1. The Latvian flag is one of the oldest in the world. The first mentions of it appeared in the 13th century.
2. Official official language- Latvian.
3. Only Lithuanian is a related language to the Latvian language.
4. In the territory of Eastern Latvia, in Latgale, the Latgalian dialect is widespread.
5. Most often used when communicating with foreigners English language. German and French are spoken less frequently.
6. The national stone of Latvia is amber, the bird is the white wagtail.
7. Also the symbol of Latvia is the crane.
8. There are 109 regions and only 9 republican cities in Latvia.
9. The population of Latvia is 63% Latvians, 27% Russians, 3% Belarusians, as well as Ukrainians, Poles, Lithuanians, and Jews.
10. Since 1999, Latvia has been a member of the WTO, since 2004 a member of NATO and European Union, and since 2007 a member of the Schengen Agreement.
11. In 2014, Latvia switched to the euro.
12. Riga is the largest city in the Baltic countries.
13. There is no metro in Riga, although construction was planned in Soviet times.
14. National currency - lat. For a long time was one of the most expensive currencies in the world. 1 lat = $0.5 or?0.7. Banknotes started from five lats, smaller only in coins.
15. In Latvia there is a category of citizens called stateless persons. And there is even such a passport (alien’s passport).
16. The Latvian language has seven cases and two genders, and the stress in most Latvian words falls on the first syllable.
17. In 1999, Vaira Vike-Freiberga became the President of Latvia - the first female president in Eastern Europe.
18. Travel on public transport costs?0.60. You can buy for several trips, then travel will be cheaper. Public transport equipped with air conditioning and runs on schedule. Each stop has a traffic pattern and timetable.
19. Old Riga is included in the UNESCO list of cultural attractions.
21. In Latvia, just like in Estonia, they pay the so-called parental salary - how much you earned before going on maternity leave is what you will be paid for a year and a half after the birth of the child.
22. Latvia has a professional army; it numbers only about six thousand military personnel.
23. Latvia celebrates Independence Day on November 18.
24. Riga is the birthplace of one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe.
25. Latvia has a long tradition of brewing. The brewery in Cesis is considered one of the oldest in Northern Europe. The first mentions date back to 1590.
26. Many films were filmed in Riga: “Seventeen Moments of Spring”, “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes”, “Long Road in the Dunes”, “The Shield and the Sword”, “The Prisoner of the Chateau d'If”, “A Purely English Murder” and many others.
27. The most popular and famous resort in Latvia - Jurmala - is the venue for such concerts as “New Wave”, “Voting KiViN”, “Jurmalina”.
28. Most Old city Latvia - Ludza. The first chronicles date back to 1177.
29. Latvia is located in Northern Europe, and not in Eastern Europe, as is commonly believed.
30. The tallest building in Latvia is “Z-Towers”, 135 meters. The tallest building in Latvia and the third tallest in Europe is the Riga TV and Radio Tower (368.5 meters).
31. Latvia (in the 17th century, the Principality of Courland) had colonies in Africa and the Caribbean.
32. In 2003, the Eurovision Song Contest was held in Riga.
33. In 2006, Latvia became the first post-Soviet state to host a NATO summit.
34. The 2006 World Hockey Championship was held in Riga.
35. Riga Central Market is the largest in the Baltics and one of the largest in Europe, with an area of 72,000 m². It is also included in the UNESCO list of cultural sites.
36. The pavilions of the central market are former hangars for airships.
37. One of the most popular holidays among Latvians - Ligo - is celebrated on June 23-24 on the day summer solstice and is accompanied folk festivals. According to tradition, the most short night The year should be spent around the fire, staying awake, singing songs and enjoying traditional dishes - cheese with cumin and beer. During the holiday period, 5% of total beer consumption per year is drunk in Latvia.
38. There are a lot of types of beer in Latvia; there is simply no tasteless beer here.
39. Alcohol can be purchased in stores only until 22:00.
40. Ventas rumba (Kuldyga) - the widest waterfall in Europe. (249 meters)
41. Forests occupy almost 50% of the entire territory of the country.
42. The three stars on the coat of arms of Latvia and in the hands of the woman Freedom symbolize the three regions of Latvia - Kurzeme-Zemgale, Vidzeme and Latgale.
43. The flag of Latvia is often confused with the flag of Austria.
44. In Latvia there are two students per capita - this is one of the highest rates in the world.
45. Latvia is the only one of the Baltic republics that has a circus.
46. In Riga there are exemplary buildings built in the art nouveau style.
47. The Dartz Motorz company from Riga produces the world's most expensive armored SUVs under the Prombron brand.
48. There are more women than men in Latvia.
49. Russia in Latvia is called Krievia from the name of the Krivichi tribe.
50. Gray peas with lard are, of course, the most important Latvian dish; herring with cottage cheese and sour cream is one of the most unusual dishes.
51. In the Latvian calendar memorable days more than holiday ones.
52. Riga Airport is the largest in the Baltics.
53. Latvia is one of the top 10 fastest Internet countries in the world.
54. There is no official religion in the country, but the majority of the believing population are Lutherans.
55. 99.9% of the country is covered by a GSM network. About 80% is a 4G network, and the fee is very small. Everything is without a limit, connecting to all networks costs about? 10–15 per month.
56. In Latvia there is a law banning smoking in public places, prohibiting smoking within ten meters of a public place.
57. The tax on tobacco products is 80% of their cost.
58. By environmental safety Latvia ranks second in the world.
59. The country is very high level Literacy among adults: 99.8% received secondary education.
60. Average duration Life expectancy for men is about 77 years, and for women - 82 years.
61. Riga is home to SSE (Stockholm School of Economics), one of the top 20 universities in Europe in the field of economics and finance, according to the Financial Times.
62. Latvia boasts large deposits natural resources- limestone, peat, dolomite and amber.
63. One of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the Baltics is located in Latvia.
64. There are more than a million songs in Latvian folklore - they are called dainas.
65. Riga is home to one of the oldest museums in Latvia - the Museum of Nature, one of the five best technical museums Europe - the Riga Motor Museum, the only Porcelain Museum and the Aviation Museum in the Baltic countries. And also the only Museum of the Sun in the world.
66. Janis and Liga are traditional Latvian names.
67. Valentine's Day and Halloween are very popular in Latvia.
68. In 2015, Riga will host Euro Pride - a parade of European sexual minorities.
69. Latvians were the first to make a whole unique show out of wind tunnel flights, earning worldwide attention thanks to their participation in the closing ceremony Olympic Games in Turin.
70. In 2012, Jackie Chan filmed his film in this wind tunnel.
71. The world's first Christmas tree was installed in Riga on the main market square in 1510. Strasbourg is considered to be the birthplace of the New Year's tree, but in Riga the festive tree began to be installed 95 years earlier.
72. Sigulda has the only bobsleigh track in Eastern Europe.
73. Most famous musical group from Latvia - “Brainstorm” (in the homeland of “Prāta Vētra”), founded back in 1989.
74. The famous dreamer Carl Friedrich Hieronymus von Munchausen - in fact a real man, born in Germany, but most lived his life in Latvia.
75. Black, plain and with various fillings, as well as sweet and sour bread, sprats, and canned fish in general, chocolate, marshmallows and other various sweets and candies from the Laima factory, chocolate cheesecakes "Karums", processed cheese "Dzintars" ", cheese with cumin - that's not full list still recognizable and associated with Latvia product names.
76. Laima Vaikule, Valdis Pelsh, Raymond Pauls, Mikhail Zadornov - all from Latvia.
77. Latvia is the only country in the Baltics where the World Motocross Championship in the MX1 class is held.
78. In Latvia there is a law prohibiting the ownership of fighting breed dogs.
79. The world's first portable mini-video camera was invented back in 1937 by Latvian Walter Zapp. And the first cinema to start broadcasting sound films throughout the Baltics was the Riga cinema.
80. New Year tree It is not necessary to buy, you can cut down the one you like in the forest, but there are restrictions on the height and diameter of the spruce trunk.
81. On the day of a public holiday, a flag must hang on every building; if there is not one, then a fine is issued.
82. Receiving secondary education in Latvian schools lasts 12 years.
83. In Latvia you can find the rarest language in Europe - Livonian, which is now spoken by approximately 200 Latvian citizens.
84. Riga is the only city in Europe in which five different religions coexist with their temples.
85. In Latvia, you can take the manual and manual driving exams separately. automatic transmission transmission
86. In Latvia, you must take the “moped” category with any engine size.
87. In Latvia, children under 16 years old must take a bicycle license.
88. In Latvia, for driving while intoxicated, you are sent to prison (up to 15 days), your license is taken away (up to two years) and a fine is issued (up to? 2000), and the car is parked until the fine is paid.
89. In Latvia there is a municipal police.
90. The most popular surname in Latvia is Berzins, first name is Janis.
1. The national flag of Latvia is rightfully considered one of the oldest in the world. So, the first mentions of it date back to the beginning of the 13th century. Very often the Latvian flag is confused with the national flag of Austria.
2. The official language of the country is Latvian, which in its origin is related and similar only to the neighboring Lithuanian language.
3. The national stone of Latvia is amber, the bird is the white wagtail. Another symbol of the country is the crane.
4. Ethnic composition The population of Baltic Latvia is as follows: 63% are Latvians, 27% are Russian, 3% are Belarusians, the rest are Lithuanians, Poles, Ukrainians and Jews.
5. Since 2014, the national currency of Latvia is the euro, which replaced the lat.
6. The Latvian capital - the city of Riga - is the largest in terms of population in the entire Baltic region.
7. The old part of Riga is on the list of cultural attractions international organization UNESCO.
8. In Riga there is one of the oldest and still operating pharmacies.
9. Latvia boasts centuries-old brewing traditions. Thus, the brewery located in Cesis is rightfully considered one of the oldest in all of Northern Europe, since the first mention of it in history dates back to approximately 1590.
10. The Latvian capital hosted the filming of many well-known and beloved films among Soviet viewers. Among them are the following film masterpieces: “17 Moments of Spring”, “The Shield and the Sword”, “The Prisoner of the Chateau d’If”, “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes”, “A Purely English Murder”, “The Long Road in the Dunes” and many others.
11. Ludza is the oldest city in Latvia. The first mention of it in history dates back to 1177.
12. The tallest building in the country is the 135-meter Z-Towers. The tallest non-residential building in the country and the 3rd in all of Europe is the Riga TV building and radio tower with a height of 368.5 m.
13. Previously called the Principality of Courland, Latvia in the 17th century had its own colonies in the Caribbean and even in Africa.
14. The year 2003 was marked for the capital Riga with the holding of the continental Eurovision song contest, and 3 years later the world hockey championship was successfully held here.
15. The central market of the Latvian capital is the largest in the entire Baltic region - its area is 72,000 square meters. m. For this reason, it is one of the largest in all of Europe. It is also included in the list of world cultural heritage UNESCO organizations.
16. The most popular holiday among residents of Latvia is Ligo. Traditionally celebrated from June 23 to 24 on the day of the summer solstice and is invariably accompanied by mass festivities and events. According to local traditions, this shortest night of the year is spent around a burning fire listening to songs and eating traditional Latvian dishes - we are talking about cheese with cumin and beer. During the 2 days of the holiday, approximately 5% of the annual volume of intoxicating drink consumed in the country is drunk. It is worth noting that in this country there are quite a lot of different types of beer, among which you can even great desire You'll hardly be able to find anything that tastes bad.
17. In Latvian stores alcoholic drinks can only be purchased until 10:00 p.m.
18. The widest waterfall in all of Europe is Ventas rumba (Kuldyga). It reaches a width of 249 meters.
19. Almost half of the country's area is occupied by forests.
20. Within the Latvian capital you can find buildings typical of the Art Nouveau style.
21. The main national Latvian dish is gray peas with lard. One of the strangest local dishes in our opinion is herring, accompanied by sour cream and cottage cheese.
22. Riga Airport is rightfully considered the largest airport in Latvia and the entire Baltic states.
23. Latvia, small in area and population, is among the world's top 10 countries in terms of Internet connection speed.
24. In Latvia there is a strict law prohibiting smoking less than 10 meters from a public place.
25. In terms of environmental safety, Latvia is in an honorable 2nd place in the world.
26. The average life expectancy for men and women in Latvia is 77 and 82 years, respectively.
27. Latvian folklore has over 1 million folk songs, which are called “dains”.
28 The traditional and most common names for Latvia are Liga and Janis.
29. Residents of Latvia were the first in the world to make a real show out of wind tunnel flights, thereby earning worldwide attention and recognition. Famous Hong Kong film actor Jackie Chan subsequently used this pipe in one of his films in 2012.
30. In 1510, the world's first Christmas tree was installed on the main market square of Riga. Despite the fact that it is generally accepted that the birthplace of the New Year tree is the French city of Strasbourg, in the Latvian capital they began to erect it almost 95 years earlier. It is not necessary to buy within the country conifer tree at holiday markets, it is enough to cut down your favorite specimen in the forest. However, it must comply with the existing restrictions in the country in terms of height and diameter of the trunk.
31. The only bobsleigh track in all of Eastern Europe is located in the city of Sigulda.
32. The world-famous inventor and dreamer Carl Friedrich Hieronymus von Munchausen, who really existed, was born in Germany, but lived most of his life in what is now Latvia.
33. While on vacation in Latvia, you should definitely try local black and sweet and sour bread with various fillings, sprats and various canned fish, marshmallows, chocolate, sweets and candies from the Laima company, chocolate curds "Karums", cheese with cumin, processed cheese“Dzintars” is not a complete list of what is worth trying in this country.
34. Latvia is the birthplace of such famous personalities, like Raymond Pauls, Laima Vaikule, Valdis Pelsh, Mikhail Zadornov.
35. Latvia is the only country in the entire Baltics where motocross competitions are held in the MX1 class.
36. In 1937, Latvian Walter Zapp invented the world's first portable mini-video camera. Cinema "Riga" at one time became the first cinema in the entire Baltics, where the first sound films began to be broadcast.
37. On public holidays, national flags must be displayed on every house and building. If this is not the case, a fine will be issued.
38. Riga is the only city in all of Europe where 5 different religious beliefs with their temples coexist peacefully.
39. The most popular first and last names in Latvia are Janis and Berzins, respectively.
1. The Latvian flag is one of the oldest in the world. The first mentions of it appeared in the 13th century.
2. The official state language is Latvian.
3. Only Lithuanian is a related language to the Latvian language.
4. In the territory of Eastern Latvia, in Latgale, the Latgalian dialect is widespread.
5. When communicating with foreigners, English is most often used. German and French are spoken less frequently.
6. The national stone of Latvia is amber, the bird is the white wagtail.
7. Also the symbol of Latvia is the crane.
8. There are 109 regions and only 9 republican cities in Latvia.
9. The population of Latvia is 63% Latvians, 27% Russians, 3% Belarusians, as well as Ukrainians, Poles, Lithuanians, and Jews.
10. Since 1999, Latvia has been a member of the WTO, since 2004 a member of NATO and the European Union, and since 2007 a participant in the Schengen Agreement.
11. In 2014, Latvia switched to the euro.
12. Riga is the largest city in the Baltic countries.
13. There is no metro in Riga, although construction was planned in Soviet times.
14. National currency - lat. For a long time it was one of the most expensive currencies in the world. 1 lat = $0.5 or €0.7. Banknotes started from five lats, smaller only in coins.
16. The Latvian language has seven cases and two genders, and the stress in most Latvian words falls on the first syllable.
17. In 1999, Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the first female president in Eastern Europe, became the President of Latvia.
18. Travel on public transport costs €0.60. You can buy for several trips, then travel will be cheaper. Public transport is air-conditioned and runs on schedule. Each stop has a traffic pattern and timetable.
19. Old Riga is included in the UNESCO list of cultural attractions.
21. In Latvia, just like in Estonia, they pay the so-called parental salary - how much you earned before going on maternity leave is what you will be paid for a year and a half after the birth of the child.
22. Latvia has a professional army; it numbers only about six thousand military personnel.
24. Riga is the birthplace of one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe.
25. Latvia has a long tradition of brewing. The brewery in Cesis is considered one of the oldest in Northern Europe. The first mentions date back to 1590.
26. Many films were filmed in Riga: “Seventeen Moments of Spring”, “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes”, “Long Road in the Dunes”, “The Shield and the Sword”, “The Prisoner of the Chateau d'If”, “A Purely English Murder” and many others.
27. The most popular and famous resort in Latvia - Jurmala - is the venue for such concerts as “New Wave”, “Voting KiViN”, “Jurmalina”.
28. The oldest city in Latvia is Ludza. The first chronicles date back to 1177.
29. Latvia is located in Northern Europe, and not in Eastern Europe, as is commonly believed.
30. The tallest building in Latvia is “Z-Towers”, 135 meters. The tallest building in Latvia and the third tallest in Europe is the Riga TV and Radio Tower (368.5 meters).
31. Latvia (in the 17th century, the Principality of Courland) had colonies in Africa and the Caribbean.
32. In 2003, the Eurovision Song Contest was held in Riga.
33. In 2006, Latvia became the first post-Soviet state to host a NATO summit.
34. The 2006 World Hockey Championship was held in Riga.
35. Riga Central Market is the largest in the Baltics and one of the largest in Europe, its area is 72,000 m2. It is also included in the UNESCO list of cultural sites.
36. The pavilions of the central market are former hangars for airships.
37. One of the most popular holidays among Latvians - Ligo - is celebrated on June 23-24 on the summer solstice and is accompanied by folk festivities. According to tradition, the shortest night of the year should be spent by the fire, staying awake, singing songs and enjoying traditional dishes - cheese with cumin and beer. During the holiday period, 5% of total beer consumption per year is drunk in Latvia.
38. There are a lot of types of beer in Latvia; there is simply no tasteless beer here.
39. Alcohol can be purchased in stores only until 22:00.
40. Ventas rumba (Kuldyga) - the widest waterfall in Europe. (249 meters)
41. Forests occupy almost 50% of the entire territory of the country.
42. The three stars on the coat of arms of Latvia and in the hands of the woman Freedom symbolize the three regions of Latvia - Kurzeme-Zemgale, Vidzeme and Latgale.
43. The flag of Latvia is often confused with the flag of Austria.
44. In Latvia there are two students per capita - this is one of the highest rates in the world.
45. Latvia is the only one of the Baltic republics that has a circus.
46. In Riga there are exemplary buildings built in the art nouveau style.
47. The Dartz Motorz company from Riga produces the world's most expensive armored SUVs under the Prombron brand.
48. There are more women than men in Latvia.
49. Russia in Latvia is called Krievia from the name of the Krivichi tribe.
50. Gray peas with lard are, of course, the most important Latvian dish; herring with cottage cheese and sour cream is one of the most unusual dishes.
51. There are more memorable days in the Latvian calendar than holidays.
52. Riga Airport is the largest in the Baltics.
53. Latvia is one of the top 10 fastest Internet countries in the world.
54. There is no official religion in the country, but the majority of the believing population are Lutherans.
55. 99.9% of the country is covered by a GSM network. About 80% is a 4G network, and the fee is very small. Everything is unlimited, connection to all networks costs about €10–15 per month.
56. In Latvia there is a law banning smoking in public places, prohibiting smoking within ten meters of a public place.
57. The tax on tobacco products is 80% of their cost.
58. Latvia ranks second in the world in terms of environmental safety.
59. The country has a very high adult literacy rate: 99.8% have completed secondary education.
60. The average life expectancy for men is about 77 years, and for women - 82 years.
61. Riga is home to SSE (Stockholm School of Economics), one of the top 20 universities in Europe in the field of economics and finance, according to the Financial Times.
62. Latvia boasts large deposits of natural resources - limestone, peat, dolomite and amber.
63. One of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the Baltics is located in Latvia.
64. There are more than a million songs in Latvian folklore - they are called dainas.
65. Riga is home to one of the oldest museums in Latvia - the Museum of Nature, one of the five best technical museums in Europe - the Riga Motor Museum, the only Porcelain Museum and the Aviation Museum in the Baltic countries. And also the only Museum of the Sun in the world.
66. Janis and Liga are traditional Latvian names.
67. Valentine's Day and Halloween are very popular in Latvia.
68. In 2015, Riga will host Euro Pride - a parade of European sexual minorities.
69. Latvians were the first to make a whole unique show out of wind tunnel flights, earning worldwide attention thanks to their participation in the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games in Turin.
70. In 2012, Jackie Chan filmed his film in this wind tunnel.
71. The world's first Christmas tree was installed in Riga on the main market square in 1510. Strasbourg is considered to be the birthplace of the New Year's tree, but in Riga the festive tree began to be installed 95 years earlier.
72. Sigulda has the only bobsleigh track in Eastern Europe.
73. The most famous musical group from Latvia is “Brainstorm” (in the homeland of “Prāta Vētra”), founded back in 1989.
74. The famous dreamer Carl Friedrich Hieronymus von Munchausen is actually a real person who was born in Germany, but lived most of his life in Latvia.
75. Black, plain and with various fillings, as well as sweet and sour bread, sprats, and canned fish in general, chocolate, marshmallows and other various sweets and candies from the Laima factory, chocolate cheesecakes "Karums", processed cheese "Dzintars" ", cheese with cumin - this is an incomplete list of product names that are still recognizable and associated with Latvia.
76. Laima Vaikule, Valdis Pelsh, Raymond Pauls, Mikhail Zadornov - all from Latvia.
77. Latvia is the only country in the Baltics where the World Motocross Championship in the MX1 class is held.
78. In Latvia there is a law prohibiting the ownership of fighting breed dogs.
79. The world's first portable mini-video camera was invented back in 1937 by Latvian Walter Zapp. And the first cinema to start broadcasting sound films throughout the Baltics was the Riga cinema.
80. It is not necessary to buy a New Year tree; you can cut down the one you like in the forest, but there are restrictions on the height and diameter of the spruce trunk.
81. On the day of a public holiday, a flag must hang on every building; if there is not one, then a fine is issued.
82. Receiving secondary education in Latvian schools lasts 12 years.
83. In Latvia you can find the rarest language in Europe - Livonian, which is now spoken by approximately 200 Latvian citizens.
84. Riga is the only city in Europe in which five different religions coexist with their temples.
85. In Latvia, you can take a separate test for driving manual and automatic transmissions.
86. In Latvia, you must take the “moped” category with any engine size.
87. In Latvia, children under 16 years old must take a bicycle license.
88. In Latvia, for driving while intoxicated, you are sent to prison (up to 15 days), your license is taken away (up to two years) and a fine is issued (up to €2000), and the car is parked until the fine is paid.
89. In Latvia there is a municipal police.
Alexey writes: “I myself am from Riga (at least this moment I study in England), and despite the fact that the column is called “Through the Eyes of a Russian,” I still decided to write 90 facts about Latvia and please the rest of Faktrum’s readers. Moreover, I have been following the updates for quite a long time, but Latvia is still not there. Therefore, so to speak, I decided to take the bull by the horns and write to you. I hope that you and other readers will like it.”
The Latvian flag is one of the oldest in the world. The first mentions of it appeared in the 13th century.
2. The official state language is Latvian.
3. Only Lithuanian is a related language to the Latvian language.
4. In the territory of Eastern Latvia, in Latgale, the Latgalian dialect is widespread.
5. When communicating with foreigners, English is most often used. German and French are spoken less frequently.
6. The national stone of Latvia is amber, the bird is the white wagtail.
7. Also the symbol of Latvia is the crane.
8. There are 109 regions and only 9 republican cities in Latvia.
9. The population of Latvia is 63% Latvians, 27% Russians, 3% Belarusians, as well as Ukrainians, Poles, Lithuanians, and Jews.
10. Since 1999, Latvia has been a member of the WTO, since 2004 a member of NATO and the European Union, and since 2007 a participant in the Schengen Agreement.
11. In 2014, Latvia switched to the euro.
12. Riga is the largest city in the Baltic countries.
13. There is no metro in Riga, although construction was planned in Soviet times.
14. National currency - lat. For a long time it was one of the most expensive currencies in the world. 1 lat = $0.5 or €0.7. Banknotes started from five lats, smaller only in coins.
15. In Latvia there is a category of citizens called stateless persons. And there is even such a passport (alien’s passport).
16. The Latvian language has seven cases and two genders, and the stress in most Latvian words falls on the first syllable.
17. In 1999, Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the first female president in Eastern Europe, became the President of Latvia.
18. Travel on public transport costs €0.60. You can buy for several trips, then travel will be cheaper. Public transport is air-conditioned and runs on schedule. Each stop has a traffic pattern and timetable.
19. Old Riga is included in the UNESCO list of cultural attractions.
21. In Latvia, just like in Estonia, they pay the so-called parental salary - how much you earned before going on maternity leave is what you will be paid for a year and a half after the birth of the child.
22. Latvia has a professional army; it numbers only about six thousand military personnel.
23. Latvia celebrates Independence Day on November 18.
24. Riga is the birthplace of one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe.
25. Latvia has a long tradition of brewing. The brewery in Cesis is considered one of the oldest in Northern Europe. The first mentions date back to 1590.
26. Many films were filmed in Riga: “Seventeen Moments of Spring”, “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes”, “Long Road in the Dunes”, “The Shield and the Sword”, “The Prisoner of the Chateau d'If”, “A Purely English Murder” and many others.
27. The most popular and famous resort in Latvia - Jurmala - is the venue for such concerts as “New Wave”, “Voting KiViN”, “Jurmalina”.
28. The oldest city in Latvia is Ludza. The first chronicles date back to 1177.
29. Latvia is located in Northern Europe, and not in Eastern Europe, as is commonly believed.
30. The tallest building in Latvia is “Z-Towers”, 135 meters. The tallest building in Latvia and the third tallest in Europe is the Riga TV and Radio Tower (368.5 meters).
31. Latvia (in the 17th century, the Principality of Courland) had colonies in Africa and the Caribbean.
32. In 2003, the Eurovision Song Contest was held in Riga.
33. In 2006, Latvia became the first post-Soviet state to host a NATO summit.
34. The 2006 World Hockey Championship was held in Riga.
35. Riga Central Market is the largest in the Baltics and one of the largest in Europe, its area is 72,000 m2. It is also included in the UNESCO list of cultural sites.
36. The pavilions of the central market are former hangars for airships.
37. One of the most popular holidays among Latvians - Ligo - is celebrated on June 23-24 on the summer solstice and is accompanied by folk festivities. According to tradition, the shortest night of the year should be spent by the fire, staying awake, singing songs and enjoying traditional dishes - cheese with cumin and beer. During the holiday period, 5% of total beer consumption per year is drunk in Latvia.
38. There are a lot of types of beer in Latvia; there is simply no tasteless beer here.
39. Alcohol can be purchased in stores only until 22:00.
40. Ventas rumba (Kuldyga) - the widest waterfall in Europe. (249 meters)
41. Forests occupy almost 50% of the entire territory of the country.
42. The three stars on the coat of arms of Latvia and in the hands of the woman Freedom symbolize the three regions of Latvia - Kurzeme-Zemgale, Vidzeme and Latgale.
43. The flag of Latvia is often confused with the flag of Austria.
44. In Latvia there are two students per capita - this is one of the highest rates in the world.
45. Latvia is the only one of the Baltic republics that has a circus.
46. In Riga there are exemplary buildings built in the art nouveau style.
47. The Dartz Motorz company from Riga produces the world's most expensive armored SUVs under the Prombron brand.
48. There are more women than men in Latvia.
49. Russia in Latvia is called Krievia from the name of the Krivichi tribe.
50. Gray peas with lard are, of course, the most important Latvian dish; herring with cottage cheese and sour cream is one of the most unusual dishes.
51. There are more memorable days in the Latvian calendar than holidays.
52. Riga Airport is the largest in the Baltics.
53. Latvia is one of the top 10 countries in the world for the fastest Internet connection
54. There is no official religion in the country, but the majority of the believing population are Lutherans.
55. 99.9% of the country is covered by a GSM network. About 80% is a 4G network, and the fee is very small. Everything is unlimited, connection to all networks costs about €10–15 per month.
56. In Latvia there is a law banning smoking in public places, prohibiting smoking within ten meters of a public place.
57. The tax on tobacco products is 80% of their cost.
58. Latvia ranks second in the world in terms of environmental safety.
59. The country has a very high adult literacy rate: 99.8% have completed secondary education.
60. The average life expectancy for men is about 77 years, and for women - 82 years.
61. Riga is home to SSE (Stockholm School of Economics), one of the top 20 universities in Europe in the field of economics and finance, according to the Financial Times.
62. Latvia boasts large deposits of natural resources - limestone, peat, dolomite and amber.
63. One of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the Baltics is located in Latvia.
64. There are more than a million songs in Latvian folklore - they are called dainas.
65. Riga is home to one of the oldest museums in Latvia - the Museum of Nature, one of the five best technical museums in Europe - the Riga Motor Museum, the only Porcelain Museum and the Aviation Museum in the Baltic countries. And also the only Museum of the Sun in the world.
66. Janis and Liga are traditional Latvian names.
67. Valentine's Day and Halloween are very popular in Latvia.
68. In 2015, Riga will host Euro Pride - a parade of European sexual minorities.
69. Latvians were the first to make a whole unique show out of wind tunnel flights, earning worldwide attention thanks to their participation in the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games in Turin.
70. In 2012, Jackie Chan filmed his film in this wind tunnel.
71. The world's first Christmas tree was installed in Riga on the main market square in 1510. Strasbourg is considered to be the birthplace of the New Year's tree, but in Riga the festive tree began to be installed 95 years earlier.
72. Sigulda has the only bobsleigh track in Eastern Europe.
73. The most famous musical group from Latvia is “Brainstorm” (in the homeland of “Prāta Vētra”), founded back in 1989.
74. The famous dreamer Carl Friedrich Hieronymus von Munchausen is actually a real person who was born in Germany, but lived most of his life in Latvia.
75. Black, plain and with various fillings, as well as sweet and sour bread, sprats, and canned fish in general, chocolate, marshmallows and other various sweets and candies from the Laima factory, chocolate cheesecakes "Karums", processed cheese "Dzintars" ", cheese with cumin - this is an incomplete list of product names that are still recognizable and associated with Latvia.
76. Laima Vaikule, Valdis Pelsh, Raymond Pauls, Mikhail Zadornov - all from Latvia.
77. Latvia is the only country in the Baltics where the World Motocross Championship in the MX1 class is held.
78. In Latvia there is a law prohibiting the ownership of fighting breed dogs.
79. The world's first portable mini-video camera was invented back in 1937 by Latvian Walter Zapp. And the first cinema to start broadcasting sound films throughout the Baltics was the Riga cinema.
80. It is not necessary to buy a New Year tree; you can cut down the one you like in the forest, but there are restrictions on the height and diameter of the spruce trunk.
81. On the day of a public holiday, a flag must hang on every building; if there is not one, then a fine is issued.
82. Receiving secondary education in Latvian schools lasts 12 years.
83. In Latvia you can find the rarest language in Europe - Livonian, which is now spoken by approximately 200 Latvian citizens.
84. Riga is the only city in Europe in which five different religions coexist with their temples.
85. In Latvia, you can take a separate test for driving manual and automatic transmissions.
86. In Latvia, you must take the “moped” category with any engine size.
87. In Latvia, children under 16 years old must take a bicycle license.
88. In Latvia, for driving while intoxicated, you are sent to prison (up to 15 days), your license is taken away (up to two years) and a fine is issued (up to €2000), and the car is parked until the fine is paid.
89. In Latvia there is a municipal police.
90. The most popular surname in Latvia is Berzins, first name is Janis.
For more than 800 years, the beautiful Riga has lived on the shores of the Baltic Sea.
Could Bishop Albert, the father of Riga, who arrived on the distant Baltic shores from prosperous Bremen, think of converting pagan tribes to Christianity, how difficult, and at the same time interesting fate awaits the city he founded. Whoever ruled here - Germans, Swedes, Poles, Lithuanians, Russians...
Being at a crossroads trade routes, the city has absorbed the culture and traditions of many peoples, and today Riga is perhaps the international capital of the European Union itself.
Latvian, Russian, English, German - all kinds of languages you hear on the streets of the city. The number of tourists who come here annually exceeds the number of local residents!
Let's take a closer look at this wonderful city.
1. Riga was founded in 1201 by Bishop Albert of Bremen. According to a special papal bull, all immigrants coming to Riga at the beginning of the 13th century permanent place residence, granted indulgence (remission of sins)
Crossroads of Alberta and Strelnieku streets in Riga
2. Nowadays Riga - The largest city Baltic countries with a population of about 700 thousand inhabitants. The city reached its peak in 1990, when more than 900 thousand lived in Riga. It was planned that by 2000 the population of the capital would be one million. History has its own way.
3. In the 17th century, during Swedish rule, Riga was considered the second city of the Swedish kingdom, after Stockholm.
4. Siege of Riga during Northern War Russian troops lasted almost 9 months - from November 14, 1709 to July 4, 1710. The decisive assault lasted 10 days (from June 14 to 25, 1710), during which almost 3.5 thousand bombs were fired at the city.
5. Latvians and Russians live in Riga almost equally - about 46% and 41%, respectively.
Riga Russian Theater, former Russian Drama Theater
6. Riga Airport is the largest in the region. Over 20 years, passenger traffic has grown more than 10 times: in 1993 it served 310 thousand passengers, and in 2012 - 4.8 million. At the same time, the airport’s design capacity was initially planned at 2.5 million passengers per year.
7. The historical center of Riga is included in the list World Heritage UNESCO as an outstanding architectural and cultural monument of humanity.
8. Absolute fixed temperature minimum in Riga - 34.9 degrees, and maximum +34.1
9. B opera house The outstanding composer Richard Wagner worked in Riga for two years.
Sphinx on Albert Street. According to legend, Sergei Eisenstein drew him as a child
11. In the second half of the 19th century, Riga was the second largest port in the Russian Empire in terms of cargo traffic, after St. Petersburg.
12. Among Riga's sister cities are Moscow, Beijing, St. Petersburg, Minsk, Warsaw.
13. Women's basketball club TTT-Riga is one of the most titled clubs in European women's basketball (18 victories in the FIBA Women's Euroleague). Between 1960 and 1984, the club became the champion of the USSR 21 times. In the 70-80s, one of the best basketball players in the world of all time, Ulyana Semenova, shone in its composition.
14. In the 80s of the last century, a decision was made to build a metro in Riga. However, opposition from the local population slowed down the development of the project, and the collapse of the USSR completely buried it. In the 21st century, plans to build a metro in the city are not even considered in the long term.
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