Property frontiers

Latvia:
Country Guide

Latvia - general country guide

Sample

Map

^{Source: CIA World Factbook}

Summary Data

summary data
Total Area (km²)	64,589
Land (km²)	63,589
Water (km²)	1,000
Population	2,245,423
Population Density (/km²)	36
Capital	Riga
Religion (%)	Lutheran Roman Catholic Russian Orthodox
Time	GMT +2
Climate	Maritime, with wet, moderate winters.

^{Source: CIA World Factbook}

Geography

Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and Lithuania.

Government

In Latvia, the Prime Minister is the head of government and Latvian politics take place in a framework of parliamentary representative democratic republics. The president, currently Valdis Zatlers, holds a primarily ceremonial role as Head of State. Valdis Zatlers is the seventh president of Latvia winning the election in May 2007 and becoming President on the 8th July 2007. The Prime Minister is Ivars Godmanis

Language

The official state language in Latvia is Latvian, often referred to as Lettish. Latvians' closest relation language is Lithuanian. Latvian and Lithuanian are the only two remaining Baltic languages and although from the same Eastern Language Baltic Sub-Group, differ greatly in vocabulary.

Official statistics show that 58.2% of the population speak Latvian, 37.5% speak Russian and 4% speak Lithuanian.

Electricity

230 Volts, 50Hz.

Passports/Visa

Americans, UK nationals, Canadians, Australians, New Zealand and Irish nationals do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days in any 6 month period. UK nationals that do not hold a British Citizen, British Overseas, British Overseas Territories Citizen or British Subject (with right of abode in the UK) passport will require a visa to enter Latvia. South Africans require a visa unless they already have one for Estonia or Lithuania; in this case it is advisable to obtain a visa for entry to Latvia to avoid complications. All entrants must have a passport valid for at least three months after their intended stay unless a member of the EEA.

Passport/Visa Information

Embassy of Latvia

45 Nottingham Place

London

W1U 5LY

Tel: (020) 7312 0040

Airports and Airlines

Riga International Airport (RIX)

Location: Located 13 km south west of Riga.
Time: GMT +2
Contacts: +371 720 7009 +371 720 7009.
Transfer between terminals: One terminal only.
Transfer to the city: Direct bus services to and from the airport.
Facilities: Two banks, first aid, post office, shops, bars and restaurants inside the terminal. The airport caters well for the disabled and is fitted with ramps and lifts.
Parking: Short and long term parking available.
Website: www.riga-airport.com

Standard of Living

The standard of living in Latvia is low when compared with European standards although achieved a 51% rating in 2007 which surpassed Poland. Latvia still doesn't meet the same standards as Lithuania or Estonia whose standards of livings are 54% and 60% of the average EU level respectively.

Principal commercial centres and towns

It is estimated that 50% of Latvia's population live in or around the capital city Riga, with the rest of the population spread out across the remaining smaller cities, towns and villages.