Latvia has retained the title of tourist state for many years. Thanks to many interesting places, preserved folk culture, architectural sights of old towns and the warm coast of the Baltic Sea, thousands of tourists visit Latvia every year. Despite the socio-economic development, the country has preserved picturesque landscapes and natural assets such as mineral springs, hundreds of clean lakes and various historical monuments.
Geography of Latvia
According to collegesanduniversitiesinusa, Latvia is located in the northeastern part of Europe and borders the Baltic Sea. The state borders with Russia from the east, Estonia from the north, and Belarus and Lithuania from the south. Almost the entire territory of the country lies on the plains and lowlands, and the highest point is Gaizinkalns 311 meters. Almost half of the country (44%) is forested, and thanks to the many water bodies (12,000 rivers and 3,000 lakes) it provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
Capital
Riga
Area
The area of Latvia is 64.589 km2. sq., occupies the 124th place in the world by area.
Population
2,245,357 people.
Currency
The state currency is lats (LVL).
Language
The official language is Latvian.
Visa to Latvia
Latvia is part of the countries participating in the Schengen Agreement, so residents of the CIS who want to visit Latvia need a visa. A visa is not required if you already have a valid Schengen visa in your passport. Tourists need to obtain a category C visa, which is given for visiting relatives and friends, as well as short-term business visits and tourism. When traveling with a child, a separate questionnaire will be entered for him, in which a photograph will be pasted and to which a full package of documents is attached, regardless of whether the child is entered in the parent’s passport or not. If the child is under 14 years old at the time of departure, then a separate visa is pasted into the passport of one of the parents, and children over 14 years old need their own passport. The consular fee for a category C visa is 35 euros, but if you need it urgently,
Weather in Latvia
The entire territory of the country is characterized by a temperate climate, which changes from maritime to continental. In January, the average temperature is -2 +7 C, and in the hottest month (July) – +16 +18 C. Most of the precipitation falls in winter and reaches 500-800 mm per code. The swimming season most often falls from late June to August, although the weather here can be changeable. The most comfortable time to travel around the country is from April to October, and the beach season opens in summer when the sea warms up.
Transport
Urban transport in Latvia is represented by buses, trolleybuses, trams and taxis, including shuttles. Public transport runs until 24.00, and after that only some fixed-route taxis and duty buses run on the night route. For all types of transport, the payment is the same – 70 santims, you must pay for the journey at the entrance. When buying a ticket in a special kiosk, its cost will be 50 santims and it will be necessary to “break through” it – attach it to a special electronic device in the bus. Travel tickets are also available, but they are valid only in one mode of transport. For tourists, a special discount card “Riga Card” is considered to be a convenient way to pay for the fare, which can be for both adults and children. In addition, “Riga Card” allows you to travel by trams free of charge, trolleybuses and trains to Jurmala. In Riga there are only “organized” taxis, there are practically no private ones. You can order a taxi both by phone and find it at hotels and other public places. The cost of 1 km during the day is 0.3 lats, and at night – 0.4 lats, the landing is also added to the cost – 1 lats.
Currency exchange in Latvia
As of August 2011, the national currency rate is 1 USD = 0.48 LVL. The national currency is the lat, which is equal to 100 centimes. Most banks work on weekdays from 09.00 to 16.30, and large banks can work until 17.00-19.00. The exchange is carried out in banks, railway stations, hotels and post offices. Exchange is possible without presentation of documents in any size. Traveler’s checks can only be accepted at large banks in tourist areas, and traveler’s checks cannot be used in other places. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops.
Electricity
220V/50Hz (European sockets).
Religion
The majority of the population are Protestants (Lutherans) and Catholics, there is also a Russian Orthodox minority.
Security
Criminogenic situation in Latvia is quite calm. It is safe to move around the city at night, the only exceptions are railway stations and port areas. In Riga and Jurmala you can drink tap water, in other areas it is advisable to use bottled water.
Health
You must have an insurance policy. Vaccinations and vaccinations are not required upon entry into the country. In local pharmacies, only the simplest medicines are sold without a prescription.
