Largest Cities in Latvia

Facts about Latvia

Official languages: Latvian, Russian, Lithuanian
Capital: Riga
Area: 64,589 km²
Population: 2.2 million residents
Population density: 34.34 residents per km²
Currency: LVL
Internet TLD: .lv
ISO codes: LV, LVA , 428
The country code for Latvia is +371

Flag of Latvia

The Latvian flag is composed of three horizontal stripes – two wider crimson ones at the top and bottom and a narrower white one in the middle. The flag is said to date back to the 13th century, when it was used as a war flag, making it one of the oldest in the world. The flag in its current form was designed in 1917 and was officially adopted as the national flag in 1921. During the times of Soviet rule, the flag was banned, but people sometimes used it as an expression of disapproval of this state. It was not adopted again until 1991, when Latvia became an independent state. The red color is said to symbolize the blood shed during the struggle for independence, and the white stripe signifies justice, truth and honor.

Latvia is located in north-eastern Europe, in the center of the Baltic region, and has been a member of the EU since 2005.  Although GDP growth has always been above 6% since 2000, Latvia remains at the bottom of the EU in terms of per capita income. The need to catch up is enormous.

Latvia is culturally influenced mainly by northern Europeans. The old towns have the typical elements common in the Hanseatic League. The current Latvian culture also has diverse relationships with Sweden and Finland, but above all with the northern German cultural area.

Biggest Cities of Latvia by Population

Latvia is a Baltic nation located in Northern Europe, with a population of over 2 million people. Its capital city is Riga which is the largest city in Latvia and home to more than 700,000 people. The city is known for its Art Nouveau architecture, vibrant culture and lively nightlife making it a popular destination for tourists.

Other major cities in Latvia include Liepaja located near the Baltic Sea and known as ‘the City of Wind’; Jelgava located near the Lielupe River and known as ‘the City of Agriculture’; or Daugavpils located on the eastern side of Latvia and known as ‘the City of Culture’.

Latvia also contains some smaller cities such as Ventspils located near the Gulf of Riga and home to many churches; Jekabpils located near the Daugava River and home to many museums; or Rezekne located on the eastern side of Latvia and known for its food production.

Throughout Latvia there are plenty of attractions to explore including castles, churches, museums, national parks, beaches and monuments. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as birdwatching or exploring forests or take part in water sports on Lake Lubans.

Latvia: Riga

The capital of Latvia is Riga. With 700,000 inhabitants, it is not only Latvia’s largest city, but also that of the Baltic States. Riga is famous for its beautiful Art Nouveau buildings. Art Nouveau is a style at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Riga lies in the center of the country on the Daugava and with the northernmost districts on the Baltic Sea, on the Riga Bay. The name is derived from the river Riege, which once flowed into the Daugava here and was later filled in.

Neighboring countries of Latvia

• Belarus
• Estonia
• Lithuania
• Russia