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LATVIA
The Republic of Latvia (Latvian: Latvijas
Republika), or Latvia (Latvian: Latvija), is a republic in Northeastern
Europe. Bordering the Baltic Sea, Latvia is known as one of the Baltic
States, together with Estonia and Lithuania, which border the nation in the
north and south, respectively. In the east, it shares borders with Russia
and Belarus.
On 20 September 2003, in a nationwide referendum, the Latvians voted to join
the European Union and Latvia's EU membership took effect on 1 May 2004.
Latvia became the member state of NATO on March 29, 2004.
History
Known for the most part as Livonia, the area that now constitues Latvia was
under the influence of the German Sword Brethren from the 13th century
onward. However, in the 18th and 19th century, Russia gained control over
Latvia and neighbouring regions. With Russia devastated by revolution and
World War I, Latvia declared its independence in November 18, 1918. From
1934 was an authoritarian state. This period of independence lasted only
briefly, as the Soviet Union annexed the country on 17 June 1940 in
accordance with the Soviet-Nazi agreement (Ribbentrop-Molotov pact) of 1939.
Except for a brief period of German occupation during World War II, Latvia
remained Soviet territory until reforms in Soviet communism such as glasnost
stimulated the Latvian independence movement, and Latvia regained its
independence on 21 August 1991. It has since followed a course to reinforce
its links with the West, and became a member of both NATO and the European
Union in 2004.
Politics
The 100-seat unicameral Latvian parliament, the Saeima, is elected by direct,
popular vote every four years. The presidential elections are held
separately, also every four years. The president is elected by Saeima. The
president appoints a prime minister who, together with his cabinet, forms
the executive branch of the government.
Counties
Latvia is divided into 26 counties called rajons. 7 cities have a separate
status.
Aizkraukles county
Aluksnes county
Balvu county
Bauskas county
Cesu county
Daugavpils
Daugavpils county
Dobeles county
Gulbenes county
Jekabpils county
Jelgava
Jelgava county
Jurmala
Kraslavas county
Kuldigas county
Liepaja
Liepaja county
Limbazu county
Ludzas county
Madonas county
Ogres county
Preilu county
Rezekne
Rezekne county
Riga
Riga county
Saldus county
Talsu county
Tukuma county
Valkas county
Valmieras county
Ventspils
Ventspils county
Geography
Large parts of Latvia are covered by forests, and the country has over
12,000 small rivers and over 3,000 lakes. Most of the country consists of
fertile, low-lying plains with some hills in the east, the highest point
being the Gaizinkalns at 312 m.
An inlet of the Baltic Sea, the shallow Gulf of Riga is situated in the
northwest of the country. The capital city Riga is located on the shores of
this inlet, where the Daugava river flows into it. Other major cities
include Daugavpils further upriver and Liepaja along the Baltic coast.
The Latvian climate is maritime and temperate in nature, with cool summers
and wet, moderate winters.
Economy
Latvia's transitional economy recovered from the 1998 Russian financial
crisis, largely due to the previous government's budget stringency and a
gradual reorientation of exports toward EU countries, lessening Latvia's
trade dependency on Russia. The majority of companies, banks, and real
estate have been privatised. Latvia officially joined the World Trade
Organisation in February 1999 and the European Union in May 2004. The high
current account deficit remains a major concern.
Demographics
Less than 60% of the population of Latvia are ethnic Latvians. About 30% is
Russian, whose wellbeing is a continuing concern for Russia. In the larger
cities, such as Riga and Daugavpils, Russians outnumber Latvians. Sizeable
minorities from other countries such as Belarus, Ukraine and Poland also
live in Latvia.
Latvian, a member of the Baltic languages, is the country's only official
language, but Russian is also widely spoken. The population is largely
Christian, divided between the Lutheran, Catholic and Russian Orthodox
Churches. Another religion is Dievturi (The Godkeepers), which has
historical roots based on preChristian era mythology.
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