Jews, Latgalians, and Livonians

Latvia's population has been multiethnic for centuries, though the demographics shifted dramatically in the twentieth century due to the World Wars, the emigration and removal of Baltic Germans, the Holocaust, and occupation by the Soviet Union.

Latvians and Livonians, the indigenous peoples of Latvia, now form about 59.2% of the population; 28% of the inhabitants are Russians , Belorussians 3.7%, Ukrainians 2.5% , Poles 2.4%, Lithuanians 1.3%, Jews 0.5%, Roma people 0.4%, Germans 0.2%, Estonians 0.1% and others 1.7% . Approximately 56% of the ethnic Russians living in Latvia are citizens of Latvia.

In some large cities, e.g. Riga, Daugavpils and Rēzekne, Russians and other minorities outnumber Latvians. Minorities from other countries such as Belarus, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, etc., also live in Latvia. The share of ethnic Latvians had fallen from 77% (1,467,035) in 1935 to 52% (1,387,757) in 1989. In 2005 there were even fewer Latvians than in 1989, though their share of the population was larger — 1,357,099 (57.% of the inhabitants).

Main articles: Languages of Latvia, Livonian language, and Latgalian language

The official language of Latvia is Latvian, which belongs to the Baltic language group of the Indo-European language family. Another notable language of Latvia is the nearly extinct Livonian language of the Baltic-Finnic subbranch of the Uralic language family, which enjoys protection by law; The Latgalian language — a dialect of Latvian — is also protected by Latvian law as a historical variation of the Latvian language. Russian which was widely spoken during the Soviet occupation, and also during the Russian Imperial period is by far the most widespread minority language and also known by the majority of older Latvians.

Culture and arts

Main article: Culture of Latvia

Between the thirteenth and nineteenth century, Baltic Germans, many of whom were originally of non-German ancestry but had been assimilated into German culture, formed the upper class. They developed a distinct cultural heritage, characterised by both Latvian and German influences. It has survived in German Baltic families to this day, in spite of their dispersal to Germany, the USA, Canada and other countries in the early 20th century. However, most indigenous Latvians did not participate in this particular cultural life. Thus, the mostly peasant local pagan heritage was preserved, partly merging with Christian traditions, for example in one of the most popular celebrations today which is Jāņi, a pagan celebration of the summer solstice, celebrated on the feast day of St. John the Baptist.

In the nineteenth century Latvian nationalist movements emerged promoting Latvian culture and encouraging Latvians to take part in cultural activities. The nineteenth century and beginning of the twentieth century is often regarded as a classical era of Latvian culture. Posters show the influence of other European cultures, for example, works of artists such as the Baltic-German artist Bernhard Borchert and the French Raoul Dufy. With the onset of World War II, many Latvian artists and other members of the cultural elite fled the country yet continued to produce their work, largely for a Latvian émigré audience.

After incorporation into the USSR, Latvian artists and writers were forced to follow the Socialist realism style of art. During the Soviet era, music became increasingly popular, with the most popular being songs from the 1980s. At this time, songs often made fun of the characteristics of Soviet life and were concerned about preserving Latvian identity. This aroused popular protests against the USSR and also gave rise to an increasing popularity of poetry. Since independence, theatre, scenography and classical music have become the most notable branches of Latvian culture.

Society

Religion

International rankings

**Rankings**
Name	Year	Place	Out of #
CIA World Factbook – GDP per capita (PPP)	2008	66st	229
CIA World Factbook – life expectancy	2008	120th	223
World Economic Forum – Enabling Trade Index ranking	2008	43rd	118
Yale University / Columbia University - Environmental Performance Index	2008	8th	149
The Economist Intelligence Unit - e-readiness	2008	37th	70
The Economist Intelligence Unit - Global Peace Index	2008	39th	140
United States Patent and Trademark Office's list of patents by country	2007	95th	172
Save the Children - Mother's Index Rank	2007	25th	141
Save the Children - Women's Index Rank	2007	20st	141
Save the Children - Children's Index Rank	2007	33rd	141
Wall Street Journal / The Heritage Foundation - Index of Economic Freedom	2007	39th	157
United Nations - Human Development Index	2007	6th	177
World Economic Forum - Global Competitiveness Report 2007-2008	2007	45th	131
World Economic Forum - The Global Gender Gap Report 2007	2007	13th	128
World Bank - Ease of Doing Business Index	2007	14th	178
Reporters Without Borders - Worldwide Press Freedom Index	2007	12th	169
Transparency International - Corruption Perceptions Index	2007	49th	180
The Economist Intelligence Unit - Index of Democracy	2007	43rd	167
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development - Official Development Assistance by country as a percentage of GNI	2006	1st	34
Privacy International - Privacy index (EU and 11 other selected countries)	2006	28th	36
New Economics Foundation - Happy Planet Index	2006	119th	178
The Economist Intelligence Unit - Quality-of-life index	2005	5th	111
Save the Children - % seats in the national government held by women	2004	1st (47%)	141
World Health Organization - suicide rates by country		31st	100
NationMaster's index of civil and political liberties		17th	140

References

Notes

^ "2008 RESIDENT POPULATION BY ETHNICITY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR". Centrālās statistikas pārvaldes datu bāzes. Retrieved 2008-01-25.
^ "Report for Selected Countries and Subjects".
CIA Factbook: Latvia, Template:En icon
Termina "Latvija" vēsturiskā izcelšanās un attīstība, retrieved September 16, 2008; according to J. Lange's dictionary "Vollstandiges deutsch–lettisches Lexicon"
"Data: 3000 BC to 1500 BC". The European Ethnohistory Database. The Ethnohistory Project. Retrieved 2006-08-06.
"The Crusaders". City Paper. 2006-03-22. Retrieved 2007-07-28.
"List of species". Nature of Latvia. Retrieved 2007-03-07.
Microsoft Word - Denmark - decentralization.doc
Template:Lv icon Constitution of the Republic of Latvia with amendments and revisions (Official english translation) (Retrieved on 24 December 2006)
"Growth rate of real GDP per capita". Eurostat. Retrieved 2007-07-28.
"Bank targets 2013 as Latvia's 'E-day'". Baltictimes.com. 2009-01-05. Retrieved 2009-01-05.
"Latvia". CIA. Retrieved 2008-12-15.
"European Crass Warfare". New York Times. Retrieved 2008-12-15.
^ Latvia, World Bank
^ People who arrived whilst Latvia was occupied by the USSR, and their descendants born before 1991, must be naturalised to receive Latvian citizenship. Over 100,000 persons have been naturalised in recent years.
"About Latvia". Latvian Academy of Culture. Retrieved 2007-07-28.
"Latvianart.org, "Historical Background"".
Eunice K. Y. Or (2004-09-23). "Trust in Religious Institutions does not convey to Church Attendance". Christian Today. Retrieved 2007-07-28.
"Reliģisko organizāciju locekļu skaits" (in Latvian). Retrieved 2008-02-18.
"Na Łotwie działa ponad 1,2 tys. wspólnot religijnych" (in Polish). Retrieved 2007-07-28.
"Eurobarometer on Social Values, Science and technology 2005 - page 11" (PDF). Retrieved 2007-05-05.
"Statistics of approved parishes in Latvia". Reliģiju Enciklopēdija (in Latvian). The Latvian Bible Society. 2004-01-01. Retrieved 2007-03-07.

Bibliography

Dreifelds, Juris (1996). Latvia in Transition. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0521555371.
Rutkis, Jānis (ed.) (1967). Latvia: Country & People. Stockholm: Latvian National Foundation. OCLC 457313. {{cite book}}: |author= has generic name (help)
Arveds, Švābe (1949). The Story of Latvia: A Historical Survey. Stockholm: Latvian National Foundation. OCLC 2961684.
These names accuse : nominal list of Latvians deported to Soviet Russia in 1940-41 : with supplementary list (second edition ed.). Stockholm: Latvian National Foundation in cooperation with the World Federation and Free Latvians. 1982. OCLC 10403023. Retrieved 2007-07-30. {{cite book}}: |edition= has extra text (help)

External links

The President of Latvia
Chief of State and Cabinet Members
National Statistics Agency statistical information on economical, demographic, social, and environmental phenomena and processes
"Latvia". The World Factbook (2024 ed.). Central Intelligence Agency.
Latvia from UCB Libraries GovPubs
Template:Dmoz
Wikimedia Atlas of Latvia
Template:Wikitravel
Virtual World of Latvia (Latvian Institute)
The Latvian Institute publications on Latvian society, economy, culture and history

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