Why visit
Latvia is a destination in Europe known for its cultural identity: local traditions, music, crafts, and a distinctive regional character that differs from its neighbors.
Country · Europe
Latvia
culturenaturehistorycity
At a glance
Location
57.0°, 25.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
64,559 km²
24,926 mi²
Country population
1.9 million
29/km²
Subregion
Northern Europe
Currency
Euro (€)
EUR
Dial
+371
Language
Latvian
Demonym
Latvian
Internet
.lv
UN
Member state
ISO code
LV / LVA
Where in the world
57.0° · 25.0°
Latvia
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Did you know
- Latvia hosts the largest choir festival in the world every five years: 30,000+ singers perform at once in Riga.
- Riga has the world's largest collection of Art Nouveau architecture: over 750 buildings.
- Latvia's national dish is grey peas with bacon (pelēkie zirņi ar speķi).
Bordering Latvia
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Riga, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Signature travel cities in Latvia
Explore more
Frequently asked about Latvia
What is the capital of Latvia?
Riga is the capital of Latvia.
What currency does Latvia use?
Latvia uses the Euro (€), ISO code EUR.
What languages are spoken in Latvia?
The primary language is Latvian.
Is Latvia landlocked?
No, Latvia has a coastline.
What countries border Latvia?
Latvia borders Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Russia.
What is the international calling code for Latvia?
The calling code is +371.
Other Europe destinations
Slovenia
Slovenia is Lake Bled, Ljubljana's car-free center, Postojna caves, the Soča Valley, and Alpine hiking at Triglav. Small enough to see end-to-end in a week.
Spain
Spain offers Madrid's museums, Barcelona's Modernisme, Seville's flamenco, San Sebastián's pintxos, Granada's Alhambra, and Balearic and Canary islands. Nights start late; dinner at 9pm.
Sweden
Sweden runs from Stockholm's archipelago and design, through Gothenburg's food scene, to Lapland's ice hotels and sled-dog country.
Switzerland
Switzerland is Alpine travel at its most efficient. Zermatt and the Matterhorn, Grindelwald, Lucerne's lake, Zurich and Geneva cities. With trains that run exactly on time.
Ukraine
Ukraine is a destination in Europe known for its cultural identity: local traditions, music, crafts, and a distinctive regional character that differs from its neighbors.
United Kingdom
The UK covers London's world-capital culture, Scottish Highlands wilderness, Welsh castles, and the Lake District. Compact but varied, easy to combine in two weeks.