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The venues on ICTG
Official Latvia Tourism Portal
Geography
Territory – 64589 km2, including mainland – 62046 km2, inland waters – 2543 km2. Until occupation in 1940 the territory of Latvia was 65800 km2, but in 1944 a part of Abrene district has been added to the Russia.
Territory from North to South – 210 km, from West to East – 450 km.
Border Length – 1862 km, including the length of the mainland border in the North of Latvia with Estonia – 343 km, in the East with Russia – 282 km, in the South–East with Belorus – 167 km, in the South with Lithuania – 576 km, coastline length – 494 km.
Average Height of Latvia – 87 m above sea level. 57% of the territory is under 100m above sea level, 40,5 % of the territory is under 100 – 200m above sea level and 2,5% of the territory is higher 200m above sea level.
The Highest Point of Latvia is Gaiziņkalns – 311,6 m above sea level.
The Longest River in Latvia is Gauja – 452 km. The total length of Daugava is 1005 km, but the state territory is 352 km. There are about 750 rivers in Latvia, which are longer than 10 km.
The Largest Lake According to its Areais Lubānas – 80 km2.
The deepest lake is Drīdzis – 65,1 m. There are about 3000 lakes in Latvia, which are bigger than 1ha.
National Parks – Gauja National Park, Ķemeri National Park.
Nature Reserves – Morics Caves, Slītere, Grīni, Krustkalni and Teiči Nature Reserves.
Capital – Riga.
The Biggest Cities and Towns – Riga, Daugavpils, Jelgava, Jūrmala, Liepāja, Rēzekne, Ventspils. There are 77 towns in Latvia.
Ports: Ventspils, Riga, Liepāja.
Inhabitants
Latvians have inhabited this land for two thousand years. Latvian nation has been formed as a result of merging the tribes of ancient Balts - latgaļi (Latgalls), zemgaļi (Semigalians), sēļi (Selonians) and kurši (Couronians) with the Baltic Finns, the ancestors of today’s Fins and Estonians, and the Livs. Today there are approximately 1 565 000 Latvians in the world, from them 1,39 million live in Latvia (according to population census in 1989), in Russian Federation 47 000, in Ukraine 7000, in Lithuania 4000, in Estonia, Belarus and Kazakhstan 3000 people in each accordingly. In other places in the world (the Western Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, Brazil, etc) there are approximately 1 356 081 Latvians.In the beginning of the 21st century in Latvia there are approximately 664 092 Russians, 88 998 Belorussians, 59 403 Ukrainians, 56 798 Polish, 31 840 Lithuanians, 9 820 Jews, 8 403 Gypsies, 3 696 Germans, 2970 Tatars, 2670 Armenians 2530 Estonians and 136 representatives of other nations. In spite of the multicultural influence, Latvians have managed to
preserve their national identity, culture and language.
Language
Latvian is the official state language. However Russian, English and German are widely spoken. Latvian belongs to the Baltic language group, part of the Indo-European language family. The language has three main dialects with the Latgallian dialect, spoken in the eastern part of Latvia, especially distinctive.
Climate
(Spring) The beginning of spring is considered the period when the day’s average temperature rises and remains above 0oC. When the snow is starting to melt, when the rivers are breaking free after long months of confinement under the thick layer of ice, the nature is awaking. In the southern part of Latvia the arrival of spring is observed around March 20. Gradually it advances upwards. Arrival of the spring in the northeastern part of Latvia takes place later than in other parts of Latvia. During this season the amount of precipitations is smaller than during any other season. Anticyclone prevails. In May there is the smallest amount of precipitation and moreover, it is the sunniest month of the year. The gradual rise of temperatures can be suddenly changed by the sudden drops in temperatures, precipitation, often in the form of snow, which is the result of cold arctic air streams.
(Summer) Summer is the warmest season of the year, when nature's processes are more active. Summer begins in the mid of June, when the apple-trees and lilac bushes have finished blossoming, and the day’s average temperature remains above 15oC. On June 21 the sun is at its highest above the horizon and it is the longest day of the year. The temperatures are gradually starting to rise, and they reach their peak in July, and on the coast even in August. Changes in weather conditions are determined by cyclones and anticyclones. While anticyclone remains, southerly and southeastern winds bring warm and dry temperatures. The weather continues to be fair and warm. In this period the daytime air temperatures reach their peak when they occasionally exceed 30oC. For the second half of the summer cyclones bring humid air masses from the Atlantic Ocean and the Baltic Sea. Normally they form in July and August.
(Autumn) First frost means that the autumn has arrived. It is first noticed in the beginning of September in the northeastern part of Latvia. Then it will gradually spread all through the territory of Latvia, reaching the coastal area only by the end of September. In the same way a little bit later the day’s average temperature will drop -10oC below zero - the period of active vegetation is over. In the second half of November autumn gradually turns into winter. The weather conditions in autumn are determined by the influence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Baltic sea. The character of autumn is defined by cyclones and anticyclones. In the autumn months the cyclone activity is observed. From the Atlantic Ocean cyclones bring cloudy weather, often precipitations. The rainy period is changed by the sleety weather - rain and snow. In autumn there can be a period of clear and sunny weather, which is called “The Indian Summer”. Normally it is determined by anticyclone, when from the south and from the southeast in the end of September or in the beginning of October warm continental air streams flow. Day temperatures can reach as high as 20oC. You can see the flocks of geese, cranes and other birds in the sky. Birds begin to migrate to warmer climates to avoid cold.
(Winter) Winter begins when the day’s average temperature drops and remains below 0oC. Lakes and reservoirs are getting frozen, the topsoil is getting frozen too and the ground is covered by the layer of snow. Normally it snows for the first time in the mid of November in the northeastern part of Latvia. The weather in winter, like in autumn, is determined by the frequent cyclones. Their influence causes temperature differences between the western and the eastern Latvia. In winter daytime air temperatures normally range between +5oC and -10oC. In the littoral area, as well as in the eastern Latvia, temperatures are dropping even lower. If the cyclones bring warm maritime winds, the thaw begins. More often thaws are observed in the littoral area and in general everywhere in Kurzeme. In warm winters thaws can be observed everywhere in the country. Moving across the cyclones, big temperature differences occur between the topsoil and the air from the upper layers, and as a result of that the mist develops. The increased humidity in the air causes the formation of hoarfrost. Cold weather sets in with the arrival of anticyclone. The eastern and northeastern winds prevail, thus, bringing in Latvia arctic continental air. In clear winter nights temperatures can drop as low as -25oC and even lower.
Cultural heritage
Latvia’s diverse cultural heritage comprises not only archeological evidences and sacral edifices constructed at different historical periods, military and historic monuments, but also numerous masterpieces created by painters, musicians, writers and scientists.A major part of the cultural heritage is composed of different types of cultural monuments, cultural and historic landscapes and specific territories (ancient burial places, churchyards, parks, places of historical importance), as well as separate graveyards, building complexes, separate buildings and construction sites, works of art, equipment and tools of historical, scientific, artistic or other cultural value, the preserve of which is the interest of the Republic of Latvia, as well as of international organizations. Against the background of the European cultural heritage Latvia stands out with its farmsteads, esthetically attractive countryside and historical coastal landscapes, plethora of trees in the cities and in the countryside, as well as it abounds in Romanticism, Jugend style and prewar Modernism style buildings. Furthermore, in comparison to the economically developed European countries, the initial substance role of architectural objects in Latvia is greater. Origins of the peculiar Latvian architectural character can be traced in the diverse ancient culture and heritage. The biggest Latvian towns are cultural and trade centres. Latvian cultural heritage comprises 3364 architectural monuments, 2495 archeological monuments, 2414 art monuments, 44 territorial and town monuments, as well as 111 historic monuments. They constitute Latvian architectural, archeological (including underwater), monumental, sacral and applied arts, scientific and technical heritage. The list of cultural monuments of state importance comprises: 1248 architectural monuments, 1481 archeological monuments, 2243 art monument, 39 territorial and town monuments and 109 historical monuments. It also lists 474 castle mounds, 1233 ancient burial places, 76 medieval castles or castle ruins, 136 manor houses, 134 Lutheran churches, 48 Catholic churches, 33 Orthodox churches and places of residence of 29 public figures. World Culture and Nature Heritage list comprises the Historic Centre of Riga and its buffer zone. The biggest part of the cultural heritage monuments is composed of the tourist sights, which contribute to our own understanding of our native land and its history better, as well as give an idea of Latvia to the foreign tourists.
Nature
Latvia is situated in Europe's mixed forest zone. Its geographical position and the presence of the Baltic Sea determines its natural diversity. Here one can find oceanic as well as continental species and many rare and protected plants. The main type of vegetation is forest alongside marshlands as well as many biologically valuable meadows. There is still a large population of predators including around 400 wolves (more than in the whole of Northwestern Europe) and lynx. The most common mammals are hares, red squirrels, moose, elk, wild boar, red deer and foxes. Additionally, Latvia has the biggest beaver population in Europe. The bird population is also rich and diverse, since the Baltic Sea coast provides ideal places for nesting and feeding. Several coastal areas are established waypoints for migrating birds along their routes from Asia to Western Europe, Africa and Middle East. Around 223 different bird species are nesting in the territory of Latvia, including such rare birds as sea eagles, black and white storks and others. Birdwatching towers and ornithological stations are common throughout the country. Most of the Latvia's fish are fresh water varieties but Atlantic salmon still come to breed in Latvian waters.
The Republic of Latvia is founded on November 18, 1918
Location: Latvia is situated in Northern Europe, on the coast of the Baltic Sea.
The Territory of Latvia: 64,589 square kilometers (24,938 square miles).
National anthem: 'Dievs, sveti Latviju!' (God Bless Latvia)
International code: LV
Constitution: democratic parliamentary republic
The parliament, called the Saeima consists of 100 elected MPs.
President: Valdis Zatlers (since 8 July, 2007)
Official language: Latvian
Total population: 2 274 700 (uz 07.2007)
Capital city: Riga (with 723931 inhabitants)
Administrative organisation: 7 cities, 65 towns, 26 regions, 11 districts, 467 parishes
Traditionally divided into 4 regions: Vidzeme, Latgale, Kurzeme and Zemgale
Largest cities apart from Riga: Daugavpils, Jelgava, Jurmala, Liepaja, Rezekne, Ventspils
Major ports: Ventspils, Riga, Liepaja
Ethnic composition: Latvians -59.0% (1348344) , Russians - 28.3% (646567), Belorussians - 3.7% (85434), Ukrainians - 2.5% (57794),
Poles- 2.4% (54831), Lithuanians - 1.4% (31034), Others - 2.1% ( uz 01.04.2007)
Religion: Non-religious - 35%, Lutheran - 24%, Catholic - 18%, Orthodox - 15%, Others - 8%
Currency: Lats (LVL), 1 lats = 100 santimi
Time: GMT +2, from April to November GMT +3
Internet domain: .lv
International telephone code: +371
Electricity supply: 220 volts, 50 Hz European-style 2-pin plugs
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