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Country Fact File : Latvia
Volunteer Work in Latvia
After a brief period of independence between the two World Wars, Latvia was annexed by the USSR in 1940. It re-established its independence in 1991 following the break-up of the Soviet Union. Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status of the Russian minority (some 30% of the population) remains of concern to Moscow. Latvia joined both NATO and the EU May 1st 2004.
| Location | Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and Lithuania |
| Area | total: 64,589 sq km |
| Climate | From early November until the April thaw, temperatures struggle to rise above 0°C (32°F) during the day and drops well below zero at night. June to August daytime highs are normally around 20°C to 22°C (68-72°F) and are particularly pleasant. July and August are the warmest months, though prone to moderate but persistent showers. Weather Forecast: visit www.meteo.lv |
| Terrain | Low plain; most of the country is composed of fertile, low-lying plains, with some hills in the east and many forests (44% cover). |
| Extreme Elevations | Lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m Highest point: Gaizinkalns 312 m |
| Environmental Issues | Latvia's environment has benefited from a shift to service industries after the country regained independence; the main environmental priorities are improvement of drinking water quality and sewage system, household and hazardous waste management, and reduction of air pollution; in 2001, Latvia closed the EU accession negotiation chapter on environment committing to full enforcement of EU environmental directives by 2010 |
| Population | 2,307,000 (July 2005 est.) |
| Ethnic Groups | Latvian 60.5%, Russian 28.5%, Belarusian 4.5%, Ukrainian 2.7%, Polish 2.1%, Lithuanian 1.4%, other 2%. Since the USSR's massive russification campaigns have left Latvians almost a minority in their own country, the authorities have granted citizenship to pre-war citizens and their descendants and to residents born in Latvia after independence. Non-citizens must pass language and history exams to become citizens. |
| Religions | Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Russian Orthodox |
| Languages | Latvian (official), Lithuanian, Russian, other |
| Type of Government | Parliamentary democracy |
| Capital | Riga |
| Independence Day | 21 August 1991 (from Soviet Union) |
| National Holidays: | New Year’s Eve and Day, Easter, Labour Day 1st May, Ligo – Midsummer Festival – 23rd June, Jani/Janu Diena – St John’s Day – 24th June, National Day 18th November, Christmas. |
| Currency | Latvian lat (LVL) |
| Time | GMT/UTC +2 |
Useful Numbers & Web Addresses
International dialing code: +371
Australian Embassy: C/ - SIA Gates, Arhitektu iela 1–304. Riga LV-1050. Tel: +37 (1) 722 4251 Email: australianconsulate@inbox.lv
British Embassy: 5 J. Alunana Street, Riga LV-1010. Tel: +371 777 4700 Fax: +371 777470 Web: www.britain.lv
US Embassy: U.S. Embassy Riga, Raina Blvd. 7, Riga LV-1510. Telephone: +371 7036-200 Fax: +371 7820-047 Web: http://www.usembassy.lv/
Latvia in Your pocket
http://www.inyourpocket.com/latvia/en/
Latvian Tourism Development Agency
www.latviatourism.lv
Did you know?
Latvia has 12,310 rivers and 3,000 lakes
Because of the charming, romantic scenery in some parts of Latvia, the country is called, "the Baltic Riviera." Another section of the country is known as "the Livonian Switzerland."
Latvia has the dubious honour of holding the record for the world’s drunkest person. Užavas, Bauskas and Tervetes are among the nation’s best beers and the infamous Riga Black Balsam is a potent liquor (45% proof) originally produced in 1752.
Latvia was the birthplace of the world’s first miniature camera, the VEF Minox.
It won the 2003 Eurovision song contest
Is renown for its amber, fossilised resin, washed ashore on its coast.
When visiting a home take only an odd number of flowers, even numbers are considered bad luck
Midsummers’ Day starting on 23rd June is widely celebrated. It is thought that if you fall asleep before the sun has sunk and risen again you’ll have a year riddled with bad luck
Dome Cathedral in Riga is the largest church in the Baltics and boasts the fourth largest organ (1880) in the world. UNESCO credited Riga’s Art Nouveau architecture the finest in Europe.
01727 250250
Duration and Costs
| Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| 4 Weeks | £1080 |
| 5 Weeks | £1180 |
| 6 Weeks | £1280 |
| 7 Weeks | £1380 |
| 8 Weeks | £1480 |
| 9 Weeks | £1580 |
| 10 Weeks | £1680 |
| Group Size |
|---|
| One for the village, four for the farm. |
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