Tel: 01904 644500 
Cheap Hotels in Latvia
Hotels in Latvia
The Republic of Latvia that was originally known as Livonia is one of the Baltic States that borders Estonia, Lithuania, Belarus and Russia. The country got its independence from Imperial Russia on the 18th of November 1918. This was later lost in 1940 to the Soviet Union who then gave independence back to Latvia in 1990 on May the 4th. The Republic of Latvia was recognised on the 21 August 1991.
Latvia Geography
Forests, rivers and small lakes cover large areas of Latvia. There are over 12,000 rivers within Latvia and a total of over 3,000 lakes. The country’s land is very fertile with large plains in the east of the country. There are not any mountainous areas in Latvia in fact the highest point is only 311 metres high.
The capital of Riga is located on the shores of the Gulf of Riga, this inlet is off the Baltic sea and is very shallow in most areas.
Latvia's Economy
Latvia has a population of 2,302.700 with a very strong a growing economy. Since 2000 the Latvian economy has one of the highest GDP rates of growth in the whole of Europe. The last figures show that in 2004 the annual GDP growth was 8.5% and that inflation was running at 6.2%. The unemployment figures showed that there had been no change in the last two years with figures of 8.5%.
The country of Latvia has a gone through a state of privatisation that is almost complete except, for Latvia’s state owned utilities.
The country is a member of the World Trade Organisation, as well as a member of the European Union, which it joined in 2004. The country has a President and a Prime Minister, at this present time the Prime Minister is Aigars Kalvitis, and the President of Latvia is Vaira Vike- Freiberga.
Religion in Latvia
The population in Latvia are mostly Christian’s, the largest group of these are Lutheran who account for about 56%. Other groups that are represented in Latvia are Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Jews.
Latvian Demographics
Latvia has a multi ethnic population and this has been true for most of its history. Records show that it was in 1897 that Latvians formed a total of 68.3% from the population of 1.93 million. Other ethnic groups that make up Latvia are 7.4% Russian, Germans 6.2%, Polish 3.4% and the remaining percentage is made up from Gypsies. This ethnic mixture is largely down to the occupation by Russia.
Language
The language that is spoken in Latvia is Latvian. This like Lithuanian comes from the Baltic group, which comes from the Indo-European language. The most widespread language other than Latvian that is spoken is Russian. The Russian language is also most spoken by other ethnic groups.
Sport in Latvia
The Latvians are keen sports people and have a good Ice Hockey team that has competed at the 2002 and 2006 winter Olympics. The capital Riga will also be holding in 2006 the World Championships for ice hockey. The country also has its own Football League, which is called the Latvian Football Virsliga.
Latvia Embassy
For your convenience we have listed Latvian embassys below. Embassys can provide you with information regarding visas and other important travel information.
