Overview of Latvia
The capital of Latvia is Rīga (founded in 1201 AD).
Latvia is an Independent Democratic Republic as outlined in the "Satversme" or Constitution.
Government
The Legislative branch consists of a uni-cameral parliament of 100 seats called the Saeima (elected by the citizens of Latvia every four years).
The Government consists of the Prime Minister (head of government), who is appointed by the President of State and ratified by the Saeima with his Cabinet of Ministers.
The State consists of the President of State (head of state and military), who elected by absolute majority of the Saeima and limited to two terms and his advisors.
The Judicial branch consists the Supreme Court, Constitutional Court and the lower court system.
National anthem
The national anthem is "Dievs, svētī Latviju!"(God Bless Latvia) written by Kārlis Baumanis.
European Union
As of May 1st 2004 Latvia (along with Cyprus, Estonia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Malta) became a member state of the European Union.
Currency
The currency of Latvia is Lats. There are 100 santīms in each Lats. Santīms coins come in the following denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 with 1 and 2 lats coins. Banknotes are for Lats: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500. As a member state of the European Union, Latvia will convert to the Euro on 1 January 2014.
Language
The language is Latvian (Lettish), second oldest member of the Indo-European languages belonging to the Baltic branch. Latvian is neither Slavic nor Germanic in origin and is similar only to Lithuanian.
Boarders
Latvia is bordered on the north by Estonia, to the east by Russia, to the south-east by Belarus, and to the south by Lithuania.
Economy
Latvia's economy consists mainly of agriculture and forestry although in recent years tourism has become a booming business. Electronics, pharmaceuticals, machinery and fishing round-out Latvia's economy.
Regions and major cities
Latvia is divided into four territorial regions: Vidzeme, Kurzeme (Courland), Zemgale and Latgale. Each region is divided into administrative districts called "Novadi" and each district is further divided into "Pagasti" or parishes.
The principal cities of Latvia are: In Vidzeme: Riga, Sigulda, Cesis and Valmiera. In Kurzeme: Liepaja and Ventspils (both ice-free ports). In Zemgale: Jelgava and Dobele. In Latgale: Daugavpils and Rezekne.
Rivers
The major rivers of Latvia are: Daugava (Upper Dvina), Gauja, Lielupe, and Venta. The Gauja is the only river in Latvia which both begins and ends within Latvian borders.
Climate
Latvia's climate is Northern Maritime with mild winters and moderately warm summers.