MOST INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT LATVIA

Nestled in the heart of northeastern Europe, is the peaceful nation of Latvia. It is bordered by Estonia, Lithuania, Belarus, and Russia. Measuring just 64,589 km² in area (122nd in the world), this tiny nation is covered with much beauty. Lush green vegetations cover the landscape. Its forest, covering 56% of the total land area, are homes to woodpeckers, cranes, gulls, badgers, squirrels, rabbits, lynxes, deers, attic foxes, elk, beavers and lots more. Let’s see 11 facts about Latvia that will make your vacation even more worthwhile.

1. LATVIA IS A VERY OLD COUNTRY

Though Latvia gained its independence in 1918, its history dates as far back as 900 AD. The country’s flag which was designed in 1279 is one of the oldest flags in the world. If you take a walk along Latvian streets, you will find lots of medieval buildings, and cafes, some dating back to the 12th century.

2. ONE OF THE WORLD’S GREENEST COUNTRIES.

Latvia’s abundant forests are not only magical, but they are also a thriving home to numerous plants, and animals, some are endangered. The forests are home to badgers, lynxes, squirrels, rabbits, arctic foxes, beers, beavers, deer’s, hedgehogs, weasels, and lots more. Blackbirds, owls, nightingales, orioles, larks, quails, black storks, corncrakes, lesser-spotted eagles, and Ural owls are abundant in Latvia.

With 56% of Latvia’s total land area, Latvia is one of the greenest countries in the world, a position Latvia is very proud of. Latvia has 12,500 rivers, of which 2,500 are more than 2.5 acres. Along its 500 km of coastline, are white sandy beaches, of which most of them are unspoiled. There are 706 specially state-level protected natural areas in Latvia: four national parks, one biosphere reserve, 42 nature parks, nine areas of protected landscapes, 260 nature reserves, 4 strict nature reserves, 355 nature monuments, seven protected marine areas and 24 micro reserves. Your visit to Latvia is incomplete without a hike through Latvia’s enchanting forests.

3. THRIVING WILDLIFE

4. LATVIAN WOMEN ARE AMONG THE TALLEST IN THE WORLD.

The average Latvian woman is 169.79 cm (5ft 6.84 inches), and the average Latvian man is 5ft 11 inches tall, making them one of the tallest people in the world. Don’t be intimidated by their height, Latvians are very peaceful, and friendly people.

4. RIGA IS A CENTER OF Art

The old city of Riga is a UNESCO Heritage site. Though its 15th century churches helped it gain this status, however, it is the Art Nouveau architecture that makes Latvia special. Over 800 art Nouveau buildings spreads across the city of Riga.

5. LATVIANS HAVE A CLOSE-KNIT RELATIONSHIP WITH BEER.

Beer is an integral part of Latvia’s culture, and Latvians love to drink beer. Little wonder, they have one of the highest beer consumption rate in Europe. Latvia’s enriching, dark beer, are a delight to the palates. Grab a bottle when you visit.

Latvia is also one of the only countries where you can enjoy a beer spa. Proven to cure skin wrinkles, a beer spa involves dipping yourself in a bath tub filled with beer, brewers grain, and hops for maximum relaxation.

6. THE FAMED JEANS WAS INVENTED BY A LATVIAN.

Jacob W. Davis (Jakobs Juffess), a Latvian tailor who emigrated to the US is the inventor of the famous jean wear. He made his first pair at the request of a customer, and soon, he was becoming famous. Together with his fabric supplier Levi Strauss, they patented the jeans. To make their product unique, they added an orange seam, which can still be found iin Levi jeans today.

7. ICE HOCKEY IS THE MOST POPULAR SPORT IN LATVIA

Latvians are huge Ice-hockey fans. In fact, ice-hockey is the national sport of Latvia. Though, the national team haven’t won much trophies, they are the 10th best in the world.

8. LATVIANS ARE BASKETBALL LOVERS

If there’s something a Latvian may love more than ice-hockey, then it must be basketball. Basketball is the second most famous sport in Latvia, and the country has some players in the NBA. Kristaps Porzingis is the most famous Latvian male basketballer currently. The most famous female is Ujana Semjonova.

If there’s something a Latvian may love more than ice-hockey, then it must be basketball. Basketball is the second most famous sport in Latvia, and the country has some players in the NBA. Kristaps Porzingis is the most famous Latvian male basketballer currently. The most famous female is Ujana Semjonova.

9. LATVIA HAS ONE OF THE FASTEST INTERNET SPEED IN EUROPE.

Latvia has the 5th fastest internet speed among EU member states. Latvian households has 90.7 % high speed internet coverage overall. There are lots of free wi Fi in the country too. So, don’t worry about posting your pictures on Instagram, Latvia has got you covered.

10. SINGING, AND DANCING IS A MAJOR PART OF LATVIA’S CULTURE.

Singing, and dancing are a crucial part of Latvia’s culture. Once, every 5 years, the Latvian song and dance celebration is held. This weeklong event attracts 43,000 Latvians from 118 municipalities. Latvians, home and abroad, together with visitors alike, throng to Riga to enjoy, and participate in a showcase of National Heritage.

This festival been included in UNESCO list of masterpieces of the oral and intangible Heritage of humanity. In July, 2023, the 27th edition of the Sing and Dance festival, will be held. This is a good time to visit “The land that sings”

11. THE FAMOUS SNACK, PRINGLES, WAS INVENTED BY A LATVIAN.

That’s right. The jeans isn’t the only invention made by a Latvian. Pringles snack was invented by Alexsandrs Liepa. He also invented a machine that enabled the mass production of the snack. So, when next you have a taste of Pringles, think of Latvia.

What fact about Latvia interests you the most? Share in the comment section. Until my next post, “un redzesonas” (goodbye in Latvian).