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.
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Latvia Travel - Facts and Resources
Official Name: Republic of Latvia
Area: 64,589 sq km (24,938 sq miles)
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
Anthem: follow link to listen to the Latvia national anthem
Country Dialing Code: 371
Electricity: 220V, 50Hz, European socket (2-pins)
Information Resources for Latvia Travel:
For current Latvia information and statistics visit
CIA-World
Factbook.
For a thorough encyclopedia article, visit MSN
Encarta's info on Latvia.
For a complete journal of essays ranging from Latvia History and Politics
to the Latvia Economy and Judicial System, visit the Library of Congress’s Country
Study: Latvia.
