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Latvia lies on the Eastern coast of the Baltic Sea, in between Estonia to the North, Lithuania to the South and Russia and Belarus to the East. It is as large in area as Belgium and the Netherlands together. It is a land of forests, plains, lakes, river valleys and white sandy beaches. The highest point is 311 meters. The climate is temperate with long, sunny and warm days in summer. The main river is the Daugava, which played an important role in trade. About one third of the population (747 000) lives in the capital city Riga and its surroundings. Other important cities are Daugavpils (113000), Liepaja (88000) and Jelgava (71000).

The Letts, who were Indo-European Balts, arrived around BC 2500 and gradually assimilated the Finno-Ugric Livs who had settled since 6000 BC. In ancient times, trade links (involving amber) existed with the Mediterranean world. By the 9th Century AD, trade routes and trade centres had developed with the river Daugava as an important link in the route from the Baltic Sea Region to the Black Sea. In 1201, German crusaders brought Christianity and were followed by traders, and a land owning class. Ports, cities and agriculture were developed. In 1282, Riga joined the Hanseatic League; and in the decades that followed, seven more Latvian towns joined the League. In the following centuries, Swedes, Poles and Russians have been present in Latvia or in parts of its territory. With the Great Northern War of 1700-1721 between Sweden and Russia, Tsar Peter gained control of the Eastern Baltic. Throughout these centuries, agriculture, trade and as of the 19th century also industry developed, making Latvia, and especially Riga, at times a prosperous territory.

In November 1918, after the end of World War I, Latvia proclaimed its independence which was recognized in a peace treaty with the Soviet Union in August 1920. A period of further and intense economic and cultural development followed which came to an end with World War II. In October 1939, Soviet troops arrived in Latvia, and as of June 1940, the country was effectively occupied. A year later, Nazi Germany took over until 1944-1945 when the Soviet regime was restored. During both occupations, many people were deported or fled, and economic structures were destroyed. After the war, Latvia became fully integrated in the Soviet Union and was subject to collectivization and central planning. As the country had a solid agricultural and industrial tradition, much of its production from collectivized farm and from new factories was destined for other parts of the Soviet Union. A significant migration took place and Russian became the predominant language. As a result, by the late eighties, native Latvians formed only just over half of the population. With the new policies and openness introduced by Mr Gorbatchev, the Soviet Republics, including Latvia, obtained i.a some economic autonomy and Latvian identity gradually manifested itself again.

Finally in August 1991, Latvia regained its independence. This was followed by the installation of democracy and of a market economy. An intensive co-operation emerged with democratic nations, including and foremost European Countries and the European Union. This process is leading to Latvia’s accession in 2004 to both NATO and the European Union.

Few Latvian artistic figures or works are internationally known. The country's literature was kickstarted in the 19th century with the writing of a national epic poem called Lacplesis (The Bear Slayer) by Andrejs Pumpurs, which was based on traditional folk tales. The giant of Latvian literature is Janis Rainis, whom Latvians claim might have enjoyed the acclaim of Shakespeare or Goethe had he written in a less obscure language.

Latvian verses known as dainas are often short and poetic and have been compared to the Japanese haiku. In the 19th century, great collections of folk lyrics and tunes were made by Krisjanis Barons. In fact, over 1.4 million folk lyrics and 30,000 tunes have been written down in Latvia.

The first major Latvian painter was Janis Rozentals, who painted scenes of peasant life and portraits in the early 20th century. Vilhelms Purvitis and Janis Valters were the outstanding landscape artists of the time. Karlis Rudevics, a leading figure in Latvia's Gypsy community, is known for his translations of Gypsy poetry and his striking paintings inspired by Gypsy legends.

Latvian is one of only two surviving languages of the Baltic branch of the Indo-European language family, and speakers of Latvian regard it as an endangered species. Just over half the people in the country speak it as their first language. The language spoken in east and west Latvia has dialectical differences from the standard Latvian spoken in the central portion of the country.

Latvians are descended from tribes such as the Letts (or Latgals), Selonians, Semigallians and Cours. In each of the country's seven largest cities, Latvians are outnumbered by Russians. Over 200,000 Latvians have emigrated, mainly to Australia, Canada, Germany, the UK and the USA.

Smoked foods - particularly fish - are popular in Latvia, as are dairy products, eggs, potatoes and grains. Smoked flounder, eel, herring and pilchards are staples of the country's diet, while specially preserved lampreys are a Latvian delicacy. Soups and sausage are also popular. In summer and autumn, fresh berry pies and tarts are abundant. Latvia's leading beer is Aldaris, but the concoction that prompts the most curiosity is Riga Black Balsam, a thick, jet-black, 45-proof mixture that tastes downright revolting. It's been produced only in Latvia since 1755.