The Republic of Latvia is a democratic country located in Northern Europe. It is geographically positioned in the eastern part of the Baltic region, sharing borders with Estonia to the north, Russia to the east, Belarus to the southeast, Lithuania to the south, and the Baltic Sea to the west.
As a republic, Latvia is a form of government where the power rests with the people and their elected representatives. It operates under a parliamentary system with a President serving as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government. The political system follows the principles of division of powers, ensuring a separation between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
Latvia gained independence from Russian control in 1918 and declared itself a sovereign state. However, it was later occupied by both the Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union during World War II. Latvia reestablished independence in 1991 following the fall of the Soviet Union. Since then, it has undergone significant political, economic, and social changes.
With a population of approximately 1.9 million people, Latvia is known for its rich cultural heritage, particularly its unique folklore traditions, which have been recognized as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The country's official language is Latvian, and the major religion is Christianity, primarily Lutheranism.
Recognized as a member of the European Union and NATO, Latvia is an active participant in international cooperation and maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries worldwide. The republic’s economy is diverse, with industries including manufacturing, agriculture, information technology, tourism, and services sectors playing significant roles in its development.
