Why Latvia?

Music and Dance.

Although Latvia is a small country, it is big in terms of music and dance. Music played a crucial role in the movement towards independence in late 80s. The Nationwide Song and Dance Celebration is the greatest performance in our country, recognized by UNESCO as a treasure of world culture.

Language.

Latvian is the official state language of Latvia. Latvian belongs to the Baltic branch of the Indo-European language family. Rooted in Sanskrit, it is one of Europe’s most ancient languages.

Performing Art.

Latvians love theatre. Theatre directors and actors are opinion leaders. The grand Latvian National Opera and Ballet in Riga offers top-class opera and ballet performances, as well as original Latvian productions.

Cuisine.

Latvians enjoy eating and food is the central element of almost any celebration. Because of the northern climate and the hard work farmers and fishermen used to do, our traditional food is filling and nourishing. There are influence from many different national cuisines.

Midsummer Festival.

The most beloved Latvian celebration is the Summer Solstice, also known as Ligo or Jāņi. This holiday brings us back to nature as we leave the city and get together in the countryside. Women wear flower crowns, while men have crowns made of oak leaves. We sing songs, dance around and jump over bonfires, celebrating until the sunrise.

Name days.

Flowers and small gifts are given to people whose names are inscribed on specific dates on the calendar. These occasions are just as important as birthdays.

Cemetery Festivals.

Although it may sound strange, Latvians love their Cemetery Festivals (Kapu svētki). This is an occasion for families to gather and remember departed loved ones at ancestral graveyards.

Regional landmarks.

Latvia has beautiful wooden architecture outside Riga in Kuldiga, Cesis and Jūrmala, military heritage in Daugavpils and Liepāja, medieval castles in Cēsis, Bauska and Turaida, classical palaces in Rundāle and Mežotne, and modern concert halls in Liepāja and Rēzekne.

Exports.

Latvia’s main exports are wood and wood products, machines and electrical equipment, metals and metal articles, and products of the chemical industries. Some export brands from Latvia: Grindeks, Laima, Latvijas Balzams, Baltic Block, Valpro, Mikrotik, Printful, Mintos, Tilde, MILZU!, Lauma Lingerie, Madara Cosmetics, UPB.

Start-up ecosystem.

Latvia is one of Europe’s entrepreneurial hotspots, a start-up friendly country to invent and create in. The Start-up Law includes a special tax regime. More and more international start-up events are happening in Latvia, for example, TechChill and the Digital Freedom Festival.

Latvian character.

Although a typical Latvian is not an open book, with time we become warm and loyal friends. We are more Northern Europeans than Eastern Europeans – a bit reserved, taciturn and hardworking.

The Latvian lifestyle.

Latvians have a strong connection with nature which is an important part of our lifestyle. Latvians have historically lived in farmsteads, and today many of us have a house somewhere in the countryside. We are great patriots of our small but lovely country.

Forests.

With over 44% of its territory covered by forests, a vast network of free-flowing rivers and thousands of lakes, Latvia is one of Europe’s best-preserved havens for wildlife. Latvia is the fourth most forested country in Europe. Almost half of all state forests are covered with pine trees.

The sea.

Latvia is famous for its beautiful coastline along the Baltic Sea, stretching for about 500 km. It has stunning white sand beaches as well as rocky beaches near Tūja, north of Riga. The resort town of Jūrmala is just 20 minutes’ drive from Riga. Liepaja and Ventspils also have great beaches accessible to university students.

Wildlife.

Latvia is a safe and unpolluted home for wildlife. White and black storks, deer, lynxes, wolves, as well as amphibians such as frogs, toads and newts are common in Latvian forests, waterways and meadows.