Latvia is the central country of the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) and is situated on the Baltic Sea coast in the north-east of Europe.

Formerly a part of the USSR, Latvia gained its independence in 1990 and since than has experienced rapid development.

The capital of Latvia is Riga with a population over 850 thousand (mainly Latvians and Russians).

It takes just over two hours to get to Riga on a regular Air Baltic or Ryan Air flight from London or any other major European city. The airport is conveniently situated just 15 minutes drive from the centre of town.

• Latvia is situated in the temperate climate zone with distinct four seasons.
  
• The sky is generally blue all year round.
• The summers are bright and sunny with the temperatures reaching +35°C.
• The water in the Baltic Sea usually warms up to +20°C.
• In June there is over 17 hours of sunlight on the average day.
• The winters are snowy with temperatures ranging from -5° to -10°C.

• Area: 64,589 sq.km or 24,937 sq.miles
• Capital: Riga
• Total population: 2 349 768
• Currency: LVL (1 LVL=100 santims)
• Languages: Latvian and Russian
• Time: GMT + 2
• TV Standard: PAL
• Voltage: 220V, 50Hz
• Weights and measures: The metric system
• Borders with: Estonia, Russia, Belarus, Lithuania
• Length of Latvia’s Baltic coastline: 494 km
• Type of government: democratic, parliamentary republic
• Independence first proclaimed: 18 November, 1918
• Largest religious confessions: Evangelic Lutheran, Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox
• Hours of sunlight: winter 5-6 hours, summer up to 17 hours a day

• Latvia is a member of the EU.
• No visas required for travellers from the EU area or US.

• www.airbaltic.lv
• www.ryanair.com

• Bergs
• Ainavas
• Reval Latvia
• Radisson SAS
• Ridzene

• Riga in Your Pocket