Last week I wrote about our trip to Riga, Latvia and described our Consular meetings. It is amazing to me how many people commented about the article, but many did not have any idea where Latvia was. I will take this opportunity to familiarize you a little more with Latvia.
Latvia, a gem of the Baltic region, is nestled in Northern Europe. Flanked by Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, Russia to the east, and Belarus to the southeast, it also enjoys a picturesque coastline along the Baltic Sea to the west. Sweden lies across the Baltic Sea. This strategic position has made Latvia a crossroads of various cultures and influences throughout history.
The Latvian people have endured a tumultuous past, marked by occupation and influence from powerful neighbors. The region was first settled by Baltic tribes, Latvia was invaded by the Vikings in the 9th-11th centuries (this the 15% Scandinavian in my 23andMe profile), in the 13th century by Teutonic Knights from Germany (founders of Riga and builders of many of the castles in Latvia), and sequentially came under Polish, Swedish, and Russian rule. Each era left its mark on Latvian culture, architecture, and society. Gaining independence in 1918, Latvia faced Soviet and Nazi occupations during World War II before finally reclaiming its freedom with the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Latvia is known for its rich cultural heritage, pristine natural landscapes, and vibrant cities. Riga, the capital, boasts an impressive collection of Art Nouveau architecture, while the country’s forests, lakes, and beaches offer stunning natural beauty. Latvia’s folk traditions, music, and dance are celebrated globally, with the Song and Dance Festival being a UNESCO-recognized event.
