Pass The Passport

Places / Europe

Latvia

Visited

At a glance

Region
Northern Europe
Capital
Riga
Population
1.8 million (2025)
Area
64,559 km²
Languages
Latvian
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Drives on the
right
Calling code
+371
Visited: Latvia

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Before you go

Overview

The Republic of Latvia is a country located in the Baltic region of Northern Europe.

The country recorded a population of 1.92 million in 2019 and covers an area of 64,589 km2.

The capital city is Riga. It is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture. Its old Town architecture date back to 1800s and 1900s and has been listed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Other major cities are Liepaja, Jurmala and Daugavpils.

The capital and largest city, Riga.

History

Latvia was ruled by Russia during the 1800s. They fought for independence from 1917 and succeeded in achieving it in 1920.

The Soviet Union invaded the country in 1940 causing deportations to Siberia and Asia. Nazi Germany then invaded in 1941 killing very many Latvian Jews.

The country’s independence was restored in 1991.

It joined NATO and the European Union in 2004.

Food & culture

The country’s culture is based on their traditions and is demonstrated through songs, dances, craft and crafts.

The main crops are rye, wheat, oat, flax and barley.

The main dishes include rye bread, beetroot soup, speck, smoked fish and kvass.

Wildlife

The wildlife animals include hedgehogs, deer, wolves, wild boars, Eurasian otter, lynx and seals.

Festivals & events

The main celebrated festivals are International Baltic Ballet Festival, Riga Opera Festival, Midsummer Festival and Bauska Country Music Festival.

Things to see

People visit the Venta Rapid on Venta River, the widest waterfall in Europe, its width ranging between 249 and 270 m depending with the season and its height is between 1.80 to 2.20 m.

Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum displays the country’s heritage through music, crafts and food is also another amazing site.

There is also the Gauja National Park, home to a variety of animals and also a good place to relax.

Other places to visit include Juemala, Kuldiga, Cesis and Rundale Palace.

Interesting facts

The country has the tallest women in the world, ranging to around 169.8 cm.

The most popular sport is ice hockey followed by basketball.

The official language is Latvian.

The main religion is Christianity.

City guides

Cities & towns I’ve visited

Run a marathon in Latvia

Riga Marathon

Riga · usually May

Crosses the Daugava river and runs through Riga's Art Nouveau streets.

Dates move from year to year, so check the race website before you book.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Latvia

1 of 3 visited. See every site I've been to.

My photos from Latvia

August 2018 Latvia & Lithuania

Riga, Rundale Palace, Jurmala

Whole trip gallery
  • A man in a blue jacket holding an umbrella in front of a grand yellow baroque palace and fountain.
  • A man in a blue jacket on a rope swing among pine trees on sand.
  • A large decorative key sculpture covered in padlocks in Riga.
  • The ornate gabled facade of the House of the Blackheads in Riga.

Plan your trip to Latvia

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Neighbours

Bucket List goals in Latvia

None on the list yet. Got a suggestion? Email Dan.