Introduction to Latvia

Quick Overview

"Sandwiched" between its neighbors, Estonia and Lithuania, Latvia is a flat region barely exceeding 300 m at its highest point.

Key Facts

• Type of place: country.

• Location: Facing the Baltic Sea, between Lithuania to the south and Estonia to the north.

• Latitude/longitude: 56°57' N, 24°06' E

• Local time: Heure : 10602

• Capital: Riga

• Nature of the state: parliamentary republic.

• Official language: Latvian.

• Currency: euro.

• Population: 1,923,559 inhabitants (2018).

• Area: 64,597 km².

• Density: 30 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point: Gaizinkalns (312 m).

• Lowest point: sea level.

• Coastline: 530 km.

• Driving: on the right.

Tourism

A vibrant capital, Riga, whose center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, castles and palaces of all styles, long pleasant beaches along the Baltic Sea, forests, lakes, and rivers, plus opportunities for outdoor activities in both summer and winter—Latvia is a destination in its own right. It welcomes around 2 million visitors per year (1.964 million in 2018) and, like its other Baltic neighbors, has seen a rise in tourism in recent years.

Travel Essentials

• Destination: for beginner travelers.

• By air: France-Riga.

• Entry requirements: passport or ID card.

• Currency to bring: euros.

• Exchange rate:

• Daily budget for budget travelers:

• Best for accommodation:

• Best for getting around:

• Risks:

• Best time for climate/crowds/prices:

• Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★; Adventure ⊘; Culture ★★; Relaxation/Holidays ★★.

Useful Addresses

Socio-Economic Statistics

• "Quality of life": 41/188 (2018 ranking)

• GDP per capita: $27,700 (2017)

• Average monthly income: ()

• Inflation: +2.9% (2017)

• Official unemployment rate: 8.7% (2017)

• Population below the poverty line: 25.5% (2015)

• Life expectancy: 74.9 years (2018)

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -6.1% (2017)

• Population growth: -1.1% (2018)

• Literacy rate: 99.9% (2015)

• Urban population: 68.1% (2018)

• Press freedom: 24/180 (2018 ranking)

• Political regime: flawed democracy (38/167 in 2018)

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook