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Latvia
General InformationThe Republic of Latvia is located in northeastern Europe, on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. The country covers an area of about 64,600 sq. km, of which 2,550 sq. km is inland water. It is bounded by Estonia and the Gulf of Riga to the north; by Russia to the east; by Belarus and Lithuania to the south; and by the Baltic Sea to the west. The capital and largest city is Riga. The official state language is Latvian. The unit of currency is the lat. | |
Historical BackgroundThe ancestors of today's Latvians first appeared in what is now Latvia around 2000 BC. Since the 13th century, Latvia was successively dominated by Germany, Poland, Russia, and Sweden. Using political destabilisation brought by the Russia's 1917 Revolution and the Civil War, in November 1918 Latvia proclaimed its independence. Latvia's first Constitution was promulgated in 1922. In 1940, Latvia was annexed to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Latvia declared its full independence in 1991. In 1993, after the first parliamentary elections as an independent republic, the Constitution of 1922 was fully restored. | |
GovernmentThe head of state is a president elected by secret ballot at parliament for a maximum of two four-year terms. With the approval of parliament, the president selects a prime minister and a Cabinet of Ministers. The legislature is a unicameral Saeima composed of 100 members elected by popular vote for a four-year term. The judicial system consists of the Supreme Court, the Constitutional Court, regional and district courts, and administrative courts. The Supreme Court is the highest court of appeal. Latvia is administratively divided into 33 districts (26 counties and 7 municipalities). | |
Population
In 2006, the population of Latvia was estimated at 2,3 mln. An average population density is 37 persons per sq. km. Some 69 percent of the population reside in urban areas. Ethnic Latvians constitute about 58 percent of the population. The remainder is represented by Russians (29 percent), Belarusians (4 percent), Ukrainians (2,6 percent), Poles (2,5 percent), Lithuanians (1,4 percent), Jews and Roma (0,4 percent each). Lutheranism is the traditional religion of most Latvians, with the exception of those in eastern Latvia, who are predominantly Roman Catholic. Other forms of Christianity – most notably Eastern Orthodoxy – are practised by ethnic minorities to various degrees. A small group of the population adheres to the Jewish faith.
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EconomyThe broad service sector, which includes trade and financial activities, accounts for the biggest share of Latvia's economy. Agriculture together with fishing and forestry employs 15 percent of the workforce. Principal agricultural activity is dairy farming and pig breeding. Leading crops include potatoes, barley, sugar beets, wheat, and cabbages. The leading manufacturing branches are food products; textiles and clothing; wood products and transportation equipment. Industry, including manufacturing, construction, mining and power generation, accounts for 26 percent of the workforce. Latvia's principal exports are forestry products, textiles, prepared foodstuff, and machinery and equipment. The EU countries are the main trading partners, accounting for 63 percent of export. The leading purchases of Latvia's exports are Germany (16 percent), Sweden (8 percent), and the United Kingdom (7 percent). Leading imports are mineral products (notably fuels), machinery and equipment, and textiles. Sources for imports are Germany, Sweden, Finland, and Lithuania. | |
Social SystemEducation is compulsory for nine years beginning at the age 6 or 7. Since 1991, Latvia's educational system has been restructured according to an international model put forth by UNESCO. The largest institution of higher education is the University of Latvia (founded in 1919), located in Riga, followed by Riga Technical University (founded in 1862). The state provides pensions and child support. Emergency medical assistance and some selected types of medical assistance are free. Other medical services are chargeable or covered by medical insurance. | |
Membership in International OrganisationsLatvia is a member of the United Nations and a number of its specialised agencies (UN High Commissioner for Refugees, International Labour Organisation, UNESCO, World Health Organisation, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and International Monetary Fund), the Council of Europe, and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. It is a full member of the International Organisation for Migration. Latvia is a member of the World Trade Organisation and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. In April 2004, the country joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. In 1995, Latvia applied to join the European Union (EU) and entered negotiations for full EU membership in February 2000. In May 2004, Latvia and nine other countries joined the EU as full members. Latvia's relations with Lithuania and Estonia are co-ordinated through the Baltic Assembly, a consultative inter-parliamentary body created in 1991. | |
Legislation on Migration and AsylumThe migration and asylum issues are regulated by the following main legal documents:
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Participation in International and Regional InitiativesLatvia participates in the following international and regional initiatives in the field of asylum, migration and border management:
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