Latvia

Destination overview

About this destination

Latvia lies on the Baltic Sea in northeastern Europe. Riga is its capital and developed as an important trading city. Its old town and Art Nouveau buildings preserve a rich architectural heritage.

The country includes forests, river valleys and broad sandy beaches. Latvian is the national language. The Daugava River has an important place in the country's geography and history.

Traditional song and dance celebrations express a strong cultural identity. Smaller towns, wooden houses and rural landscapes provide a contrast with Riga, while the Baltic coastline has long connected Latvia with neighbouring maritime regions.