Latvia - Useful information for your trip

Latvia is a country in Northern Europe, with Riga as a capital city, it is a member of the European Union and is lapped by the Baltic Sea. Its territory is divided into three geographic regions: Courland, Livonia, Semigallia and Latgale. It is a heavily wooded country, with numerous glacial lakes, bogs and marshes. The coasts of the Baltic Sea are sandy and full of islands.

The land is generally flat, alternating with some hills. The highest point of the country is the Gaizina Kalns, with its 311 meters. The main river of Latvia is the Western Dvina. The climate is temperate cold, moderately influenced by the Baltic Sea. The winters are very harsh and summers cool and rainy.

As for the environment, about half of Latvia's territory is covered by forests rich in conifers and many varieties of flowers. Widespread is also the birch. Common wild animals are deer, roe deer, foxes, moose, beavers, wolves and some reindeer and white stork. Along the coast there are seals.

The dominant economic sector is mechanical engineering and transportation. Fishing also plays an important role for the Latvian economy, in addition to the production of furniture and textile sector. The transport network is well developed, with good road infrastructure, railway and maritime system on the Baltic Sea.

During a trip or vacation in Latvia, certainly interesting is the capital Riga, full of churches, monuments and museums that recall the history of the country. Also worth visiting is the impressive castle of Turaida, Gauja national park for those who love nature, the peaceful lake Engure and Burtnieks lake for those who want to enjoy the beauty of northern landscapes.