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Facts about Latvia

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Facts about Latvia

Area: 64,589 km² or 24,937 km².
Regions: Kurzeme, Zemgale, Vidzeme, Latgale.
Total length of the national border: 1,862 km.
Length of the Latvian Baltic Sea coast: 494 km.
Population: 2,272,300
Borders with: Estonia, Russia, Belarus and Lithuania.

Brief history of Latvia
The Republic of Latvia was established on November 18, 1918 (November 18 is a national holiday and the day of the proclamation of Latvia's independence). After the end of the struggle for freedom in 1920, several countries recognized the independence of Latvia de jure, and 16 foreign missions were set up in Riga. Latvia lost its independence in 1940 after the start of World War II. It was first occupied by the Soviet Union (from 1940 to 1941). Then came the occupation by Nazi Germany (from 1941 to 1945). However, the Soviet Union regained power and reoccupied Latvia (from 1945 to 1991). As a result of Gorbachev's reforms, Latvia declared de facto the restoration of its independence on August 21, 1991. It restored international diplomatic relations and joined the United Nations (UN).

The name Latvia comes from the ancient Latgalians, one of the four Indo-European tribes who, along with Semigallians, Couronians and Selonians, were involved in the ethnogenesis of the Latvians.

Flag of Latvia
The flag of Latvia with three horizontal stripes, the colors of which are maroon and white, is one of the oldest flags in the world, dating back to the events in the city of Cēsis in the 13th century. According to legend, a fatally wounded military leader was wrapped in a white sheet with his sword, and the blood stained both edges of the sheet. After the leader's death, this leaf was used as a flag in the next battle that led the Latvians to victory. The design of the Latvian flag is officially adopted and provided for in the Constitution of Latvia - Satversme.

Geography of Latvia and neighboring countries
Latvia is the central country of the Baltic States and is located in north-eastern Europe. Latvia's territory, the terrain of which was formed during the Ice Age, consists of rich lowlands in the plains and temperate hills. Most of it is less than 100 meters below sea level. Latvia has a vast network of rivers and lakes made up of more than twelve thousand rivers and approximately two thousand lakes. All over Latvia there are pine forests, dunes and white sandy beaches. The sea along the Latvian coast is very shallow and the Gulf of Riga is no deeper than 26 meters. The highest mountain in Latvia is Gaiziņkalns (312 m). Latvia's neighbors are Estonia, Latvia, Russia and Belarus, and Latvia's strategic location facilitates the development of trade and culture.

Climate in Latvia
Latvia lies in the temperate climatic zone and its climate is influenced by the proximity of the sea and air masses from the Atlantic. Latvia has four different seasons. The summers are mild, but the winters - moderately cold; The humidity is relatively high and there is frequent rainfall. The average temperature in summer is 15.8 ° C and in winter - -4.5 ° C. The temperature records were accordingly 36.4 ° C and -43.2 ° C. The weather in Latvia is characterized by frequent changes in air masses , as 170 fronts cross the area in February, July and October. These fronts are accompanied by strong winds, responsible for the maximum occurrence of snowstorms in February, for the high levels of precipitation and thunderstorms in July, and for the strong winds, even storms, in October.

Nature of Latvia
With more than 44% of its territory covered by forests and the vast network of rivers and thousands of lakes, Latvia is one of the best preserved sanctuaries for various wild animals. More than 27,000 species of flora and fauna live under natural conditions in areas that are still relatively untouched by humans. Many rare species, for example black storks and less spotted eagles, live in their habitats, which are mixed forests, swamps, and meadows. Latvia is also densely populated by otters, beavers, lynx and wolves, as well as large numbers of deer, elk, fox and wild boar. It is an interesting place for ornithologists and other bird watchers, especially the coastal and wetlands during the migration periods, as well as for hunters during the official hunting seasons.

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