It covers the member state of Latvia. [97] Nationally protected areas account for 12,790 km2 (4,940 sq mi) or around 20% of Latvia's total land area. [102] Common species of wildlife in Latvia include deer, wild boar, moose, lynx, bear, fox, beaver and wolves. [citation needed] To maintain and expand industrial production, skilled workers were migrating from all over the Soviet Union, decreasing the proportion of ethnic Latvians in the republic. In 2018, share of population aged 30–34 with tertiary education attainment in Latvia was above the EU average, but adults' participation in lifelong learning is below the EU average. [71] An influx of new colonists, including laborers, administrators, military personnel and their dependents from Russia and other Soviet republics started. [57] In total 50,000 Baltic Germans left by the deadline of December 1939, with 1,600 remaining to conclude business and 13,000 choosing to remain in Latvia. [49], During the 19th century, the social structure changed dramatically. Latvian armed forces have contributed to NATO and EU military operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1996–2009), Albania (1999), Kosovo (2000–2009), Macedonia (2003), Iraq (2005–2006), Afghanistan (since 2003), Somalia (since 2011) and Mali (since 2013). [188] According to the Central Election Commission, 74.8% voted against, 24.9% voted for and the voter turnout was 71.1%. Under Swedish and largely German rule, western Latvia adopted Lutheranism as its main religion. The adoption process began 1 May 2004, when Latvia joined the European Union, entering the EU's Economic and Monetary Union. On 1 January 2014, the Euro became the country's currency, superseding the Lats. Russian, which was widely spoken during the Soviet period, is still the most widely used minority language by far (in 2011, 34% spoke it at home, including people who were not ethnically Russian). According to statistics in late 2013, 45% of the population supported the introduction of the euro, while 52% opposed it. Children born to non-nationals after the reestablishment of independence are automatically entitled to citizenship. [205], Between the 13th and 19th centuries, Baltic Germans, many of whom were originally of non-German ancestry but had been assimilated into German culture, formed the upper class. [35], Although the local people had contact with the outside world for centuries, they became more fully integrated into the European socio-political system in the 12th century. [160] The Latvian economy fell 18% in the first three months of 2009, the biggest fall in the European Union. They promoted Latvian culture and encouraged Latvians to take part in cultural activities. Unique geological conditions at Inčukalns and other locations in Latvia are particularly suitable for underground gas storage.[179]. These have their own city councils and municipal administrations. [144] Latvian armed forces contributed to a UK-led Battlegroup in 2013 and the Nordic Battlegroup in 2015 under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) of the European Union. Latvia is a developed country with an advanced, high-income economy [27][28] and ranks 39th in the Human Development Index. Latvia closed 131 schools between 2006 and 2010, which is a 12.9% decline, and in the same period enrolment in educational institutions has fallen by over 54,000 people, a 10.3% decline. [169] Latvia's current account, which had been in deficit by 27% in late 2006 was in surplus in February 2010. There were 290,660 "non-citizens" living in Latvia or 14.1% of Latvian residents, mainly Russian settlers who arrived after the occupation of 1940 and their descendants. [citation needed][108]. [92], Most of the country is composed of fertile lowland plains and moderate hills. Since joining the bloc, nearly a fifth of the nation has left to work in more … Latvia is alive with vibrant cities, tantalising beaches, historic towns and a busy network of forests and rivers. While it is now required that all school students learn Latvian, schools also include English, German, French and Russian in their curricula. On the economic front, the Commission noted clear improvements and concluded that Latvia could now be classified as a "functioning market economy", a distinction that it failed to receive in the 1998 assessment. [105], Several nature reserves protect unspoiled landscapes with a variety of large animals. An internal document of 18 March 1987, near the end of communist rule, spoke of an active membership that had shrunk to only 25,000 in Latvia, but the faith has since experienced a revival. [182], As of March 2011, Latvians form about 62.1% of the population, while 26.9% are Russians, Belarusians 3.3%, Ukrainians 2.2%, Poles 2.2%, Lithuanians 1.2%, Jews 0.3%, Romani people 0.3%, Germans 0.1%, Estonians 0.1% and others 1.3%. [114] Joint Nordic-Baltic co-operation initiatives include the education programme NordPlus[115] and mobility programmes for public administration,[116] business and industry[117] and culture. Latvia’s currency is Euro (€) since it became a member of the Eurozone on January 1, 2014. Its GDP per head in purchasing power standards is about one quarter of the EU-15 average. In the recent years a couple of dozen of wind farms as well as biogas or biomass power stations of different scale have been built in Latvia. In 2012, 45.0% of births were to unmarried women. Instead, its work is led by the country holding the Council presidency, which rotates every 6 months. At the start of 2005, the lats was pegged to the euro at Ls … [171], The IMF concluded the First Post-Program Monitoring Discussions with the Republic of Latvia in July 2012 announcing that Latvia's economy has been recovering strongly since 2010, following the deep downturn in 2008–09. On 18 February 2012, Latvia held a constitutional referendum on whether to adopt Russian as a second official language. Andris Biedriņš is one of the most well-known Latvian basketball players, who played in the NBA for the Golden State Warriors and the Utah Jazz. In a report titled "Europe's Crime Capitals," Forbes business magazine claimed that only Turkey has a higher crime rate than the Baltic state. Latvia is a parliamentary republic with a head of government - the prime minister - who chooses the council of ministers and a head of state - the president - who has a largely ceremonial role and nominates the prime minister. Since Latvia had maintained a well-developed infrastructure and educated specialists, Moscow decided to base some of the Soviet Union's most advanced manufacturing in Latvia. The electoral system used is … At this time, songs often made fun of the characteristics of Soviet life and were concerned about preserving Latvian identity. On 18 November 1918, in Riga, the People's Council of Latvia proclaimed the independence of the new country, with Kārlis Ulmanis becoming the head of the provisional government. [166] In April 2010 Latvia had the highest unemployment rate in the EU, at 22.5%, ahead of Spain, which had 19.7%.[167]. Winter starts in mid-December and lasts until mid-March. More than 1.2 million texts and 30,000 melodies of folk songs have been identified. [80], Language and citizenship laws have been opposed by many Russophones. [51] The constitution was partly suspended by Kārlis Ulmanis after his coup in 1934 but reaffirmed in 1990. Latvians comprise 0.4% of the total EU population. Find out more about how Latvia benefits from EU funding. [4], The Saeima, Latvia's parliament, was again elected in 1993. [42], In the 17th and early 18th centuries, the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, Sweden, and Russia struggled for supremacy in the eastern Baltic. [74] The population of Latvia reached its peak in 1990 at just under 2.7 million people. The NATO Summit 2006 was held in Riga. There are 2,256 lakes that are bigger than 1 ha (2.5 acres), with a collective area of 1,000 km2 (390 sq mi). The prices of real estate, which were at some points growing by approximately 5% a month, were long perceived to be too high for the economy, which mainly produces low-value goods and raw materials. Extraordinary Brussels European Council confirms the EU's determination to conclude accession negotiations with 10 EU candidate states, including Latvia, at the Copenhagen European Council on December 12 – 13 and to sign the accession treaty in April, 2003. [56]:326 Between 136,000 and 190,000 Latvians, depending on the sources, were imprisoned or deported to Soviet concentration camps (the Gulag) in the post war years, from 1945 to 1952. [184], The share of ethnic Latvians had fallen from 77% (1,467,035) in 1935 to 52% (1,387,757) in 1989. Albeit having experienced a difficult transition to a liberal economy and its re-orientation toward Western Europe, Latvia is one of the fastest growing economies in the European Union. [145] Latvia acts as the lead nation in the coordination of the Northern Distribution Network for transportation of non-lethal ISAF cargo by air and rail to Afghanistan. Latvia is a member of the European Union, Eurozone, NATO, the Council of Europe, the United Nations, CBSS, the IMF, NB8, NIB, OECD, OSCE, and WTO. Gotthard Kettler, the last Master of the Order of Livonia, formed the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia. More figures on the EU budget, revenue and spending: The money paid into the EU budget by Latvia helps fund programmes and projects in all EU countries - like building roads, subsidising researchers and protecting the environment. For example, one of the most popular celebrations is Jāņi, a pagan celebration of the summer solstice—which Latvians celebrate on the feast day of St. John the Baptist. It was a member of the League of Nations (1921–1946). [187] BK Ventspils, which participates in EuroChallenge, is the second strongest basketball club in Latvia, previously winning LBL eight times and BBL in 2013. Latvia and the United States have signed treaties on investment, trade, and intellectual property protection and avoidance of double taxation.[163][164]. However, most indigenous Latvians did not participate in this particular cultural life. In the Council of the EU, national ministers meet regularly to adopt EU laws and coordinate policies. [107] The most senior civil servants are the thirteen Secretaries of State. Instead, citizenship was granted to persons who had been citizens of Latvia at the day of loss of independence at 1940 as well as their descendants. Latvia is part of the Schengen Area and joined the Eurozone on 1 January 2014. [174], Latvian Railway's main network consists of 1,860 km of which 1,826 km is 1,520 mm Russian gauge railway of which 251 km are electrified, making it the longest railway network in the Baltic States. From May 2010 two new options (buying realty object or banking deposit) were introduced into Latvian legislation. The Commission is represented in each EU country by a local office, called a "representation". And from 70 females are 2,3 times more than males. Latvia has a total area of 64,559 km2 (24,926 sq mi) of which 62,157 km2 (23,999 sq mi) land, 18,159 km2 (7,011 sq mi) agricultural land,[83] 34,964 km2 (13,500 sq mi) forest land[84] and 2,402 km2 (927 sq mi) inland water. As of 1 May 2004 it is a member State of the European Union (more info). The agreement between the EU and the United Kingdom on future relationship discussed at the Cabinet and the Saeima commissions. [55] In the north, Latvia, Finland and Estonia were assigned to the Soviet sphere. [37] The southern part of Estonia and the northern part of Latvia were ceded to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and formed into the Duchy of Livonia (Ducatus Livoniae Ultradunensis). Ice hockey is usually considered the most popular sport in Latvia. [46], The capitulation of Estonia and Livonia in 1710 and the Treaty of Nystad, ending the Great Northern War in 1721, gave Vidzeme to Russia (it became part of the Riga Governorate). The Baltic Council is the joint forum of the interparliamentary Baltic Assembly (BA) and the intergovernmental Baltic Council of Ministers (BCM). The Latvian SSR, along with the other Baltic Republics was allowed greater autonomy, and in 1988, the old pre-war Flag of Latvia flew again, replacing the Soviet Latvian flag as the official flag in 1990. [citation needed], Numeracy was also higher in the Livonian and Courlandian parts of the Russian Empire, which may have been influenced by the Protestant religion of the inhabitants. Latvia also communicates with the EU institutions through its permanent representation in Brussels. Intra-EU trade accounts for 67% of Latvia’s exports (Lithuania 15%, Estonia 11% and Germany and Sweden 7%), while outside the EU 14% go to Russia and 4% to the United States. ["'The good Swedish times' in Latvian historiography: from the late 18th century to the 1970s"], CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (. This system also existed before World War II. Latvia is the third poorest country in the European Union 02.07.2019. 1 STATE OF HEALTH IN THE EU: COUNTRY HEALTH PROFILE 2017 – LATVIA 1 Highlights The life expectancy of Latvians improved over the past fifteen years, but still lags several years behind other EU countries. In the course of the war, both occupying forces conscripted Latvians into their armies, in this way increasing the loss of the nation's "live resources". [citation needed], In the 19th century, Latvian nationalist movements emerged. Latvia has a long and successful tradition of extra-curricular education, called interest-related or hobby education. The Finance Ministry said that the European Commission this year announced several amendments to the bloc's budget which changed the annual amount of Latvia's contribution. [85], The total length of Latvia's boundary is 1,866 km (1,159 mi). [150] Per capita, Latvia is one of the largest contributors to international military operations. Latvia replaced its previous currency, the lats, with the euro on 1 January 2014, after a European Union assessment in June 2013 asserted that the country had met all convergence criteria necessary for euro adoption. [158], Since the year 2000, Latvia has had one of the highest (GDP) growth rates in Europe. Latvia has 7 representatives on the European Economic and Social Committee. The United Kingdom remains a major partner to Latvia and the EU; therefore, in the future, we would like to have as close as possible cooperation in safeguarding people’s interests, in security, defence, foreign affairs, trade, education and other matters. They have no citizenship of any country, and cannot vote in Latvia. Latvia submitted its application for membership to the European Union on 27 October 1995. This means they use less biocapacity than Latvia contains. Latvia is a member of the European Union (EU). Former Latvian basketball club Rīgas ASK won the Euroleague tournament three times in a row before becoming defunct. In 2018, share of population aged 30–34 with tertiary education attainment in Latvia was above the EU average, but adults' participation in lifelong learning is below the EU average. [93], Agricultural areas account for 1,815,900 ha (4,487,000 acres) or 29% of the total land area. However, as a consequence of centuries of Russian rule (1710–1918) and later Soviet occupation, 26.9% of the population of Latvia are ethnic Russians,[24] some of whom (10.7% of Latvian residents[25]) have not gained citizenship, leaving them with no citizenship at all. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is €24.378 billion, as per 2015. Give feedback about this website or report a problem, Institutions, bodies & agencies – contact & visit details, The following link is a redirection to an external website, Public contracts in the EU – rules and guidelines, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in PPS, Current presidency of the Council of the EU, Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS), The European Data Protection Board (EDPB), Total EU spend in Latvia – € 1.212 billion, Total contribution to EU budget – 0.234 billion. [21] It ended with the Declaration on the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia on 4 May 1990 and restoring de facto independence on 21 August 1991. The festival is the biggest of its kind in the world and is held every two years in a different host city. Just over two-thirds of voters voted Yes and Latvia joined the EU on 1 May 2004. [165] As of 2015, Latvia is estimated to have the lowest male-to-female ratio in the world, at 0.85 males/female. This advisory body is consulted on proposed laws, to ensure these laws take account of the perspective from each region of the EU. Book your tour today. A referendum on European Union membership was held in Latvia on 20 September 2003. It is bordered by Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, Russia to the east, Belarus to the southeast, and shares a maritime border with Sweden to the west. Eastern Latvia was cleared of Red Army forces by Latvian and Polish troops in early 1920 (from the Polish perspective the Battle of Daugavpils was a part of the Polish–Soviet War). Latvia Highlights . Its capital is Riga and the official language is Latvian. [60] Elections were held with single pro-Soviet candidates listed for many positions. [113] Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB-8) is the joint co-operation of the governments of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden. Council meetings are regularly attended by representatives from the Latvian government, depending on the policy area being addressed. The largest city in Latvia is Riga, the second largest city is Daugavpils and the third largest city is Liepaja. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash. Summers have average temperatures of around 19 °C (66 °F), with extremes of 35 °C (95 °F). The peaceful Singing Revolution, starting in 1987, called for Baltic emancipation from Soviet rule and condemning the Communist regime's illegal takeover. The 19th century and beginning of the 20th century is often regarded by Latvians as a classical era of Latvian culture. By the spring of 1919, there were actually three governments: the Provisional government headed by Kārlis Ulmanis, supported by Tautas padome and the Inter-Allied Commission of Control; the Latvian Soviet government led by Pēteris Stučka, supported by the Red Army; and the Provisional government headed by Andrievs Niedra and supported by the Baltische Landeswehr and the German Freikorps unit Iron Division. RESIDENT POPULATION ON MARCH 1, 2011 BY ETHNICITY, SEX AND AGE GROUP", "THNICITIES OF RESIDENT POPULATION IN STATISTICAL REGIONS, CITIES UNDER STATE JURISDICTION AND COUNTIES BY LANGUAGE MOSTLY SPOKEN AT HOME; ON 1 MARCH 2011", "Referendum on the Draft Law 'Amendments to the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia, "Results of the referendum on the Draft Law 'Amendments to the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia, "Latvia pushes majority language in schools, leaving parents miffed", "Moscow threatens sanctions against Latvia over removal of Russian from secondary schools", "Government okays transition to Latvian as sole language at schools in 2019", "Statistics of approved parishes in Latvia", "Latvia's Healthcare System is Funded by General Taxation and All Latvians and Foreign Residents Are Guaranteed Medical Care | Find Articles at BNET", "Latvia has worst health care system in Europe :: The Baltic Course | Baltic States news & analytics", "Latvian Health Official Resigns Over Cuts", "The basic indicators of health care, at the end of the year", "The Baltic States and their health systems – From Soviet to EU", http://www.imc-cim.org/programmes/imc_diversity_report.pdf, "Typical Latvian Food and Drink Recipes. 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