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Latvia

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Latvia (Latvija), the pearl of the Baltic States, is the untrodden jackpot for a traveler yearning to explore Europe. Still undiscovered by the tourism masses, this sizzling Baltic country is poised to become the continent's next A-list star. A country in transition, hellbent on shedding its stalwart old-Soviet image, the Latvia of today is vibrant, enigmatic and altogether mesmerizing. Refreshingly unpretentious, Latvia manages to tantalize even the most jaded traveler. Many arrive expecting little and leave overwhelmed, certain they've uncovered long-buried treasure.

Bustling Rīga, with its pumping nightlife, cobbled streets and marvelous art-nouveau architecture is one of Eastern Europe's most fun cities. Away from the capital, the pace slows. Historic villages, miles from anywhere, sit frozen in time. Despite growing popularity, Latvia is still one of those places where you can embrace the unbeaten path and become an intrepid adventurer exploring virgin terrain. From crumbling castles in Sigulda, to Jūrmala and its alluring resorts on the edge of the ice-blue Baltic Sea, it's very easy to just get away. Summer is an especially magical time - twilight comes near midnight and is light again by 4 am. After long, dark winters, Latvians seem determined to soak up as much light as possible and the whole country exudes a frenetic, turbocharged energy. Beer gardens pop up in even the smallest villages and revelers slug pints well into the night. Its natural offerings are also a draw card, like Gauja National Park in Eastern Latvia, a pine-scented paradise.

It's hard to believe this tiny, vivacious nation shed its Russian stranglehold less than two decades ago because, despite years of intense suffering under Soviet and Nazi occupations, Latvia has a serenity and charm rarely found elsewhere in Europe.

This is Latvia's moment. Visit before everyone else does.

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General information

Capital:
Riga

Government:
Parliamentary Democracy

Currency:
Latvian lat (LVL)

Area:
64,589 sq km

Population:
2,223,000 (Oct 2009 est.)

Language:
Latvian (official), Russian (widely spoken, especially in Riga and Daugavpils), English (widely spoken in Riga)

Ethnic Groups:
Latvian 59.4%, Russian 27.5%, Belarusian 3.6%, Ukrainian 2.5%, Polish 2.31%, other 4.69%

Demonym:
Latvian

Religion:
Lutheran, Catholic, Muslim, Russian Orthodox, Jewish

Time Zone:
UTC +2

Drives on the:
Right

Electricity:
220V/50Hz (European plug)

Internet TLD:
.lv

Country Code:
371

International Access Code:
00