Latvia – News, History, and Current Affairs Hub

When talking about Latvia, a Baltic nation in Northern Europe with a population of roughly 1.9 million, Latvian as its official language, and the Euro as its currency. Also known as Republic of Latvia, it blends historic towns with a fast‑growing tech sector. Latvia sits on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, sharing borders with Estonia, Russia, Belarus and Lithuania. Its landscape is a mix of low‑lying plains, dense forests, and over 2,000 lakes, making outdoor recreation a big part of daily life. The country’s modern identity is rooted in independence movements that regained sovereignty in 1991, after decades under Soviet rule. Since then, the nation has focused on digital transformation, positioning itself as a regional leader in e‑government services and fintech innovation.

One of the most recognizable symbols of the country is its capital, Riga, the largest city in the Baltics, known for its Art Nouveau architecture, bustling market squares, and a thriving cultural scene. Riga also hosts the annual Riga International Film Festival, drawing filmmakers from across Europe. As a major port city, it connects the Baltic Sea to the inland rail network, boosting trade for the whole region. Latvia’s membership in the European Union, a political and economic union of 27 European countries that coordinates policies on trade, law, and security has opened doors for investment, student exchanges, and collaborative research projects. Being part of the EU also means that Latvia adopted the Euro in 2014, joining the Eurozone and gaining the price stability and cross‑border payment ease that come with a single currency.

The three Baltic States—Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania—form a tight‑knit regional bloc that works together on energy security, digital infrastructure, and defense. All three are NATO members, which ties their security policies to a broader transatlantic alliance. Latvia’s economy leans heavily on services, especially logistics, information technology, and tourism. In recent years, the country has seen a surge in startup activity, with Riga’s TechHub incubating more than 150 companies focused on AI, blockchain, and clean tech. Despite its small size, Latvia punches above its weight in cultural exports, from folk music ensembles to the internationally acclaimed director Jānis Streičs. Understanding how these pieces fit together—geography, EU integration, Baltic cooperation, and a modern digital push—helps readers see why Latvia is more than just a point on a map. Below you’ll find a curated collection of articles that dive into the latest events, in‑depth analyses, and human stories shaping Latvia today.