Latvia: general information, science and culture. History of latvia

Latvia is the central Baltic country (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania). On the world map, Latvia is located in the northeast of Europe, on the east coast of the Baltic Sea. The landscape of the country is low-lying plains and hills. Most of the area is at an altitude of less than 100 meters above sea level. There are thousands of rivers and lakes on the territory of Latvia.
Latvia is a country with ancient history and traditions. There are tourist sites that will interest anyone. If you want to enjoy nature, there is the calm Gulf of Riga, the open Baltic Sea, natural parks, fast rivers, and lakes, on the banks of which extensive forests have been preserved. For a tourist who is fond of history, medieval castles and ancient Latvian culture are of interest. If you want to combine entertainment with gaining new knowledge, you can visit Old Riga, where you will find not only wonderful architectural monuments, but also a wide variety of clubs. There are beautiful churches - both ancient and modern. We offer extensive opportunities for recreation and active recreation. And, of course, when going to Latvia, do not forget to ask about the events that are planned for this time! You can enjoy both traditional Latvian holidays and a wide variety of cultural and recreational activities that continue throughout the year.

Geography
The territory of Latvia is 64589 km2, including land - 62046 km2, inland waters - 2543 km2. The length of the territory from north to south is 210, from west to east - 450 km.
The length of the border is 1862 km, the length of the coastline is 494 km.
The average height of Latvia is 87 m above sea level. Below 100 m above sea level is 57%, from 100 to 200 m - 40.5% and above 200 - 2.5% of the country's territory.
The highest point in Latvia - Gaizinkalns - 311.6 m a.s.l.
The most long river on the territory of the country - Gauja - 452 km.
The largest river flowing through the territory of Latvia: Daugava. The total length of the Daugava is 1005 km, and on the territory of the country - 352 km. There are only about 750 rivers in Latvia that are longer than 10 km.
The largest lake in terms of area is Lubanas - 80 km2.
The deepest lake is Dridzis - 65.1 m. There are only about 3,000 lakes in Latvia, the area of ​​which exceeds 1 ha.
National parks - national park Gauja, Kemeri National Park. Reserves - Moritssala, Slitere, Grini, Krustkalni and Teichi.
Administrative-territorial division: 7 cities of republican significance, 65 cities of district significance, 26 districts, 11 territories, 467 volosts.
Cultural-historical division: 4 regions - Vidzeme, Latgale, Kurzeme and Zemgale.

Population
Latvians have inhabited this land for two thousand years. The Latvian people was formed by the merger of the ancient Baltic tribes of Latgals, Semigallians, villages and Curonians with the Baltic Finnish peoples - Estonians and Livs. At the beginning of the 21st century approx. 1.39 million Latvians 664,092 Russians, 88,998 Belarusians, 59,403 Ukrainians, 56,798 Poles, 31,840 Lithuanians, 9,820 Jews, 8,403 Gypsies, 3,696 Germans, 2,970 Tatars, 2,670 Armenians, 2,530 Estonians and representatives of another 136 nationalities . Despite the multicultural influence, Latvians have managed to preserve their national identity, culture and language.
The official language of the Republic of Latvia is Latvian, but Russian, English and German are also widely spoken. The Latvian language belongs to the group of Baltic languages ​​of the Indo-European language family. It was formed from the languages ​​of the ancient Baltic tribes of Latgalians, Semigallians, Sels and Curonians, under the strong influence of the Liv language, which belongs to the Baltic-Finnish languages. Its only linguistic relative is the Lithuanian language, which is considered one of the oldest and least changed among the modern Indo-European languages. It is estimated that 1.5 million people around the world have Latvian as their mother tongue.

Climate
Latvia has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers, mild winters and often a high degree humidity and precipitation.
. Summer: June - August
. Winter: December - February
. average temperature
. Summer: 15.8°C (in the capital - 16.1°C)
. winter: -4.5°C (in the capital - -3.8°C)
. Warmest month: July
. Coldest month: January
. Average rainfall: summer: 195 mm, winter: 116 mm.

Nature
44 percent of the territory of Latvia is covered with forests, the country has a wide network of free-flowing rivers and thousands of lakes, which makes Latvia a harbor where Live nature preserved better than in other European countries. More than 27 thousand species of flora and fauna live in natural conditions, still almost untouched by man. The mixed forests, marshes and meadows of Latvia are home to many rare animal species, such as the black stork and the lesser spotted eagle. The country is rich in otters, beavers, lynxes and wolves, as well as a large number of deer, elk, foxes and wild boars. Large areas of Latvia have preserved species and biotopes that are rare or even almost extinct in other European countries. Coastal wetlands, wet forests, large and undisturbed marshes, and natural and semi-natural grasslands are considered natural treasures of national and international importance.

National symbols Latvia
Red-white-red flag of Latvia- one of the oldest in the world. Its history dates back to the time of the battle with the Estonian tribes near the Latvian city of Cēsis in the 13th century. According to one of the legends, the basis of the flag was a white canvas, in which the mortally wounded leader of the Latvian tribe was carried out from the battlefield.
The soldiers raised the blood-soaked canvas at both ends like a banner, and it led them to victory. In the 60s of the 19th century, the Latvian student Jekabs Lautenbachs-Jusmins discovered a written evidence of the flag in the Rhymed Chronicle of the 13th century, popular among the knights of the Livonian Order.
Half a century later, in May 1917, the artist Ansis Cīrulis, based on historical information, created the design of the current flag, which was approved as the national flag.

by a decision of Parliament on June 15, 1921.
National emblem of Latvia became a symbol of the state after the independence of the Republic of Latvia was declared in 1918. The coat of arms combines the traditional heraldic symbols of national identity with the symbols of historical territorial regions. The sun is one of the central symbols of Latvian culture, especially in songs, poetry and painting. It symbolizes national statehood. Even before the declaration of independence, the stylized sun was depicted on the uniform of the Latvian riflemen who served in the army. tsarist Russia during the First World War. The 17 rays of the rising sun symbolized the 17 counties of the tsarist empire inhabited by Latvians.
The three stars above the coat of arms symbolize the three historical regions (Vidzeme, Latgale and Kurzeme-Zemgale) that were part of Latvia. These regions, which are of great cultural importance, are also displayed in historical heraldic images of the beginning of the 17th century. Kurzeme and Zemgale, the western and southwestern parts of Latvia, are depicted as a red lion - a symbol that appeared on the coat of arms of the Duchy of Courland as early as 1569. Vidzeme and Latgale, northern and southeastern regions of Latvia are depicted as a silver griffin. The winged mythical creature with the head of an eagle first appeared in 1566, when this part of Latvia came under the rule of the Polish-Lithuanian state. The national coat of arms of Latvia was created by the Latvian artist Rihards Zariņš.

Capital
The political, economic and cultural center of Latvia is Riga, where more than a third of the population of Latvia (717 thousand) lives and works. The capital is located at the confluence of the Daugava into the Gulf of Riga on the shores of the Baltic Sea.
The Baltic tribes have long lived in these lands, when the monk Meinard appeared and built a monastery in the Liv village around 1190. In 1158, German merchants organized a community. In 1201, Bishop Albert of Lower Saxony founded Riga as a city and created the Livonian Order of the Crusaders in it. It was a German religious-military formation whose mission was to spread Christianity in the Baltic region.
The city, which became an archbishopric in 1254 and became a member of the Hanseatic League in 1282, developed as a significant center of trade and crafts. Its strategically advantageous geographical position made the city an intermediary in trade between Russia and Western Europe. Although the city belonged to the German Livonian Order, it maintained a partially independent status under the control of archbishops and German merchants and controlled a large part of Livonia.
In 1522 Riga joined the Reformation and this ended the power of the archbishops in the city. After the Livonian Order of the Crusaders collapsed, Riga became independent for a while, and then in 1582 Poland took it under its control despite the efforts of the Russian Tsar Ivan IV to seize it into his power. Poles' attempts to restore Catholicism led the Protestants to side with King Gustav II of Sweden when he conquered Riga in 1621. The Swedes established self-government in the city.
During Northern war Russian Tsar Peter I conquered Riga in 1710, and also seized the rest of Swedish Livonia under his rule in accordance with the Nishtat Peace Agreement of 1721. Although the importance of Riga decreased in the 17th century, it recovered in the 18th century and especially increased in the 19th century, when the railway line to Riga was established. Riga has become the second largest city after St. Petersburg and the European Timber Trade Centre.
From the second half of the 19th century, Riga became the leading industrial center of Russia, and around 1890 it took the third place in terms of the number of employees after Moscow and St. Petersburg. The city was the headquarters of the Russian Social Democratic Party and played a prominent role in the 1905 revolution. The German army occupied Riga in 1917. After World War I, Latvia's independence was proclaimed in Riga, and it became the capital of the new state.
After the conclusion of the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact on the division of spheres of influence between Germany and the Soviet Union, Riga was included in the USSR in 1940 and became the capital of the Latvian SSR. During World War II, the city was again occupied by the Germans (1941), and then (1944) it was recaptured by Soviet army. The Soviet Union facilitated the migration of non-Latvians to Riga, and thus already in 1975 less than 40% of the inhabitants of Riga were ethnic Latvians. Riga again became the capital of the independent state of Latvia in 1991.
At present, Riga is a significant Baltic seaport, a crossroads of land and railway routes, as well as an industrial and cultural center. Among the main areas of industry in Riga, one can mention metalworking, shipbuilding and diesel and repair, automotive, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, woodworking, food processing, textile and electrical products. Riga is not only a serious pillar of the Latvian economy, but also the largest educational and scientific center. This is confirmed by a large number of various cultural events, scientific conferences and seminars that take place annually in Riga.
The architecture of the historical center of Riga presents samples of all architectural styles characteristic of Western Europe - from Gothic to Art Nouveau.
The layout of the historical center has a regular building characteristic of the turn of the 19th-20th centuries, oriented towards the main streets of the old town built around the 16th century. A significant stimulus for the development of urban construction was the demolition of the outdated defensive system (walls, dams and structures) in 1857-1863.
As a result, the picturesque Ring of Boulevards arose, and on turn of XIX-XX centuries, with the rapid development of the construction of multi-storey tenement houses, unique Art Nouveau buildings arose. At the same time, in some parts of Riga, for various reasons, wooden building complexes of those times have been preserved, which is a unique phenomenon for the beginning of the 21st century. Thanks to these architectural values, in 1997 the historical center of Riga was included in the UNESCO list of world cultural and natural heritage.

Policy
Latvia is a democratic parliamentary republic. Legislative power is in the hands of a unicameral parliament - the Seimas (Saeima), consisting of 100 deputies. Parliamentary elections are held once every 4 years. The head of state is the president, who is elected by parliament for a 4-year term. The president signs laws, chooses the prime minister (who leads the government) and performs representative functions. Electoral System Latvia uses proportional representation based on party lists and a 5% voting barrier. Latvia has universal suffrage for citizens of Latvia who have reached the age of 18.

Cultural heritage
The diverse cultural heritage of Latvia includes both archaeological evidence of history and buildings of various historical periods - sacral, military and other historical monuments, as well as the work of many artists, musicians, writers and scientists.
In the spectrum of European cultural heritage, Latvia is distinguished by rural farm-type buildings, aesthetically attractive rural and seaside cultural and historical landscape, a large proportion of wooden buildings in cities and rural areas, as well as a large proportion of national romanticism and pre-war modernist architecture. The uniqueness of Latvia is also in the extensive and varied range of evidence of the presence of an ancient culture. The largest cities of Latvia are the crossroads of cultural and trade routes. The cultural heritage of Latvia consists of 3364 architectural monuments, 2495 archaeological monuments, 2414 art monuments, 44 territorial and urban planning monuments, as well as 111 historical monuments. They form a collection of the Latvian heritage of architecture, archeology (including underwater), monumental, sacral and applied art, science and technology. The list of cultural monuments of national importance in Latvia includes 1248 architectural monuments, 1481 archaeological monuments, 2243 art monuments, 39 territorial and urban planning monuments and 109 historical monuments. Including - 474 ancient settlements, 1233 ancient burial grounds, 76 medieval castles or their ruins, 136 landlord estates, 134 Lutheran churches, 48 ​​Catholic churches, 33 Orthodox churches and 29 places of residence of prominent people. The list of world cultural and natural heritage includes the historical center of Riga and the buffer zone.

Story
The area now known as Latvia has been inhabited since the ninth millennium BC. In the first half of the second millennium BC, the proto-Balts or the first Baltic peoples appeared. They were the ancestors of the Latvian people.
9000 BC - The appearance of the first settlers on Latvian soil after the glaciers melted.
Early 2000 BC - Proto-Balts (ancestors of modern Latvians) populate the territory of Latvia.
900 AD - early 1200 AD - Separate Baltic tribal groups (Cursh, Latgalians, villages, Semigallians) begin to form tribal unions.
Second half of the 12th century - 13th century - Appearance of German merchants, crusader missionaries in Latvia. Territories inhabited by tribes fall under the rule of the Germans. Livonia is formed.
1201 - The city of Riga was founded.
16th century - Livonian War (1558-1583). The territory of Latvia is under Polish-Lithuanian rule. The duchy of Courland-Semigallia and Polish Livonia (Inflyantia) was formed.
17th century - Polish-Swedish war (1600-1629). Vidzeme (Lifland) and Riga under the rule of the Swedes. Riga is the largest Swedish city. The Duchy of Courland is experiencing an economic boom.
18th century - Great Northern War (1700-1721). Vidzeme and Riga fall under the rule of the Russian Empire. Latgale (Latgale) and the Duchy of Courland are included in Russia.
1850 - 1870s - Awakening national consciousness the Latvian people. The movement of the Young Latvians (jaunlatvieši) is created.
1905-1907 - Latvian Revolution. November 18, 1918 Declaration of Independence of Latvia.
August 11, 1920 - Soviet Russia (later - the USSR) and the Republic of Latvia sign a peace treaty. Russia recognizes the independence of Latvia and forever renounces claims to the territory of Latvia.
August 23, 1939 - Non-aggression pact between the USSR and Germany (the so-called "Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact"): two totalitarian states divide Eastern Europe among themselves. According to the secret protocol, Latvia and Estonia, and later Lithuania, fall into the sphere of influence Soviet Union.
October 5, 1939 - Under the threat of a military invasion, the USSR forces the government of Latvia to sign an agreement on the deployment of Soviet military bases on the territory of Latvia (officially called the 'mutual assistance treaty').
June 16, 1940 - Having violated all agreements and treaties between the two countries, as well as the principles of international law, the USSR presents an ultimatum to Latvia. He demands the formation of a new pro-Soviet government and announces the deployment of Soviet armed forces in the country.
June 17, 1940 - Latvia is occupied by Soviet troops.
June 23, 1940 - The US Department of Foreign Affairs states that the occupation of the Baltic states is illegal and the US does not recognize their annexation to the USSR.
June 14, 1941 - 15,424 Latvians are deported from Latvia to Siberia: Latvia's political and business elite are considered hostile to the occupation regime. Among the deported are about 100 infants under the age of 1 year and more than 3,000 children under 16 years of age.
1941 - 1945 - Latvia is occupied by the German Third Reich.
March 1943 - Germany begins forced recruitment of the civilian population of Latvia into the occupying army.
1941 - 1944 - The German occupation regime destroyed 90,000 of the population of Latvia, mostly Jews.
May 8, 1945 - End of World War II The German occupying army capitulates and the Soviet occupying power is again restored in the territory of Latvia.
1945 - 1956 - Long liberation armed struggle of the Latvian partisans against the second Soviet occupation of the country.
March 25, 1949 - More than 43,000 innocent people are declared enemies of the newly established Soviet government and deported to Siberia.
June 14 and August 23, 1987 - The first major demonstrations against the Soviet regime and the occupation regime in Riga.
May 4, 1990 - Adoption of a declaration on the restoration of independence and the beginning of a transitional period.
August 21, 1991 - Complete restoration of the independence of Latvia.
August 31, 1994 - The last units of the Russian army (occupation army former USSR) leave Latvia.
April - May 2004 - Latvia joins NATO and the European Union.

Entry to Latvia
The following documents are required to enter the Republic of Latvia:
- passport or identity card (ID card is recognized as a travel document for citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland);
- visa or residence permit (except for cases when a foreigner can enter and stay in the Republic of Latvia without a visa);
- health and life insurance policy (not needed for travelers with a diplomatic or service passport/visa, members of foreign delegations, for persons who have received a permanent residence permit in the Republic of Latvia, for foreign military personnel, foreign sailors who are decommissioned from the ship and sent to their place of residence, as well as for those who, in international agreements binding on the Republic of Lithuania, provide for a different procedure for the mutual provision of health care services).
To obtain a Latvian visa, you need to submit an application to a consular or diplomatic representation of the Republic of Latvia. Individual Latvian Honorary Consuls in foreign countries are also authorized to accept documents on visa requests.

Customs
The personal luggage of persons entering Latvia from non-EU countries is exempt from import customs duty, provided that the importation of such goods is non-commercial.
Non-commercial intent is evidenced by the random nature of the importation of goods, as well as the fact that the goods are intended only for the traveler's personal use, family use, or gifts, and their type and quantity do not indicate commercial intent.
A private person over 17 years of age without paying customs tax can import:
Tobacco products:
200 cigarettes
100 cigarillos (cigars that weigh no more than 3 grams each)
50 cigars
250 grams of smoking tobacco
Alcohol and alcoholic drinks:
1 liter of a drink in which the alcohol concentration by volume exceeds 22% or undenatured ethyl alcohol with an alcohol concentration of 80% or more by volume,
2 liters of a drink in which the concentration of alcohol by volume does not exceed 22% (wine or spirit based aperitifs, sake, taffia or similar drinks),
2 liters of sparkling, still, dessert wines,
50 grams of perfume and 0.25 liters of toilet water,
medical supplies necessary for the personal needs of the traveler, which are intended for a course of treatment lasting up to three months, if this is proved by the relevant documents, for example, a copy of the prescription.
Fuel that is in the standard fuel tank of a personal motor vehicle or motorcycle, or in a portable fuel canister with a capacity not exceeding 10 litres. Other goods, the value of which does not exceed 175 euros.
Goods that exceed the established privileges for the carriage of goods or customs tax are allowed to be imported after paying customs duties.
Food products that are part of the traveler's personal luggage and are intended for personal consumption can be imported no more than 10 kilograms.
Special economic zones:
Ventspils Freeport, Freeport of Riga, Liepaja Special Economic Zone, Rezekne Special Economic Zone. In special economic zones incentives such as low tax regime and free customs regime are used.

Until the end of the 12th century, the territory of present-day Latvia was mainly inhabited by the tribes of the ancient Balts: Curonians, villages, Semigallians, who did not yet have their own statehood, were mainly engaged in agriculture and were pagans.

Under the rule of the German knights (13th - 16th centuries)

At the end of the 12th - beginning of the 13th centuries, the German crusaders captured these lands and formed a confederation of feudal states - Livonia - on the territory of present-day Latvia and Estonia.

In 1201, at the mouth of the Daugava River, German crusaders founded the city of Riga. In 1282, Riga, and later Cēsis, Limbazi, Koknes and Valmiera, were accepted into the union of northern German trading cities - the Hanseatic League, which contributed to the rapid development of this region. Riga becomes an important trade point between west and east.

Under the rule of the Poles and Swedes (16th - 17th centuries)

In 1522, the Reformation movement, which by that time had covered all of Europe, also penetrated into Livonia. As a result of the reformation, the Lutheran faith was strengthened in the territories of Kurzeme, Zemgale and Vidzeme, while the dominance of the Roman Catholic Church was preserved in Latgale. Religious ferment undermined the foundations of the Livonian statehood. In 1558, Russia, the Polish-Lithuanian principality and Sweden began a war for possession of these territories, which ended in 1583 with the division of Livonia between the Polish-Lithuanian principality and Sweden. The territory of modern Latvia was ceded to Poland. The dispute between the Poles and the Swedes does not end there. During the new war (1600-1629), Vidzeme, as well as Riga, come under the rule of Sweden.

In the 17th century, the Duchy of Kurzme (a vassal of the Polish-Lithuanian Principality) experienced an economic upsurge and even seized overseas colonies: in the Gambia (Africa) and the island of Tobago in the Caribbean (see more about this in the article “Maza conquest of Duke Jacob”).

In turn, Riga becomes the largest city in Sweden, and Vidzeme is called the "bread granary of Sweden", as it provides grain for most of the Kingdom of Sweden.

In the 17th century, the consolidation of individual peoples (Latgalians, villages, Semigallians, Curonians and Livs) into a single Latvian people speaking the same language takes place. The first books in the Latvian language (prayer books) appeared as early as the middle of the 16th century, but then not modern, but Gothic font was used.

As part of the Russian Empire (1710 - 1917)

During the Northern War (1700-1721) between Russia and Sweden, Peter I, in 1710, approached Riga, and, after 8 months of siege, took it. The territory of Vidzeme came under Russian control. In 1772, as a result of the partition of Poland, the territory of Latgale also passed to Russia, and in 1795, after the third partition of Poland, the territory of the Duchy of Courland.

Despite joining the Empire, the laws in these lands often differed greatly from the "domestic Russian" ones. Thus, Russia retained the privileges of the German barons, who owned large estates, and who, in essence, continued to be the main power on the ground. The barons were allowed to meet at the Landtag and propose various bills. As early as 1817-1819, serfdom was abolished in most of what is now Latvia. Only in 1887 was the teaching of the Russian language introduced in all schools. During the period of Russian rule, the Pale of Settlement passed through the territory of eastern Latvia - Latgale - here, on the outskirts of the empire, Old Believers and Jews were allowed to settle. Until now, a strong Old Believer community has survived in Latvia, but the Jewish population, which made up almost the majority of urban residents on these lands, was almost completely destroyed during the German occupation of 1941-1944.

At the end of the 18th century, industry began to flourish, and population growth increased. The territory of present-day Latvia has become the most developed province of Russia. At the end of the 18th century Riga became the second, after St. Petersburg, a port in the Empire, the third, after Moscow and St. Petersburg, an industrial center.

From the end of the 19th century, the rise of national self-consciousness began in Latvia, the beginnings of a national movement arose. It experienced a special upsurge during the first Russian Revolution of 1905-07. After the fall of the monarchy, in February 1917, the Latvian representatives in the Russian Duma come forward with demands for autonomy for Latvia.

The official name is the Republic of Latvia (Latvijas Republika). Located in the northeast of Europe. The area is 64.6 thousand km2, the population is 2.375 million people. (census 2000). The official language is Latvian. The capital is Riga (797 thousand people, 2000). Public holiday - Independence Day November 18 (1918). The monetary unit is lats (equal to 100 centimes).

Member of the UN (since 1991), IMF and World Bank (since 1992), EU (since 2004), NATO (since 2004).

Sights of Latvia

Geography of Latvia

It is located between 21° and 28° east longitude and 58° and 56° north latitude. In the west it is washed by the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga, the coastline is 494 km. The length of the land border is 1380 km, in the north with Estonia (343 km), in the south with Lithuania (598 km), in the east with the Russian Federation (282), in the southeast with Belarus (167 km).

Latvia is located in the extreme west of the East European Plain, divided into 4 cultural and historical regions: in the west of Kurzeme (Courland), in the south of Zemgale, in the central part and in the northeast of Vidzeme and in the southeast of Latgale (Latgale).

The relief is slightly hilly with heights from 100 to 200 m with a predominance of plains and lowlands. In the country of St. 3,000 lakes (the largest lake is Lubāns with a surface area of ​​80.7 km2), about 750 rivers with a length of no more than 10 km. The longest river that flows only through the territory of Latvia is the Gauja (452 ​​km), the largest (main) is the Daugava (Dvina) - Latvia accounts for 375 km of total length rivers in 1020 km. Famous resorts: Jurmala, Sigulda, Liepaja.

More than 40% of the territory is covered with mixed (near the sea coast - pine) forests, most of them are located in Kurzeme. Main species: pine, birch, oak, ash, linden, willow, juniper. Flora and fauna are represented by approx. 7850 species of plants, 60 species of mammals (elk, wild boar, hare, fox, squirrel, wolf, beaver, etc.), 308 species of birds (owl, falcon, stork, capercaillie, swallow, herons, ducks, etc.) and 76 species fish (perch, pike, perch, trout, eel, carp).

Soils are podzolic, swampy (the most fertile in Zemgale, the poorest - along the sea coast). Approximately 78% of agricultural land is waterlogged.

Minerals: peat (reserves 530 million tons), limestone, dolomite, amber.

The climate is mild maritime, there are often cyclones, abundant precipitation, the average temperature in January is -5°С, in July +18°С, the growing season is 170-180 days.

Population of Latvia

According to estimates from national statistics, at the beginning of In 2003, the population of Latvia was 2.329 million people, a decrease compared to 2000 by 46 thousand people.

During 1989-2000, the population decreased by almost 11% (moreover, rural by 5.1%, and urban by 13.5%, which is associated with the exchange of housing in large cities for cheaper ones in rural areas) and continues to decrease. In 2002, the negative natural increase amounted to 12.5 thousand people. (20,020 people were born, and 32,530 people died). Migration remains an important reason for the population decline, mainly Russian-speaking people leave, and Latvians (mainly from the USA, Canada, Sweden) come, emigration significantly exceeds immigration. So, in 1998 the excess was 2.9 times, in 1999 - 3.3, in 2000 - 4.4, in 2001 - 4.6, and in 2002 this gap decreased to 3.4 times (6638 people left and arrived 1938 people)

Men make up 46% of the population, women 54%. The process of population aging is observed. The proportion of people under 15 years of age decreased from 21.4 to 17.9%, while those aged 60 and over increased from 17.4 to 21.1%. Average life expectancy is 69.9 years (men 64.1, women 75.5). From January 1, 2003, the retirement age for men is 62 years, and for women from July 1, 2003 - 59.5 years.

Ethnic composition: Latvians 57.6%, Russians 29%, Belarusians 4.1%, Ukrainians 2.7%, Poles 2.5% and Lithuanians 1.5% (2000). Citizenship is 75% of the population, among Latvians citizens make up 99.6%, among Russians - 42, among Belarusians - 22.4, among Ukrainians - 29.1, among Poles - 65.6, among Lithuanians - 46.1%.

The Latvian language belongs to the Baltic group of the Indo-European family.

Most of the population (55%) professes Protestantism (300 Lutheran parishes), 24% - Catholicism (241 parishes), 9% - Orthodoxy (110 parishes). There are other religious groups: Jews, Baptists and Old Believers.

History of Latvia

The first feudal principalities (Koknese, Jersika, Talava) on the territory of modern Latvia arose in the 10th-13th centuries. From Ser. 12th c. German merchants, soldiers and Catholic missionaries began to arrive there, and in 1201 Riga was founded as the capital of the archbishop. In 1205-14 the lands were captured by the Order of the Sword and until the middle. 16th century were part of Livonia - a confederation of German principalities. In 1562 part of the territory of Latvia was divided between Poland and Sweden, and the Duchy of Courland was formed. The Latvian nationality developed in the beginning. 17th century

In 1629 Riga and the western part of the country were conquered by the Swedes, and in 1710 Riga was conquered by Russian troops. As a result of the Northern War (1700-21), the former Swedish territories of Latvia became part of Russia. In 1795, after the third partition of Poland, northern Latvia became part of the Livland province, and the Courland province was formed on the territory of the Duchy of Courland, also annexed to Russia.

During World War I, Latvia was occupied by German troops. After the capitulation of Germany by the Latvian People's Council on November 18, 1918, the independence of Latvia was proclaimed and the Republic of Latvia was formed. On December 17, 1918, the government created in the underground adopted a manifesto with an appeal to Soviet Russia for help. The troops of the Red Army entered Latvia and Soviet power was proclaimed in part of the territory, including Riga. However, in February 1919, the national Latvian army created with the support of the Entente, as well as the legions of the White Poles and the troops of bourgeois Estonia launched hostilities against the Bolshevik government of P. Stuchka and the so-called. "Bermontians" (supporters of P. Bermont-Avalov, who tried to form a pro-German government). As a result, on May 22, 1919, Riga fell; on January 13, 1920, the Soviet government of Latvia ceased its activities, and a bourgeois republic was proclaimed. In August 1920, a peace treaty was signed with the RSFSR, and on February 15, 1922, the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia was adopted - the Basic Law of the State. Latvia became a parliamentary republic.

The government of the country, according to the liberal Constitution, depended on party coalitions (in the 1920s and 30s there were about 20 parties in the country). Prime Minister K. Ulmanis, considering the parliamentary political system too weak, carried out a coup d'état on May 15, 1934 and established dictatorial rule in the country (political parties and trade unions were banned, parliament was dissolved). On October 5, 1939, an agreement on mutual assistance was signed between Latvia and the USSR, which provided for the deployment of part of the Soviet troops on the territory of Latvia, and on June 17, 1940, they were introduced in connection with the threat of fascist aggression. A pro-Soviet government was formed, elections to the People's Seimas were held on July 14-15, the Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic was proclaimed on July 21, 1940, and in August 1940 it became part of the USSR. In 1941-45 Latvia was occupied by German troops.

All R. 1980s Latvian nationalists created a political movement, later transformed into the Latvian People's Front, which spoke in the elections to the Supreme Council on March 18, 1990 against the Communist Party for the restoration of the independence of the republic. On May 4, 1990, the new Supreme Council declared the independence of Latvia. In January 1991, a conservative faction of the Latvian communist leadership and intelligence agencies made an unsuccessful attempt to prevent Latvia's secession from the Soviet Union. At the referendum held on March 3, 1991, 77.6% of those who took part in the vote voted for secession from the USSR, and on September 6, 1991, the independence of Latvia was recognized by the State Council of the USSR.

State structure and political system of Latvia

Latvia is a parliamentary republic, the Constitution of 1922 is in force.

Administrative division - 26 districts, 70 cities, 483 volosts. The largest cities (thousand people): Riga, Daugavpils (115), Jelgava (71), Liepaja (59), Ventspils (47).

State power in accordance with the Constitution is exercised by the Seimas, the President and the Government.

supreme body legislature- The Saeima (unicameral parliament), consisting of 100 deputies elected by universal, direct, secret ballot for 4 years on the basis of proportional representation (40 parties and political organizations are registered in Latvia). The Seimas elects the president, discusses legislative acts, approves or rejects the candidacy of the prime minister appointed by the president, forms the government of the country.

Elections of the next (8th) Seimas, held on October 5, 2002, demonstrated the previous trend towards the predominance of right-wing conservative, nationally oriented forces. The election was won by the one created in con. 2001 right-wing party "New Time" led by E. Repse, chairman of the Bank of Latvia in 1991-2002. The second place was taken by the association "ZaPCHEL" ("For human rights in united Latvia"). These are the parties of the left forces - the Socialist Party of Latvia, the Party of People's Consent (PNS) and the Ravnopravie party, which defends the rights of the Russian national minority. Later, a split occurred in the association, and the PNS withdrew from the bloc. The ruling coalition in the Seimas: Repše Party - 26 mandates, SZK (Union of Greens and Peasants) - 12 and LPP (Latvian First Party) - 10, created in 2002, TB / DNNL (association of the Fatherland and Freedom Party and the Movement for national independence of Latvia) - 7 mandates. Opposition: People's Party (NP, leader A. Shkele, former Prime Minister) - 20 mandates, People's Consent Party (leader J. Jurkans) - 17 and "ZaPcHeL" faction - 8 mandates. The composition of the parliament was significantly updated, 33 deputies were re-elected. I. Undre (JCC) became the Chairman of the Seimas.

The head of state - the president, elected by the Seimas for four years, but not more than two consecutive terms, approves laws, appoints a candidate for the post of prime minister, and performs representative functions. Vaira Vike-Freiberga won the 1999 presidential election, replacing G. Ulmanis. She became one of four women in the world holding such a high position. After taking office, the new president rejected the Law on the State Language adopted by the Saeima, which made Russian a “foreign” language in Latvia. On June 20, 2003 Vaira Vike-Freiberga was re-elected for a new term.

The highest body of executive power - the Cabinet of Ministers - is formed by the Seimas. The composition of the new coalition government of the country was approved at an extraordinary meeting on March 9, 2004. Indulis Emsis, former deputy chairman of the SZK parliamentary faction, chairman of the parliamentary commission on the national economy and co-chairman of the Green Party » Latvia. The government included representatives of the SZK, PN and LPP, who have 46 mandates out of 100 in the Seimas, but the partners in the ruling coalition are convinced that the minority government will receive the support of the parliamentary majority after some time.

The most important policy statements of the new government are: the desire to fully use the opportunities provided by Latvia from joining the European Union and NATO, the successful defense of Latvia's national interests, the resumption of dialogue with Russia, primarily the development of economic cooperation between the two countries, which over time will also contribute to political dialogue. The coalition parties insist on the need for a balanced fiscal policy and keeping the budget deficit below 2%. They intend to improve the well-being of every inhabitant of Latvia by bringing the minimum wage closer to the subsistence level, indexing pensions at least twice a year, helping to increase employment and eradicate poverty. IN national question emphasizes the need to ensure the continuous and stable development of Latvia as a one-community nation-state, support and strengthen the role of the Latvian language as the only state language and promote the growth of naturalization rates.

Leading public organizations we can single out the Union of Free Trade Unions of Latvia (SSPL). The Latvian Association of Russian Communities, the Balto-Slavic Society for Cultural Development and Cooperation represent the interests of the Russian-speaking population of the republic.

NATO membership is one of the main objectives of Latvia's foreign and defense policy. In 2002, 1.75% of GDP was spent on defense. The preparation and reform of the national defense system are carried out in accordance with NATO standards. Regular Armed forces Latvia consists of 6,500 people, including 2,350 soldiers and officers of the National Guard (the reserve is 14,400 people - 5-7 motorized infantry brigades), border troops - 3,500 people. The ground forces consist of a motorized infantry brigade, a reconnaissance battalion, an artillery unit, a company of peacekeepers, and a special forces group. In service are 3 T-55 tanks, received at one time from the Czech Republic, 13 M42 armored personnel carriers, 2 BRDM-2, approx. 30 Swedish and Danish 100 mm towed guns, up to 40 mortars of 82 and 120 mm caliber. There are also air defense forces - approx. 40 anti-aircraft artillery and rocket launchers. The Air Force has approx. 200 people, 2 An-2, L-410 aircraft, 3 Mi-2 and Mi-8 helicopters. Navy - St. 800 people (including 250 soldiers of the so-called security battalion), 3 patrol boats, 3 minesweepers.

Economy of Latvia

Latvia is a state with an industrial-agrarian economy. The main industries are: mechanical engineering, food, woodworking, light industry, production of building materials, chemical industry. In industry, there are crisis phenomena associated with structural changes, reorientation to the production of products that meet the requirements of the world market. In agriculture, St. 18% of the economically active population, the area of ​​agricultural land is 2.57 million hectares. Main stream Agriculture- meat and dairy farming.

The share of industry in GDP in 2002 was 18.7% (including manufacturing 14.8%), trade 19.9%, services 11.1%, construction 6.1%, other activities 44.2% .

The transport network is developed, has a large branching. Railways account for 50% of cargo transportation, their length is 2.4 thousand km; pipelines - 29% (oil pipelines - 437 km, gas pipelines - 1600 km), sea transportation - 14%, trucking - 7% (the length of roads is 20.6 thousand km, of which 7.5 thousand km are asphalted). Ventspils is the largest port in the Baltic Sea region and one of the 15 European ports with the largest cargo turnover.

Latvia is consistently pursuing economic reforms coordinated by the IMF and the World Bank and is a country with market economy, seeking to join the EU to strengthen economic security. One of the main conditions for joining the EU is WTO membership (Latvia joined this organization in 1999). Another important condition is macroeconomic stability.

Over the years of sovereign existence, the country has experienced a fairly long (6 years) and deep economic recession. In 2000, the GDP in Latvia was 61% of the 1990 level, the volume industrial production decreased by 51%. The Russian monetary and financial crisis of 1998 had a negative impact on the development of the Latvian economy. Of the 50,355 enterprises operating in the beginning. 1998, 3303 enterprises were liquidated. The food industry suffered more than other industries, since approx. 50% of the manufactured products were exported to Russian Federation, incl. canned fish - 90%. In the fishing industry, by February 1, 1999, 43 enterprises completely stopped working, and 140 enterprises partially, and, as a result, unemployment increased. The foreign trade turnover with the Russian Federation decreased significantly (by 58%), the volume of exports - by 69%, imports - by 56%, which contributed to a further reorientation to Western markets. Slow growth in industrial and agricultural production began in 2000.

Dynamics of GDP in Latvia in the 1990s had a trend inherent in all transition economies: a strong decline gave way to unstable growth. At the same time, exports and foreign investment remained the main sources of growth in the face of limited domestic demand. The volume of GDP (at constant prices) in 2002 amounted to 4978.1 million lats, an increase compared to 2001 - 6.1%. Industrial products were produced and sold for 1987.6 million lats, 5.8% more. Growth was observed in the production of electrical equipment (24%), chemical, rubber and paper products (16-13%), mechanical engineering (8%), food industry (6%). Significant growth was in construction - 10.8%, especially new buildings (34%). Volume retail(LVL 241 million) increased by 18%, wholesale - by 12%. The increase in agricultural production by 4.1% was due to an increase in grain yield (1 million tons) by 10.8%. Meat was produced (92.1 thousand tons) - 3% more, eggs (508.6 million units) - 12%, and milk (811.5 thousand tons) - 4% less. Revenues from the service sector grew by 5.7% (especially computer services - 27%, design and architectural work - 27%, legal advice - 14%).

The export volume of Latvian goods in 2002 compared to 2001 increased by 12.1%, reaching 1.409 billion lats, imports increased by 13.4% - up to 2.497 billion lats, Latvia's foreign trade deficit amounted to 77.3% of exports (in 2000 - 71 , in 2001 - 75.2%). The EU countries accounted for 60.4% of exports and 53.1% of imports, the CIS countries - 10.2 and 13.1%, respectively. The main export partners were: Germany (15.5%), Great Britain (14.6%), Sweden (10.5%), Lithuania (8.4%), Estonia (6.0%), and for imports - Germany (17.2%), Lithuania (9.8%), Russian Federation (8.8%), Finland (8.0%), Sweden (6.4%). The negative balance in trade with the EU countries amounted to 471.5 million lats, the CIS - 186 million lats. The volume of imports exceeds exports to Germany, Lithuania, Estonia by 2 times, to the Russian Federation - by 2.5 times, to Finland - by almost 7 times.

The unstable dynamics of the world economy and negative trends in the development of the EU countries (economic slowdown) in last years have a direct impact on the Latvian economy. This is directly related to the shrinking export opportunities and the constant growth of imports. Latvia managed to partially compensate for losses in the EU markets by entering the markets of the CIS countries, mainly the Russian Federation.

Thanks to the activity of entrepreneurs, the Russian Federation remains a major trading partner of Latvia. In 2000-02, the volume of exports to the Russian Federation, mainly engineering products (40%) and foodstuffs, although it increased significantly, but remained at an insignificant level. In import deliveries from the Russian Federation, approx. 60% falls on oil, oil products, gas, mineral fertilizers. Metals, fertilizers, plastics, and timber are also imported for the production of lumber exported to the West.

The Russian Federation ranks 4th ($120 million) in terms of foreign investment in the Latvian economy, behind Sweden, the USA and Germany. RAO "Gazprom" has invested in gas distribution companies (29.7% of the shares of JSC "Latvijas Gazė"), the company "LUKOIL" has a tank farm for storing oil and oil products in Latvia, and participates in the expansion of the port of Ventspils. In the I quarter 2003 Russian oil was not exported through the port of Ventspils, which caused losses to Latvia in the amount of more than 200 million US dollars. Created and operating approx. 1400 enterprises and firms with the participation of Russian capital, engaged mainly in trade and intermediary activities.

The transit of Russian cargo remains an important element of the national economy of Latvia. The volume of these services significantly exceeds commodity exports to the Russian Federation in value terms (services are provided for the transportation and transshipment of oil and oil products, fertilizers, metals and a number of other goods). 11-13% of the total export volume of Russian oil passes through the port of Ventspils. Income from the transit of these goods in the budget of Latvia is approx. 30% (400-500 million USD per year).

The reduction in demand in foreign markets had a downward effect on the dynamics of consumer prices. The trade deficit increased markedly. The increase in the balance of payments deficit was counteracted by a very tangible influx of investments from abroad. The volume of accumulated at the beginning. 2002 foreign direct investment (FDI) was $2.1 billion, or $857 per capita. The largest foreign investors are Sweden, Germany and Estonia (36% of all foreign investments).

The economic development of Latvia in 2003 was still determined by the dynamics of demand in the domestic market. Some growth in consumption became possible due to the increase in wages, the expansion of opportunities for obtaining loans from commercial banks.

Latvia has a two-tier banking system, consisting of a central bank (the Bank of Latvia) and 23 commercial banks. In 2002, the volume of loans issued to enterprises and individuals increased by 35.6%, the average rates on long-term loans in national currency decreased to 7.4%, in foreign currencies - to 5.8%.

The deficit of the consolidated budget reached 2.5% of GDP. Total government debt to con. 2002 amounted to 756.2 million lats, external debt - 464.7 million lats.

In 2002, GDP per capita reached 3.6 thousand euros, which is 30% of the EU average. The average monthly salary is $269, the minimum is $84, the average pension is $95, average income families per person - $ 109. Food accounted for 50% of all expenses. In Latvia, 10% of the population (the richest) have a monthly income of St. $260, 30% (with an average income) - from $130 to $260 and 60% (poor) - from $40-130.

The number of employed in 2002 amounted to 989 thousand people, increased by 3% compared to 2001. 89.7 thousand people were registered. unemployed (in 2001 - 91.6). The unemployment rate remains quite high, having increased from 7.7 to 8.5%.

Science and culture of Latvia

12.1% of the population have higher education, secondary special education- 17.7%, secondary education - 27%, 8 classes - 23.2%, elementary education- 11.4%, less than 4 classes - 8.6%. Primary and secondary education is guaranteed by the state. Compulsory education is 9 years. In the 2000-01 academic year, 359.8 thousand people studied in 1074 schools (including 41 private ones). 90% of children studied in free public schools. The planned transition of schools to instruction in the Latvian language (September 2004) provides for the teaching of 60% of subjects in the state language and 40% in the language of national minorities. In 34 universities (15 private) and 2 private colleges, there were approx. 110 thousand students, a third of them studied at the expense of the state budget. Notable universities: Latvian State University, Riga Technical University, Agricultural Academy, Medical Academy, Riga Institute of Transport and Communications. Since 2001, a private university began to operate - the Graduate School of Engineering Sciences and Information Technology, as well as the private College of Law and Alberta College. The Latvian Academy of Sciences (109 institutes, 5.5 thousand people) is the center scientific research in the country. Expenditure on science and education (2000) is 0.5% of GDP - $170 million, 3.2 times less than in 1991.

The Academy of Intellectual Property and Innovations has started its work in Latvia. It was founded by the Mortgage Bank, the Academy of Sciences, the Latvian State University, the Technical University, the Institute of Transport and Communications. The purpose of the public academy is to stimulate scientific research and its practical application. Academy experts search for and select the most relevant projects for the development of the country, and the bank helps to find profitable loans for the implementation of productive ideas.

After the restoration of independence, Latvia faced the problem of reintegrating the three layers of Latvian culture. The first layer is Latvian literature and traditions before the Soviet times. A notable achievement was the publication by E. Gluck in 1694 of the Latvian translation of the Bible, the foundation in 1822 of the first periodical in Latvian "Latvieshu avizes" ("Latvian newspaper"). The Latvian peasantry had original oral traditions, folk songs and epics. To the beginning 20th century Latvian literature appeared: the poet and writer J. Rainis (1865-1929), the poet E. Rozenberg (1868-1943). The founders of the national style in Latvian instrumental music were A. Jurjans (1872-1945) and J. Vitols (1863-1948), in painting - J. Rozentals (1866-1916), V. Purvitis (1872-1945).

The second one was formed after 1945 outside Latvia among 120,000 emigrants who created Latvian communities in Sweden, Germany, the USA, Canada, and Australia. The third layer was the cultural life in Latvia after 1945, which was created by both the pro-Soviet intelligentsia and the anti-Soviet opposition. Radical changes took place in 1980s The leading figures of the Latvian Popular Front were such cultural figures as J. Peters (b. 1939), who for some time was the Latvian ambassador to Russia, and the composer R. Pauls (b. 1936), later the Minister of Culture.

Leading theatres: The National Theater of Latvia (it has a history of more than 80 years and has always been a kind of academy of the Latvian national art. The well-known actor in Russia G. Tsilinskis worked here, E. Radzina, K. Sebris and G. Yakovlev still work here); Latvian art theater them. J. Rainis (actress, director D. Ritenberg (b. 1928)); Riga Theatre of Drama(actress V. Artmane (b. 1929)); National Opera and Ballet Theatre.

Museums: Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, founded in 1773, Museum of Pharmacy, Latvian Museum of Photography, Ethnographical museum under open sky on the shores of Lake Jugla.