1. Latvia is home to over 12,000 rivers and 3,000 small lakes, making it one of the most water-rich countries in Europe.

Latvia is described as the Canada of Europe. Elk, beavers, otters, deer and bears live in the forests.

2. The capital city, Riga, has the highest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture in the world, with more than one-third of its buildings showcasing this ornate style. You will discover inns that have been popular for over 1,000 years.

3. Latvia’s forests cover nearly half of its territory, earning it the nickname “Land of Blue Lakes and Green Forests.”

4. The Latvian language is one of the two surviving Baltic languages, closely related to Lithuanian but significantly distinct from Slavic and Germanic languages.

5. Latvia’s traditional midsummer festival, Jāņi, is one of the most important holidays, celebrated with singing, dancing, bonfires, and wreath-making.

RIGHT: Author Michael Walsh at one of Riga’s oldest inns.

6. The Latvian Song and Dance Festival, held every five years, features thousands of participants and is a UNESCO-recognized cultural event.

7. Latvia has a unique tradition of designing mittens with intricate patterns that symbolize love, protection, and luck. These mittens are often given as gifts during weddings and special occasions.

8. The Gauja National Park is Latvia’s largest and oldest national park, known for its sandstone cliffs, caves, and dense forests.

9. The Baltic Sea coastline of Latvia stretches for 500 kilometres, offering pristine sandy beaches and charming seaside towns like Jurmala.

10. Latvia regained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 through the Singing Revolution, a series of peaceful protests marked by large-scale singing events.

11. The Daugava River, often referred to as the “River of Destiny,” has been a vital trade route for centuries, linking the Baltics to Central Europe.

12. Latvia is one of the world’s leading exporters of peat moss, used globally in horticulture and gardening.

13. The country’s wildlife includes rare species like lynx, wolves, and black storks, thriving in Latvia’s unspoiled natural habitats.

14. The Freedom Monument in Riga, unveiled in 1935, symbolizes Latvia’s independence and is one of the nation’s most iconic landmarks.

LATVIA: Dress appropriately for – 27C winters.

15. The Latvian diet is heavily influenced by seasonal and local ingredients, with traditional dishes like grey peas with bacon, rye bread, and smoked fish being staples of the cuisine.

16. It is estimated that 40 per cent of Latvia’s population is ethnically Russian.

17. Sigulda, situated about 70 km from Riga is dubbed ‘Little Switzerland’. PLEASE SHARE OUR STORIES

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