Latvia – A Quick & Quirky Guide
Official name: Republic of Latvia (Latvijas Republika)
Area: ~64,600 km² – flat forests, lakes, and a long Baltic coastline
Population: ~1.8 million (2024)
Location: Northern Europe, bordered by Estonia, Russia, Belarus, Lithuania, and the Baltic Sea
Form of government: Parliamentary republic
Head of State: President Edgars Rinkēvičs
Head of Government: Prime Minister Evika Siliņa
Capital city: Riga – ~630,000 (metro ~1.1 million)
Time zone: Eastern European Time (UTC+2 / +3 in summer)
Official language: Latvian
Currency: Euro (€)
EU member: Yes, since 2004
Schengen area: Yes, since 2007
Top 10 Largest Cities (population approx.)
- Riga – ~630,000
- Daugavpils – ~82,000
- Liepāja – ~69,000
- Jelgava – ~55,000
- Jūrmala – ~50,000
- Ventspils – ~35,000
- Rēzekne – ~30,000
- Valmiera – ~26,000
- Jēkabpils – ~23,000
- Ogre – ~24,000
Popular Tourist Cities & Regions
- Riga: Stunning Art Nouveau architecture, Old Town charm, and vibrant nightlife.
- Jūrmala: Sandy beaches, spas, and seaside walks.
- Liepāja: Port city with music festivals and industrial vibes.
- Gauja National Park: Castles, hiking trails, and rivers — fairy-tale landscapes.
- Cēsis: Medieval town with cobblestones and history at every turn.
- Sigulda: Adventure capital — bobsleigh, ziplining, and castles.
Climate
Temperate continental: mild summers (18–25 °C), cold winters (–5 to 0 °C), and plenty of rain and snow. Bring layers and maybe a sense of humor about the weather.
Culture & Daily Life
- History: Influenced by Germans, Swedes, Poles, and Russians — a melting pot with character.
- Folk traditions: Songs, dances, and midsummer festivals.
- Saunas & spas: Popular for relaxing after long winters.
- Friendly & reserved: Locals are warm once you break the ice (or snow).
Food & Drink
- Traditional dishes: Grey peas with speck, potato pancakes, rye bread.
- Seafood: Fresh from the Baltic: herring, pike, and smoked fish.
- Beverages: Riga Black Balsam (herbal liqueur), local beers, and kvass.
- Desserts: Honey cakes, sweet pastries, and berries in abundance.
Summary
Latvia is a blend of medieval towns, sandy beaches, and dense forests. Riga dazzles with architecture, the countryside offers fairy-tale castles, and the Baltic coast invites long walks. Cold winters, warm locals, and hearty food make Latvia a hidden gem of Northern Europe.