Latvia
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Capital
Riga
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Local time
8:51
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Population
1.94 m
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Driving side
Right
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Calling code
+371
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Currency
€ EUR (euro)
Latvia
-
Capital
Riga
-
Local time
8:51
-
Population
1.94 m
-
Driving side
Right
-
Calling code
+371
-
Currency
€ EUR (euro)
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Average Salary
$ 713
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Petrol price
€ 1.48 pl
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Precipitation
641mm /year
Geography & travel
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Country Area
64 589 km2
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Protected Area
18%
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Forest Area
54%
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Agricultural area
30%
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Railways
1860km
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Annual air passengers
2.88 m
Population
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Ethnicity
Latvian - 57 %
Russian - 29 %
Belorussian - 4 %
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Religion
Lutheran
Roman Catholic
Russian Orthodox
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Literacy rates
99.9%
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Languages
Latvian
Russian
Lithuanian
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Armed Forces
5 310
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Murders
4 per 100k
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Alcohol consumption
10.6 l/person
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Smoking
48.9%
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Diabetes
5.4%
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Tuberculosis
41 per 100k
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HIV
0.7%
Economy
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Industries
processed foods, processed wood products, textiles, processed metals, pharmaceuticals, railroad cars, synthetic fibers, electronics
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Agriculture
grain, rapeseed, potatoes, vegetables, pork, poultry, milk, eggs, fish
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Natural Resources
peat, limestone, dolomite, amber, hydropower, timber, arable land
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Energy Import
45%
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Natural Resources
peat, limestone, dolomite, amber, hydropower, timber, arable land
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Renewable Energy
40%
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CO2 Emissions
6 975kt
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Ease of Business
19 (Best=1, Worst=200)
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ATMs per 100k people
63
What not to do when visiting Latvia
Latvia Don’t refer Latvians as Russians.
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Latvia Don't forget to greet elders and women first.
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Latvia Don’t be surprised people are more reserved at the beginning - they warm up after time.
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Did you know?
There is a very special hotel in Latvia. The Karosta ‘prison-hotel’ promotes itself with the slogan, ‘be a prisoner for a day’ and treats its guests accordingly. Before you are taken to your cell, you have to sign a form stating that you agree to be treated accordingly.
Latvia Don't be surprised to hear Latvians singing after a meal.
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Latvia Don’t show emotions or overly loud voices in public.
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Latvia Don’t interrupt someone while speaking.
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Latvia Don't point with a single finger - use the whole hand instead.
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Europe Don’t forget to handshake when greeting (men). Women usually greet with light kisses on both cheeks (”air kisses” where you just touch cheeks and kiss the air), a handshake is common on first meeting. Eye contact is important.
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Did you know?
Latvia has the lowest male to female ratio out of any country in the world.
Europe Don't smack or slurp - it's not appreciated.
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Europe Don't avoid eye contact business and personal conversations. It's a sign of courtesy.
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Northern Europe Don't forget to disrobe completely before you sauna - bring a towel (only) if you are shy.
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Europe Don't enter buses, trains or similar before everyone who wants to get out has done so.
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Tell us your experience
We love to hear from people who have travelled the world and know ‘what not to do’. Why not help other people on their travels?
Europe Don't forget to wear reflectors when riding a bike or walking at dark.
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