Helena's+Europe+Project

=Latvia= toc

Latvia is a Baltic country of Eastern Europe with a beautiful landscape, rich history, and diverse and vibrant culture. Broad plains and forests are spread throughout the land. Because of the flat terrain, Latvia has been an effortless nation for others to conquer and has spent most of its history under foreign rule. In 1990, Latvia gained its independence after a long struggle for freedom. Today, Latvia's capital, Riga, is a major tourist destination, and Latvia's lively culture shines through every person, town, and city.

=Geography=

Latvia is a Baltic country of Eastern Europe, lying between Estonia and Lithuania and bordering the Baltic Sea. In terms of size, Latvia is slightly larger than West Virginia at 64,589 square kilometers. Its terrain is mostly composed of fertile, low-lying plains, but there are some low hills in the east. Because of these fertile plains, agricultural areas cover about about 30% of the land. However, farming is difficult in Latvia due to its wet climate. Much of its farmland is too wet and needs to be drained before if is useful.

Almost half of Latvia's land is occupied by forests. Wood is one of its major natural resources due to these forests. Latvia has many important rivers running through it as well as small lakes and swamps dotting the countryside. Rivers including the Daugavo, Gauja, and Lielupe are important in producing hydroelectric power. Since Latvia's independence, there have been improvements in service industries that benefit the environment such as drinking water quality and waste management. However, Latvia still struggles to reduce air and water pollution. Latvia's beautiful forests and fertile plains are key features that make it a wonderful destination.

History
Throughout its history, Latvia has been a popular nation for others to conquer, but, despite its past, Latvia recently gained independence in 1990. The first people to conquer Latvia were German crusaders sent by the pope in 1200 AD. They were sent to convert the Baltic tribes who lived there to Christianity, but instead they conquered the land from the native people. They established a settlement on the coast of the Baltic Sea. This settlement became Riga, the capital of Latvia. Latvia remained under German rule until 1561, when Poland conquered the southeastern part of the country.

From 1621 through 1919, Latvia was under the rule of Russia, Sweden, Austria, Poland, and Germany. In 1919, Latvia declared its independence from foreign rule, and in 1921, it joined the League of Nations. Latvia suffered the global depression of the 1930s and was given to Communist Russia in 1939, when German Nazis and Russians divided Eastern Europe. However, the territory was immediately taken by German Nazis in 1941. Latvia was under Nazi rule for much of World War II, and many Latvian Jews were killed. When the war began to lean away from Nazi victory, Russia recaptured Riga in 1944. Latvia remained under Communist rule until 1987 when Communism began to fall. Latvia declared its independence in 1990. Its economy has been growing steadily since its independence. Although Latvia's road to independence was a long one, the nation has grown into a successful country with a rich and vibrant culture.

Cultural Arts
Whether visitors are touring a museum, walking through markets selling hand-made crafts, listening to a folk story, or celebrating Janis day, they are experiencing a part of the diverse and vibrant culture of Latvia. Being on the border of Western and Eastern cultures and having a history of foreign rule, Latvia's culture mixes with that of many other nations. Nations including Russia, Germany, Poland, Sweden, Lithuania, and Estonia have left large footprints in Latvian culture. Latvia's capital of Riga is a major center of European Culture. Those who are interested in music and performing arts enjoy going to the Latvian Opera and Ballet in Riga. There, they experience excellent opera and ballet performances in an architectural masterpiece. Many opera stars launched their careers through this extraordinary theater.

Latvia was nicknamed the "singing nation" because of its love of folk songs and music. The Summer Solstice holiday of Jani is a lively, hectic, and joyous holiday where Latvians celebrate their heritage including folk songs (dainas), dancing, mythology, and traditional fashion. Pop, jazz, opera, and rock are also popular music styles in Latvia. Visitors learn about Latvian art and history through touring beautiful museums. Latvian favorites include the History of Riga and Navigation, Latvian War Museum, and Latvian National Museum of Art. Latvia's beautiful music, dance, and art give anyone who steps over the border a taste of the nation's colorful culture.