Latvia comes with an incredibly vibrant culture rooted in unique traditions found almost nowhere else on the planet. Latvia is home to many incredible stories and people who enjoy telling them.
Over 56% of the country is covered in forests and the country is listed as the 5th highest portion of land covered in forests in the entire EU. Because of the vast forests, at least 30,000 species of flora and fauna consider Latvia home.
Within Latvia, there are 706 protected zones and these are 4 national parks, 1 biosphere, 42 nature parks, 9 areas of protected landscapes, 260 nature reserves, 4 strict nature reserves, 355 nature monuments, 7 protected maritime areas, and 24 micro reserves.
In 2012, the country was ranked 2nd in the world for its environmental protection index as well the country is home to many endangered animal species. Within Latvia, approximately 12,500 rivers are present, stretching over at least 38,000 km sq.
Fun fact, Latvia has the most amount of models per capita of any country in the world, this is because most Latvian women are generally tall and meet the height requirement for modeling. Also, there are more adult females in Latvia than males and the country even states that there are about 8% more adult females.
Latvia’s capital city Riga is home to over half the country’s population and 1/10th of all of the population of the Baltic states. Its city center is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Zone and it the top city in the world with the most amount of wood structures.
When it comes to agriculture, Latvians love meat and dairy and almost every meal is comprised of these two. Baltic cuisine is made up of hearty, heavy meals with rye bread, lots of butter, and minimal spices.
They also have specialties like sklandrausis, sweet potato or carrot tart dish, and pīrādziņi, a bacon an onion bun dish, and the national liquor Riga black balsam which has medicinal uses as well.
Every five years, there is a song and dance festival where the entire country participates and it is celebrated nationwide. Popular historic sites in Latvia include Oblaky (Riga), Aglona basilica, Turalda castle, Freedom monument, Rundāle Palace, Art Nouveau district/museum, Cēsis, Ziemelu forts, Daugavpils fortress.
Latvia has been dubbed “the singing country” because of how very in tune with music and dancing the people are that it is now a part of their culture. Latvians are very open, friendly, and understanding when you get close to them and foreigners have come to enjoy their hospitality.
" Its a place to be" - Martin from Canada
