Several eastern Baltic tribes merged in medieval times to form the ethnic core of the Latvian people (ca. 8th-12th centuries A.D.). The region subsequently came under the control of Germans, Poles, Swedes, and finally, Russians. A Latvian republic emerged following World War I, but it was annexed by the USSR in 1940 – an action never recognized by the US and many other countries. Latvia reestablished its independence in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status of the Russian minority (some 26% of the population) remains of concern to Moscow. Latvia acceded to both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004; it joined the euro zone in 2014.
Latvia Tourism Information
Official Tourism Site
Other Sites
The Best of Latvia
Here is a break down of some of the most interesting and visited places. Cities or areas listed will always have more than just one thing see and do. With the popular cities or areas we list some of the best known, which should go on everyone’s, must see list when they visit.
The Regions of Latvia…
Kurzeme
- Providences:
- Cities:
- Towns:
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- Others Sights & Attractions:
Latgale
- Providences:
- Cities:
- Towns:
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- Others Sights & Attractions:
Riga region
- Providences:
- Cities:
- Towns:
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- Others Sights & Attractions:
Vidzeme
- Providences:
- Cities:
- Towns:
- Villages:
- Others Sights & Attractions:
Zemgale
- Providences:
- Cities:
- Towns:
- Villages:
- Others Sights & Attractions:
| Rundale Palace & Museum-Bauska Cēsis Gauja National Park Jūrmala Dzintari Forest Park Jūrmala Beach Kuldiga Latgale Liepāja Rïga Central Market Freedom Monument Old Town Vecriga St. Peter’s Church Town Hall Sqaure Vermanes park Turaida Castle-Sigulda Ventspils |