Ten fun facts about Latvia

1. A Small Country with Beautiful Landscapes

Latvia is a small country located in Northern Europe, and is one of the three Baltic States, along with Estonia and Lithuania. It is bordered by the Baltic Sea to the west, Russia to the east, Belarus to the south-east, and Lithuania and Estonia to the north. The country is home to the Letts or Lettish people, and is thus often referred to as Lettland. Latvia has a population of 1.9 million people, and its capital city is Riga. The country is known for its beautiful landscapes, with forests, rivers, and lakes, as well as its vibrant culture and rich history.

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2. Riga, The Most Stunning Art Nouveau Architecture in Europe

Riga, the capital of Latvia, is the largest city in the Baltic States and is renowned for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture. This unique style of architecture is found throughout the city, with many of the buildings dating back to the early 20th century. Riga is home to some of the most impressive examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Europe, with many of the buildings featuring intricate designs and ornate decorations. From the iconic House of the Blackheads to the majestic Freedom Monument, Riga is a must-see destination for anyone interested in exploring the beauty of Art Nouveau architecture.

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3. Latvia's longest river, the Daugava, is a beautiful place to visit

Latvia is home to the longest river in the country, the Daugava, also known as the West Dvina River. Spanning over 1,020 km, the river flows through Latvia, Belarus, and Russia before emptying into the Gulf of Riga. Latvia's largest lake, Lake Lubana, is located in the eastern part of the country and covers an area of approximately 11.2 km2. It is a popular destination for fishing, swimming, and boating.

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4. A Parliamentary Democracy with a Divisible Currency

Latvia is a parliamentary democracy located in Northern Europe, and its currency is the lat (LVL). One lat is divided into 100 santims, making it a highly divisible currency. The lat is the official currency of Latvia, and is used in all transactions within the country.

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5. Northern European Gem w/ 2 Langs

Latvia is a country located in Northern Europe, and its official languages are Latvian and Russian. Latvian is the primary language spoken by the majority of the population, while Russian is the second most common language. This is due to the fact that Latvia was part of the Soviet Union for a period of time, and many of the people living in Latvia today are of Russian descent. As a result, Russian is widely spoken throughout the country.

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6. Protestantism in North, Catholicism in South

In Latvia, the majority of the population follows the Protestant religion, however, the southeastern region of Latgalia is an exception to this, with the majority of its inhabitants being Roman Catholics. This is due to the region's historical ties to Poland, which is predominantly Catholic.

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7. Latvia's Four Seasons Are Beautiful

Latvia is a country that experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year. Summers are hot and humid, while autumn brings strong winds and heavy rains. Winter is cold and snowy, while spring is sunny and mild. No matter the season, Latvia is a beautiful country to explore and enjoy.

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8. A Country Rich in Natural Resources

Latvia is a country rich in natural resources, boasting limestone, peat, dolomite and hydropower, as well as amber, wood and arable land. Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed of calcium carbonate, and is used in the production of cement, mortar and concrete. Peat is a type of soil composed of partially decomposed organic matter, and is used as a fuel source. Dolomite is a type of sedimentary rock composed of calcium magnesium carbonate, and is used in the production of glass and ceramics. Hydropower is a renewable energy source generated by the force of moving water, and is used to generate electricity. Amber is a fossilized tree resin, and is used in jewelry and other decorative items. Wood is a renewable resource used in the production of furniture, paper and other items. Finally, arable land is land suitable for growing crops, and is essential for food production.

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9. Latvia #2 in Global EPI Ranking

Latvia has been ranked 2nd in the world in the global Environmental Performance Index, according to a worldwide survey. This impressive ranking is a testament to Latvia's commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. The country has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, such as investing in renewable energy sources, promoting energy efficiency, and introducing green transport solutions. Latvia has also taken steps to protect its biodiversity, such as creating protected areas and implementing sustainable forestry practices. These efforts have paid off, as Latvia has achieved a high level of environmental performance and is now one of the world's top performers in this area.

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10. Exporting Thrives, Importing Heavily

Latvia is a country with a thriving export industry, with timber, wood products, fish and fish products, metals, foodstuffs, machinery and equipment all being major exports. On the other hand, Latvia also relies heavily on imports, with chemicals, vehicles, fuels, energy and machinery and equipment all being imported in large quantities. This combination of exports and imports has helped to make Latvia an important player in the global economy.

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