Latvia is a lot like the Netherlands: small and flat with vibrant ports and large areas below sea level. Many wetlands provide sanctuary for rare birds. Excluding the period between the world wars, Latvia is enjoying its first independence in more than 600 years.
Latvia has a temperate climate. Summers are warm, but winters can be quite cold with long nights. All seasons have rainfall, but the heaviest rain falls in August; snowfall during the winter can be heavy. The ports are never frozen, however. Spring and autumn are both relatively mild.
The official language is Latvian, a Baltic language from the Indo-European group, similar to Lithuanian. Russian is also common, and English is widely spoken in Riga. Most Latvians are Lutheran, and other religions represented are Roman Catholicism and Russian Orthodox.
Latvia's capital city Riga, with more than 800,000 inhabitants (fully one-third of the country's population), is accessible by air from many European cities. There are 35 carriers operating out of Latvia including Air Baltic Corporation, Lufthansa, KLM, British Airways, Czech Airlines, Aeroflot, and SAS. Most Latvian cities are connected by rail to the rest of Europe via Berlin by way of Warsaw and Vilnius; there are also connections through Estonia. Ferries arrive from Stockholm and Rostock. Internal rail travel is well-developed, reliable and inexpensive, and connects all major cities. Main highways are in relatively good shape. Vehicles are supposed to be driven on the right side of the road, but this and other traffic laws are flagrantly flouted; as a result, Latvia has one of the highest traffic fatality rates in Europe.
Travelers are specifically targeted by criminals in Latvia; they are at risk for petty crimes such as purse snatching and pickpocketing. Many nightclubs, bars and casinos are run by organized crime and are havens for criminals, who sometimes drug food or drink to take advantage of their victims.
The phone system is fairly reliable, but is undergoing modernization and can be confusing at times. Most instructions are printed in Lativian, English and Russian; English-speaking opertors are available. English-language media is readily available in Riga and other large cities. ATMs can be found in most cities and towns, and credit cards are accepted in many shops, hotels and restaurants.
Hotels in Latvia are limited but expanding.
Latvian cuisine relies heavily on fish, potatoes and dairy products; the national aperitif is a thick black drink called Black Balsam, usually mixed with coffee or vodka. In general, if one takes the usual precautions, the food is safe, wholesome and tasty.
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