Tag Archives: Study in Latvia

Latvia, a republic on the Baltic Sea, in the Baltic States, a hilly country rich in lakes and forests. The most important branch of the economy is industry (especially the construction of radio sets, telephone systems, generators, agricultural machinery and wagons). The population consists of about 62% Latvians, 26% Russians, 3% Belarusians and 2% Ukrainians. According to COUNTRYAAH, Latvia is a nation in Northern Europe, the capital city of which is Riga. The latest population of Latvia is 1,886,209. MYSTERYAROUND: Lists and descriptions of main religions and beliefs in Latvia, including religion demographics and statistics on Christianity, Islam, Judaism, etc.

History: The Latgaller, Selenium and Semgaller tribes, who belong to the East Baltic peoples, settled in what is now Latvia in the 9th century. They were Christianized from the 12th century and subjected to the Order of the Brothers of the Sword and from 1237 to the Teutonic Order. After years of Polish rule, the country belonged to Russia from the end of the 18th century. The republic proclaimed in 1918 was eliminated in 1934 under Kārlis Ulmanis (1877–1942) and replaced by an authoritarian regime. In 1940 Latvia was annexed to the Soviet Union under Soviet pressure, from whose state association it broke away in 1991. Latvia has been a member of both the European Union and NATO since 2004. The euro was introduced in 2014.

Parliamentary elections took place on October 4th, 2014, in which the pro-Russian social democratic party »Harmony« became the strongest force in parliament with 23% of the vote and 24 seats. The party “Unity”, which the RP had joined, received 21.9% of the vote and 23 seats. The third strongest party was the »Union of Greens and Peasants« with 19.5% of the votes and 21 seats, followed by the National Alliance (13.9% of the votes and 17 seats). This gave the previous coalition 61 of the 100 parliamentary seats. L. Straujuma was able to continue the government work. On June 3, 2015, the parliament elected the previous Minister of Defense, R. Vējonis (ZZS), as the new President. He took over the office on 8 July 2015. Prime Minister L. Straujuma declared her resignation on December 7, 2015 due to tensions and resistance within the governing coalition. The new head of government was M. Kučinskis on February 11, 2016. In the parliamentary election on October 6, 2018, the center-right coalition was voted out. The fragmented parliament failed to form a government for three months. On January 23, 2019, Krišjānis Kariņš (*), previously a MEP, was elected Prime Minister. His liberal-conservative party Jaunā Vienotība is the smallest of the five parties that make up the ruling coalition. The reason for the longest formation of a government in the history of Latvia was the high number of parties elected to parliament and the passive role of the president. The pro-Russian party »Harmony« was the strongest party in the parliamentary elections with 19.8% of the vote and 23 seats, but could not find a coalition partner. The parliament elected the lawyer Egils Levits on May 29th, 2019 (*)as President after Vējonis had renounced a second term.

In terms of foreign policy, after regaining its sovereignty, Latvia primarily set a course for stronger ties to the West and the repressing of Russia’s influence. In 1995, Latvia was the first of the Baltic states to apply for EU membership (accession negotiations 2000–02). After NATO had offered Latvia membership in the alliance at its Prague summit in November 2002, the EU summit on 12/13 decided. 12. 2002 in Copenhagen, the country was accepted into the Community for 2004. On April 16, 2003, Latvia and nine other states signed the EU accession treaty in Athens. In the Latvian EU referendum on September 20, 2003, 67% of those entitled to vote voted for membership. On March 29, 2004, Latvia became a member of NATO; on May 1, 2004 it joined the EU. A border treaty between Latvia and Russia, which also regulates parts of the EU’s external border, was signed on March 27, 2007 (ratified by the Latvian Parliament in May 2007 and by the Russian State Duma in September 2007). In 2008 the Latvian Parliament ratified the Lisbon Treaty. The government’s successful economic policy in the course of the European financial and economic crisis since 2008 created the basis for introducing the euro on January 1, 2014. Against the background of the conflict in Ukraine and within the framework of NATO’s strategy of a higher advance presence (“Enhanced Forward Presence”), NATO decided to station a multinational unit in Latvia in 2017 under the leadership of Canada.

Rezekne, Latvia

Rezekne is the seventh largest city in Latvia and the cultural capital of Latgale, one of the country’s four historical regions. It is located in a beautiful valley between the two highest Latvian mountains and between the two largest lakes in Latvia. Check clothingexpress for information about visa to Latvia. The old architecture has been preserved… Read More »

Riga, Latvia

Riga is a very beautiful city. Its Central District has preserved a whole complex of old, very old and very ancient buildings that do not leave anyone indifferent. At the same time, Riga has always been a “big brother” in its small Baltic family. Compared to Tallinn or Vilnius, this city really gives the impression… Read More »

Food and Entertainment in Jurmala, Latvia

Cuisine and restaurants of Jurmala The national cuisine of Latvia is simple and hearty. Cabbage, potatoes, beans and gray peas are used in everyday dishes. The latter, cooked with smoked meats, is also served at Christmas. In the Latvian restaurants of Jurmala, this dish can be tasted at any time of the year. Of the… Read More »

Latvia Road Network

As of January 1, 2019, Latvia had a network of 70,936 kilometers of road, of which 55,049 kilometers are unpaved and only 15,388 kilometers are paved. The proportion of unpaved roads in Latvia is much higher than in the other Baltic states. The state highway network consists of 20,066 kilometers of road, of which 9,254… Read More »

Latvia Culture of Business

Subchapters: Introduction Addressing Business Meeting Communication Recommendations Public Holidays Introduction Latvia is an EU country, not too far from the Czech Republic. Business customs are therefore very similar to those in the Czech Republic, however cultural differences can be found in negotiations. Addressing How to reach business partners? In Latvia, it is addressed in written… Read More »

Latvia Basic Information

Basic information about the territory Subchapters: System of governance and political tendencies in the country Foreign policy of the country Population The system of governance and political tendencies in the country Country name: Republic of Latvia – Latvia for short Latvian: Latvijas Republika, abbreviated Latvija English: Republic of Latvia, abbreviated Latvia Country code: LV Political… Read More »

History of Latvia

According to historyaah, the first feudal principalities (Koknese, Jersika, Talava) on the territory of modern Latvia arose in the 10th-13th centuries. From Ser. 12th c. German merchants, soldiers and Catholic missionaries began to arrive there, and in 1201 Riga was founded as the capital of the archbishop. In 1205-14 the lands were captured by the… Read More »

IELTS Test Centers in Latvia

IELTS Testing Centres in Latvia In total, there are 3 test locations in Latvia that offer IELTS exams. You can select the one which is closer to you. There are two types of test format available for IELTS exams: paper-based or computer-delivered. For both formats, the Speaking Section is done with a real IELTS examiner… Read More »

GRE Test Centers in Latvia

GRE Testing Locations Decided to take GRE exam? Now it is time to determine where to take the test.  This site provides a full list of GRE testing centers in Latvia, among which, you can choose one that is nearest to you. Good news is that the following GRE test locations in Latvia offer both GRE… Read More »

SAT Test Centers and Dates in Latvia

According to the College Board, there are 2 test centers for SAT and SAT Subject Tests in Latvia. Please note that before you register either of the SAT exams, you should choose your test date and test location. Each testing location is affiliated with an educational institution, such as high school, community college, or university.… Read More »

GMAT Test Centers in Latvia

GMAT Testing Location We have found 1 GMAT test centre in Latvia, located in Riga. For specific test dates of 2019, please refer to the end of this page. Riga Business School (RBS) Skolas 11 Riga LV-1010 Latvia Phone: +371 67217921 Test Center Information Address of Riga Business School is 11 Skolas Street, Riga, LV –… Read More »

TOEFL Test Centers in Latvia

The TOEFL iBT test is offered in this location. The list below shows testing regions, fees and dates as of February 15, 2019, but availability may change when you register. Fees are shown in US$ and are subject to change without notice. To find the most up-to-date list of available test centers (including addresses), dates and times, click the button… Read More »