Capital: Riga Time: +1 GMT Area: 64,589 sq km Population: 2,353,874 (July 1999 estimated) Currency: Latvian lat Form of government: annexed by the USSR in 1940, Latvia reestablished its independence in August 1991, a few months prior to the collapse of the Soviet Union, parliamentary democracy, unicameral Parliament or Saeima (100 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms,   president elected by Parliament for a four-year term, prime minister appointed by the president Languages: Lettish (official), Lithuanian, Russian Religion: Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Russian Orthodox National holiday: Independence Day, 18 November (1918)

Pictures from Latvia

Links

Official Sites:

• Saeima (Parliament) of the Republic of Latvia
• Chancery of the President of Latvia - information about and photos of the president, and text of the constitution.
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs - in English and Latvian. Includes information about Latvia regarding tourism, foriegn affairs, officials, news, the European Union, and more.
• Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia
• National Library of Latvia
• Policijas Departments - Latvian police department home page. Statistic, contact information, police law rights, other local information; includes links to Latvian government sites.
• USA: Embassy of Latvia in Washington, D.C.

Magazines and Newspapers

• Baltics Online
• BNS Latvia
• Latvian National News Agency LETA - requires paid subscription. provides online news, reviews and data bases covering events in Latvia, as well as Baltics.
• Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty: Latvia

Radio and Televison on The Web

• Ham Radio Latvia
• Radio Latvia - state radio (in English and Latvian).
• Latvian Independent Television (LNT)

Tourism and Travel

• Guide to Latvia - directory for sites, businesses, country information, and more.
• Virtual Latvia - features history, culture, tourism contacts, the Constitution, and more.
• Latvia In Your Pocket - providing information for visitors to the country and to specific cities.
• Latvian Tourist Board - includes where to stay and eat, what to see and do, events, and more.
• Lonely Planet - Destination Latvia - with history, attractions, getting there and away, travelers' reports, links, and more information for visitors.