Letonia - España - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Location: Latvia, officially known as the Republic of Latvia, is a country located in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It shares borders with Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, Russia to the east, and Belarus to the southeast. Its capital and largest city is Riga.
- 2. Language: The official language of Latvia is Latvian, which is a Baltic language closely related to Lithuanian. Russian is also widely spoken, especially in urban areas and among the Russian minority population.
- 3. Currency: The official currency of Latvia is the Euro (EUR), which replaced the Latvian Lats in 2014 when Latvia adopted the Euro as its official currency.
- 4. History: Latvia declared independence from the Russian Empire in 1918, and after a brief period of independence, it was occupied by the Soviet Union during World War II. Latvia regained its independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
- 5. Culture: Latvia has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from its Baltic, German, Scandinavian, and Russian neighbors. Traditional Latvian music, dance, and folklore are important parts of the country's cultural identity.
- 6. Cuisine: Latvian cuisine is characterized by its use of locally sourced ingredients such as potatoes, pork, and fish. Traditional dishes include potato pancakes (kartupeļu pankūkas), grey peas with bacon (pelēkie zirņi ar speķi), and rye bread (rupjmaize).
- 7. Nature: Latvia is known for its lush forests, pristine lakes, and sandy beaches along the Baltic Sea coast. The country has several national parks and nature reserves, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and birdwatching.
- 8. Economy: Latvia has a mixed economy with a strong focus on manufacturing, agriculture, and services. The country has a high-income economy and is a member of the European Union and the Eurozone.
- 9. Tourism: Riga, the capital city of Latvia, is a popular tourist destination known for its well-preserved medieval Old Town, Art Nouveau architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Other popular tourist attractions in Latvia include the beach resort town of Jūrmala and the historic town of Sigulda.
- 10. Festivals: Latvia hosts a variety of cultural festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and dance to food and folklore. Some of the most popular festivals in Latvia include the Latvian Song and Dance Festival, the Riga Opera Festival, and the Riga City Festival.