About Latvia:
Latvia (officially the Republic of Latvia) is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe, one of the three Baltic states alongside Estonia (to the north) and Lithuania (to the south). It borders Russia to the east, Belarus to the southeast, and has a coastline along the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga to the west. Latvia declared independence in 1918 after World War I but was occupied by the Soviet Union in 1940, then Nazi Germany, and then re-occupied by the USSR until August 21, 1991, when it declared independence from the U.S.S.R. following a turbulent transition period that began with a parliamentary declaration on May 4, 1990.
Latvia is mostly flat or gently rolling, with fertile plains, forests (covering about 40–50% of the land), rivers, and over 3,000 lakes. The highest point is only around 1,023 feet (312 meters). It has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cold, damp winters, resembling New England.
In area, it roughly the size of the U.S. state of West Virginia.
The population as of 2025 estimates was about !.83 million, although that is declining due to low birth rates and emigration. Ethnic Latvians make up roughly 65%, with significant Russian (about 24%), Belarusian, Ukrainian, Polish, and other minorities.
The official language is Latvian, although Russian is widely spoken as a native tongue by many. Latvia is a parliamentary republic and a member of the European Union as well as NATO.
Latvia has a small, open, high-income economy with strengths in services, manufacturing, IT, finance, wood products, and transit ports (e.g., Riga, Ventspils, Liepāja). It uses the euro and has seen strong growth periods but also challenges like the 2008 financial crisis. GDP (PPP) per capita is relatively high for the region.
Latvians value their folk traditions, songs (dainas), and festivals. The country has a vibrant cultural scene with strong choral music traditions. Cuisine features rye bread, potatoes, fish, dairy, and wild berries/mushrooms. Jāņi (Midsummer) is a major celebration with bonfires and traditions.
Latvia is known for its forests, beaches, historic architecture, and digital innovation (e.g., strong e-governance and tech scene). It maintains close ties with other Baltic and Nordic countries while navigating regional security concerns related to its eastern border.
The predominant religion is Lutheran, with a sizable Roman Catholic minority in the Southeast part of the country.
Catholic places of interest in Latvia:
Aglona: The Basilica of the Assumption
Riga: Capitol city, Saint Mary Magdeline Catholic Church