Latvia Travel

 

Latvia travel is simply the quintessential European vacation. Its an opportunity to step back in time and experience a Europe from the past. Time has seemed to stand still in this small Baltic nation of 2.3 million people. Small medieval towns and country castles blend into a landscape of photogenic grass meadows, forest and miles of unspoiled coastline.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Latvia Travel - Facts and Resources

 

 

Official Name: Republic of Latvia

 

Area: 64,589 km² (24,938 miles²)

 

Latvia Topography:

 

Fertile, undulating plains cover 75% of Latvia. The land gently rises in elevation from west to east with the highest point in the eastern highlands reaching more than 200 m (660 ft). 42% of Latvia is covered by forest.

 

 

Latvia Time Zone:

 

Latvia has only one time zone, GMT + 2 hours

 

Latvia Weather:

 

Latvia has mild winters and cool summers. Average January temperatures range from –2.8°C (26°F) to 6.6°C (43°F). Average July temperatures ranges from 16.7°C (62°F) to 17.6°C (63°F), with the eastern part of the country experiencing slightly colder winters and warmer summers.

 

Latvia Population:

 

2,290,237 people (July 2005 est.)
Population growth rate: -0.69% (2005 est.)
Life Expectancy at birth: (2005 est.)
1. Female: 76.60 years
2. Male: 65.78 years
3. Total Population: 71.05 years
Sex ratio in Latvia: 0.86 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

 

Latvia Ethnic Groups:

 

Among the total population of Latvia, 57.7% are Latvian, 29.6% Russian, 4.1% Belarussian, 2.7% Ukrainian, 2.5% Polish, 1.4% Lithuanian, 2% other.

 

 

Latvia Religions:

 

Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox

 

Latvia Languages:

 

Latvian 58.2% (official language - an Indo-European language related to Lithuanian), Russian 37.5%, Lithuanian and other 4.3%.

 

Government type: Parliamentary Democracy

 

Capital: Riga

 

Latvia National Anthem

 

 

Country Dialing Code: 371

 

Electricity: 220V, 50Hz, European socket (2-pins)

 

Additional Information for Latvia Travel:

• CIA-World Factbook: current Latvia information & statistics
• Wikipedia: Detailed information about the Republic of Latvia
• MSN Encarta: Thorough encyclopedia article on Latvia
• Library of Congress Country Study: Complete journal of essays ranging from Latvia History and Politics to the Latvian Economy and Judicial System