Entered EU : 2004
Political system: Republic
Capital city: Riga
Size: 65 000 km²
Population: 2.3 million
Currency:Euro
Official EU language : Latvian
Latvia regained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Situated on the Baltic coast it is a low-lying country with large forests that supply timber for construction and paper industries.
The country attracts tourists from all over Europe for it’s wildlife
60% of the ethnicity is Latvian and 30% Russain
Ethnically, the population is 59% Latvian and 29% Russian;
Riga is the largest city with a population of 730 000.
Its Freedom Statue at 43 metres is one of the highest monuments in Europe.
Cities
Riga 730,000
Liepāja 301,621
Daugavpils 343,646
Parliament members is 100 member strong and elected every four years, it’s president is also elected every four years
Roads
It is mandatory to keep headlights on while driving, even in daylight; most cars commercially sold in Latvia are equipped to make this automatic.
Drive on right
total: 73,202 km
paved: 28,256 km
unpaved: 44,946 km (2000)
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Frommer's San Francisco California 2010 Travel Guide with Foldout Map
Frommer's Fiji (2010)
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Railways
Russian gauge: 2,314 km 1,520 mm (4 ft 11+5⁄6 in) gauge (270 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 33 km 750 mm (2 ft 5+1⁄2 in) gauge (2002)
Rail links with adjacent countries
Russia – yes
Lithuania – yes
Belarus – yes
Estonia – yes
Major airports
Riga International Airport
Liepaja International Airport
Ventspils International Airport
