General Information

Language

The official language is Latvian. It is an Indo-European, non-Slavic and non-Germanic language and is similar only to Lithuanian. Russian, English and German are quite widely spoken.

Ethnic Composition

57.6% Latvians, 29.6% Russians, 4.1% Byelorussians, 2.7% Ukrainians, 2.5% Poles, 1.4% Lithuanians, 2.1% others

Religion

Predominantly Protestant (Lutheran). Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox.

Government

Latvia is a democratic parliamentary republic. The highest elected body is the one-chamber multi-party parliament (Saeima), elected for the term of four years by direct and proportional ballot.

Mini Dictionary

Hello Labdien
How are you? Kā iet?
Yes/No Jā/Nē
Good bye Uz redzēšanos
Please Lūdzu
Thank you Paldies
Sorry Atvainojiet
Where is...? Kur atrodas...?
What time is it? Cik ir pulkstenis?
My name is... Mani sauc...
What’s your name? Kā tevi sauc?
How much does it cost? Cik maksā?

Shopping

Latvia is a rather expensive country and the level of prices could be compared with Scandinavian countries. Daily necessities like food and some services are still relatively inexpensive by Western standards.

Credit cards have been introduced for just a few years, however, many of stores and retailers do now accept credit cards. Small shops and kiosks accept cash only. The majority of shops are open from 9-10 a/m till 6-7 p/m on weekdays and till 5 p/m on Saturdays. All shops are closed partly on Sundays, except the supermarkets and some smaller food stores.

Alcohol is sold only from 8 a. m. till 10 p. m.

If you want to buy something to remind you of your stay in Latvia, most likely it will be local handicrafts, works of art or books. Latvia is famous for its chocolate, manufactured by the enterprise ‘’Laima’’, as well as for ceramics and amber.

Culture

The history of the Latvian culture, can be found in its folklore. There are 217 996 Latvian folk songs (‘’dainas’’ in Latvian). During the 19th century, Krišjānis Barons, known as the Father of Latvian folk songs, gathered, systematized, and published them in a seven-volume encyclopaedic edition.

Most of the songs have outspoken social character, often ironic and sarcastic. There is a Song and Dance Festival in Latvia every five years. The festival usually takes place in late June, and lasts a week. The number of amateur singers and dancers usually is around 20,000. There are a number of international music and theatre festivals, like the Opera Festival in Riga and Sigulda, the Festival of Ancient and Renaissance Music in Bauska and Rundāle, the Festival of Chamber Music in Cēsis, several Jazz and Pop Music festivals and concerts. University students are invited to take part in university choirs, folk dance groups, student bands, theatre studios and all cultural activities organised by the student clubs.

Eating and Drinking

Located by the Baltic Sea, Latvia is rich in fishing and agricultural traditions. For centuries Latvian people have favoured various rye and whole wheat breads. Porridge is prepared with oatmeal, barley-groats and pearl-barley. Also popular are all types of legumes, particularly grey peas as well as pancakes made of potatoes and flour. Pork is the most common meat, usually served with boiled or baked potatoes and sauerkraut. Popular are the dishes from pilchard, herring, flounder, salmon and other fish.

Dairy products are another staple of any traditional Latvian meal - cream, cheese and cottage cheese. Caraway cheese is generally the most popular. Most of cafes, bistros and university restaurants offer food and drink according to local as well as international standards.

To become acquainted with restaurants in old good Latvian style, try out one of the “Lido” chain restaurants.