Latvia: Difference between revisions
Tidying Up (talk | contribs) ce |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 85: | Line 85: | ||
The 1500s were a time of great changes for the inhabitants of Latvia, notable for the reformation and the collapse of the Livonian nation. After the [[Livonian War]] (1558-1583) today's Latvian territory came under [[Polish-Lithuanian]] rule. The Lutheran faith was accepted in [[Kurzeme]], [[Zemgale]] and [[Vidzeme]], but the [[Roman Catholic]] faith maintained its dominance in [[Latgale]] – it remains so to this day. |
The 1500s were a time of great changes for the inhabitants of Latvia, notable for the reformation and the collapse of the Livonian nation. After the [[Livonian War]] (1558-1583) today's Latvian territory came under [[Polish-Lithuanian]] rule. The Lutheran faith was accepted in [[Kurzeme]], [[Zemgale]] and [[Vidzeme]], but the [[Roman Catholic]] faith maintained its dominance in [[Latgale]] – it remains so to this day. |
||
The 17th and early 18th |
The 17th and early 18th centuries saw a struggle between [[Poland]], [[Sweden]] and [[Russia]] for supremacy in the eastern Baltic. [[Gustavus Adolphus]] of Sweden took Riga in 1621, and the larger part of Polish Livonia, including Vidzeme, came under Swedish rule with the [[Truce of Altmark]] in 1629. Latvian forces played a key role at the [[Battle of Zenta]] against the [[Ottomans]] in [[1697]] AD. The term "Swedish era" ([[Latvian language|Latvian]]: ''zviedru laiki'') is still synonymous with beneficent rule and a sort of 'Golden Age', at least compared to all the other rulers Latvia had to deal with- though serfdom was not abolished, it was strictly regulated and a network of schools was established for the peasantry. The [[Treaty of Nystad]] ending the [[Great Northern War]] in 1721 gave Vidzeme to Russia (it became part of the [[guberniya|''guberniya'']] of Livland). The Latgale region remained part of Poland as Inflanty until 1772, when it was joined to Russia. In the [[Duchy of Courland]], a German [[minority]] of ca. 4% ruled an indigenous majority of 80% rather harshly and derisively. Courland became known as a "paradise of the nobles," because the code granting privileges to the German nobility declared the country a "social paradise." Courland became a Russian province (the ''guberniya'' of Courland) in 1795, bringing all of what is now Latvia into [[Imperial Russia]]. |
||
The promises [[Peter I of Russia|Peter the Great]] made to the Baltic German nobility at the fall of Riga in 1710, confirmed by the Treaty of Nystad and known as "the Capitulations," largely reversed the Swedish reforms. The emancipation of the serfs took place in Courland in 1817 and in Livland in 1819. In practice, the emancipation was actually advantageous to the nobility because it dispossessed the peasants of their land without compensation. At the beginning of the [[19th century]], 7% of the population was urban, this proportion rising to 40% by its close. The population grew from ca. 720 000 persons to almost two million by the end of the century, the proportion of indigenous inhabitants falling from ca. 90% to 68%. The social structure changed dramatically, with a class of independent farmers establishing itself after reforms allowed the peasants to repurchase their land, landless peasants numbering 591 000 in 1897, a growing urban [[proletariat]] and an increasingly influential Latvian [[bourgeoisie]]. The "Jaunlatviesi" [[Young Latvians|Young Latvia]] (alternative translation: [[New Latvians]]) movement laid the groundwork for [[nationalism]] from the middle of the century, many of its leaders looking to the [[Slavophile]]s for support against the prevailing German-dominated social order. The "Jaunlatviesi" braved harsh criticism by encouraging the Latvians to reawaken their [[Nationalist]] feelings, speak Latvian freely, write novels and create art- the Germans had trodden upon and ridiculed Latvians in general, considering them nothing more than unintelligent farmers. [[Russification]] began in Latgale after the [[January Uprising]] in [[1863]] and spread to the rest of what is now Latvia by the [[1880s]]. The Young Latvians were largely eclipsed by the [[New Current]], a broad [[leftist]] social and political movement, in the 1890s. Popular discontent exploded in the [[Russian Revolution of 1905|1905 Revolution]], which took on a nationalist character in the Baltic provinces. |
The promises [[Peter I of Russia|Peter the Great]] made to the Baltic German nobility at the fall of Riga in 1710, confirmed by the Treaty of Nystad and known as "the Capitulations," largely reversed the Swedish reforms. The emancipation of the serfs took place in Courland in 1817 and in Livland in 1819. In practice, the emancipation was actually advantageous to the nobility because it dispossessed the peasants of their land without compensation. At the beginning of the [[19th century]], 7% of the population was urban, this proportion rising to 40% by its close. The population grew from ca. 720 000 persons to almost two million by the end of the century, the proportion of indigenous inhabitants falling from ca. 90% to 68%. The social structure changed dramatically, with a class of independent farmers establishing itself after reforms allowed the peasants to repurchase their land, landless peasants numbering 591 000 in 1897, a growing urban [[proletariat]] and an increasingly influential Latvian [[bourgeoisie]]. The "Jaunlatviesi" [[Young Latvians|Young Latvia]] (alternative translation: [[New Latvians]]) movement laid the groundwork for [[nationalism]] from the middle of the century, many of its leaders looking to the [[Slavophile]]s for support against the prevailing German-dominated social order. The "Jaunlatviesi" braved harsh criticism by encouraging the Latvians to reawaken their [[Nationalist]] feelings, speak Latvian freely, write novels and create art- the Germans had trodden upon and ridiculed Latvians in general, considering them nothing more than unintelligent farmers. [[Russification]] began in Latgale after the [[January Uprising]] in [[1863]] and spread to the rest of what is now Latvia by the [[1880s]]. The Young Latvians were largely eclipsed by the [[New Current]], a broad [[leftist]] social and political movement, in the 1890s. Popular discontent exploded in the [[Russian Revolution of 1905|1905 Revolution]], which took on a nationalist character in the Baltic provinces. |
||
[[World War I]] devastated the country. Demands for [[self-determination]] were at first confined to [[autonomy]] ("a free Latvia in a free Russia"), but full independence was proclaimed in Riga on [[November 18]], [[1918]] by the [[Tautas Padome|People's Council of Latvia]], [[Kārlis Ulmanis]] becoming the head of the provisional government. The [[Latvian War of Independence|War of Independence]] that followed was a very chaotic period in Latvia's history. By the spring of [[1919 ]]there were actually three governments- Ulmanis' government, which concluded an agreement with the Germans and was supported by the [[United Kingdom]]; the [[Iskolat]] led by [[Pēteris Stučka]], which proclaimed an independent Soviet Latvia and whose forces, supported by the [[Red Army]], occupied almost all of the country; and the "Baltic German" puppet government headed by [[Andrievs Niedra]]. [[Estonia|Estonian]] and Latvian forces defeated the Germans at the Battle of [[Cēsis]] in June 1919, and a massive attack by a German and Russian force under [[Pavel Bermondt-Avalov]] was repelled in November. Eastern Latvia was cleared of [[Red Army]] forces by [[Poles|Polish]], Latvian, and German troops in early 1920. |
[[World War I]] devastated the country. Demands for [[self-determination]] were at first confined to [[autonomy]] ("a free Latvia in a free Russia"), but full independence was proclaimed in Riga on [[November 18]], [[1918]], by the [[Tautas Padome|People's Council of Latvia]], [[Kārlis Ulmanis]] becoming the head of the provisional government. The [[Latvian War of Independence|War of Independence]] that followed was a very chaotic period in Latvia's history. By the spring of [[1919 ]]there were actually three governments- Ulmanis' government, which concluded an agreement with the Germans and was supported by the [[United Kingdom]]; the [[Iskolat]] led by [[Pēteris Stučka]], which proclaimed an independent Soviet Latvia and whose forces, supported by the [[Red Army]], occupied almost all of the country; and the "Baltic German" puppet government headed by [[Andrievs Niedra]]. [[Estonia|Estonian]] and Latvian forces defeated the Germans at the Battle of [[Cēsis]] in June 1919, and a massive attack by a German and Russian force under [[Pavel Bermondt-Avalov]] was repelled in November. Eastern Latvia was cleared of [[Red Army]] forces by [[Poles|Polish]], Latvian, and German troops in early 1920. |
||
[[Image:Lettland riga freih statue.jpg|right|thumb|200px|The ''[[Freedom Monument (Riga)|Freedom Monument]]'' (1935) in Riga]] |
[[Image:Lettland riga freih statue.jpg|right|thumb|200px|The ''[[Freedom Monument (Riga)|Freedom Monument]]'' (1935) in Riga]] |
||
| Line 95: | Line 95: | ||
A freely elected [[Constituent Assembly]] was convened on [[May 1]], [[1920]] and adopted a [[liberal]] [[constitution]], the ''Satversme'', (loose translation: "tied together," "collection,") in February 1922- suspended by Ulmanis after his coup in [[1934]] but reaffirmed in 1990 and since amended, this is the constitution still in use in Latvia today. The Satversme declares that power is vested in the people of Latvia (''Latvijas tauta''- rather than the Latvian people, ''latviešu tauta''), and minorities received considerable cultural autonomy. With most of Latvia's industrial base evacuated to the interior of Russia in 1915, radical [[land reform]] was the central political question for the young state. In 1897, 61.2% of the rural population had been landless; by 1930 that percentage had been reduced to 23.2%. The extent of cultivated land surpassed the pre-war level already in 1923. Innovation and rising productivity led to the [[Measures of national income and output|GNP]] per capita approaching [[Finland]]'s level by [[1930]], but the economy soon suffered the effects of the [[Great Depression]]. Though Latvia showed signs of economic recovery and the electorate had steadily moved toward the center during the parliamentary period, Ulmanis staged a bloodless [[Coup d'état|coup]] on [[May 15]], [[1934]], establishing a nationalist [[dictatorship]] that lasted until 1940. Most of the Baltic Germans left Latvia by agreement between Ulmanis' government and [[Nazi Germany]] after the conclusion of the [[Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact]]. On [[October 5]], [[1939]], Latvia was forced to accept a "mutual assistance" pact with the [[Soviet Union]], granting the Soviets the right to station 25,000 troops on Latvian territory. On [[June 16]], [[1940]], [[Vyacheslav Molotov]] presented the Latvian representative in [[Moscow]] with an ultimatum accusing Latvia of violations of that pact, and on [[June 17]] great numbers of Soviet forces [[Occupation of Latvia|occupied the country]]. Rigged elections for a "People's Saeima" were held, and a puppet government headed by [[Augusts Kirhenšteins]] led Latvia into the USSR. The annexation was formalized on [[August 5]], [[1940]]. |
A freely elected [[Constituent Assembly]] was convened on [[May 1]], [[1920]] and adopted a [[liberal]] [[constitution]], the ''Satversme'', (loose translation: "tied together," "collection,") in February 1922- suspended by Ulmanis after his coup in [[1934]] but reaffirmed in 1990 and since amended, this is the constitution still in use in Latvia today. The Satversme declares that power is vested in the people of Latvia (''Latvijas tauta''- rather than the Latvian people, ''latviešu tauta''), and minorities received considerable cultural autonomy. With most of Latvia's industrial base evacuated to the interior of Russia in 1915, radical [[land reform]] was the central political question for the young state. In 1897, 61.2% of the rural population had been landless; by 1930 that percentage had been reduced to 23.2%. The extent of cultivated land surpassed the pre-war level already in 1923. Innovation and rising productivity led to the [[Measures of national income and output|GNP]] per capita approaching [[Finland]]'s level by [[1930]], but the economy soon suffered the effects of the [[Great Depression]]. Though Latvia showed signs of economic recovery and the electorate had steadily moved toward the center during the parliamentary period, Ulmanis staged a bloodless [[Coup d'état|coup]] on [[May 15]], [[1934]], establishing a nationalist [[dictatorship]] that lasted until 1940. Most of the Baltic Germans left Latvia by agreement between Ulmanis' government and [[Nazi Germany]] after the conclusion of the [[Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact]]. On [[October 5]], [[1939]], Latvia was forced to accept a "mutual assistance" pact with the [[Soviet Union]], granting the Soviets the right to station 25,000 troops on Latvian territory. On [[June 16]], [[1940]], [[Vyacheslav Molotov]] presented the Latvian representative in [[Moscow]] with an ultimatum accusing Latvia of violations of that pact, and on [[June 17]] great numbers of Soviet forces [[Occupation of Latvia|occupied the country]]. Rigged elections for a "People's Saeima" were held, and a puppet government headed by [[Augusts Kirhenšteins]] led Latvia into the USSR. The annexation was formalized on [[August 5]], [[1940]]. |
||
The ensuing months would become known in Latvia as ''[[Baigais Gads]]'', the Year of Horror. Mass arrests, disappearances, and deportations culminated on the night of [[June 14]], [[1941]]. Prior to [[Operation Barbarossa|the German invasion]], in less than a year, at least 27,586 persons were arrested; most were deported, and ca. 945 persons were shot. While under German occupation, Latvia was administered as part of [[Reichskommissariat Ostland|''Reichskommissariat Ostland'']]. Latvian paramilitary and [[Arajs Commando|Auxiliary Police]] units established by occupation authority actively participated in the [[Holocaust]]. More than 200 |
The ensuing months would become known in Latvia as ''[[Baigais Gads]]'', the Year of Horror. Mass arrests, disappearances, and deportations culminated on the night of [[June 14]], [[1941]]. Prior to [[Operation Barbarossa|the German invasion]], in less than a year, at least 27,586 persons were arrested; most were deported, and ca. 945 persons were shot. While under German occupation, Latvia was administered as part of [[Reichskommissariat Ostland|''Reichskommissariat Ostland'']]. Latvian paramilitary and [[Arajs Commando|Auxiliary Police]] units established by occupation authority actively participated in the [[Holocaust]]. More than 200,000 Latvian citizens died during World War II, including approximately 70,000 Latvian [[Jews]] murdered during the Nazi occupation. Latvian soldiers fought on both sides of the conflict, including in the [[Latvian Legion]] of the [[Waffen-SS]], most of them conscripted by the occupying Nazi and Soviet authorities. Refusal to join the occupying army resulted in an imprisonment, threats to relatives or even death. |
||
The Soviets reoccupied the country in 1944-45, and further mass deportations followed as the country was forcibly [[Collectivisation in the USSR|collectivized]] and [[Russification|Sovietized]]; 42,975 persons were deported in 1949. An influx of laborers, administrators, military personnel and their dependents from Russia and other Soviet republics meant that the ethnic Latvian population had fallen to 62% by 1959. During the [[Khrushchev Thaw]], attempts by national [[communists]] led by [[Eduards Berklavs]] to gain a degree of autonomy for the republic and protect the rapidly deteriorating position of the [[Latvian language]] were suppressed. In 1989 the [[Supreme Soviet]] of the USSR adopted a resolution on the "Occupation of the Baltic States," in which it declared that the occupation was "not in accordance with law," and not the "will of the Soviet people". A national movement coalescing in the [[Popular Front of Latvia]] took advantage of [[glasnost]] under [[Mikhail Gorbachev]], opposed by the [[Interfront]], and on [[May 4]], [[1990]] the [[Supreme Soviet]] of the Latvian SSR adopted the Declaration of the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia, subject to a transition period that came to an end with Latvian independence on [[August 21]], [[1991]], after the failure of the [[Soviet coup attempt of 1991|August Putsch]]. The [[Saeima]], Latvia's parliament, was again elected in 1993, and Russia completed its military withdrawal in 1994. |
The Soviets reoccupied the country in 1944-45, and further mass deportations followed as the country was forcibly [[Collectivisation in the USSR|collectivized]] and [[Russification|Sovietized]]; 42,975 persons were deported in 1949. An influx of laborers, administrators, military personnel and their dependents from Russia and other Soviet republics meant that the ethnic Latvian population had fallen to 62% by 1959. During the [[Khrushchev Thaw]], attempts by national [[communists]] led by [[Eduards Berklavs]] to gain a degree of autonomy for the republic and protect the rapidly deteriorating position of the [[Latvian language]] were suppressed. In 1989 the [[Supreme Soviet]] of the USSR adopted a resolution on the "Occupation of the Baltic States," in which it declared that the occupation was "not in accordance with law," and not the "will of the Soviet people". A national movement coalescing in the [[Popular Front of Latvia]] took advantage of [[glasnost]] under [[Mikhail Gorbachev]], opposed by the [[Interfront]], and on [[May 4]], [[1990]], the [[Supreme Soviet]] of the Latvian SSR adopted the Declaration of the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia, subject to a transition period that came to an end with Latvian independence on [[August 21]], [[1991]], after the failure of the [[Soviet coup attempt of 1991|August Putsch]]. The [[Saeima]], Latvia's parliament, was again elected in 1993, and Russia completed its military withdrawal in 1994. |
||
In the 1990s and early 21st century, Latvia focused on "rejoining Europe"; its two major goals, [[NATO]] and [[European Union]] membership, were achieved in 2004. Language and citizenship laws have been opposed by many [[Russophone]]s (Latvian is the [[official language]] and [[citizenship]] was not automatically extended to some former Soviet citizens - mostly ethnically Russian - who settled during the occupation, or to their descendants). Though many are naturalizing since the law was liberalized, almost 18.5% of the residents remain non-citizens today. Non-citizens hold a Latvian aliens' passport (an internationally recognized identity document that serves as a proof of residence as well as entitles the holder to consular protections abroad and certain other rights). The government denationalized private property confiscated by the Soviet rule, returning it or compensating the owners when that was not possible, and [[privatization|privatized]] most state-owned industries, reintroducing the [[Latvian lats|prewar currency]]. After a difficult transition to a liberal economy and its re-orientation toward Western Europe, Latvia still has one of the lowest standards of living in the EU, though its economy has one of the highest growth rates. |
In the 1990s and early 21st century, Latvia focused on "rejoining Europe"; its two major goals, [[NATO]] and [[European Union]] membership, were achieved in 2004. Language and citizenship laws have been opposed by many [[Russophone]]s (Latvian is the [[official language]] and [[citizenship]] was not automatically extended to some former Soviet citizens - mostly ethnically Russian - who settled during the occupation, or to their descendants). Though many are naturalizing since the law was liberalized, almost 18.5% of the residents remain non-citizens today. Non-citizens hold a Latvian aliens' passport (an internationally recognized identity document that serves as a proof of residence as well as entitles the holder to consular protections abroad and certain other rights). The government denationalized private property confiscated by the Soviet rule, returning it or compensating the owners when that was not possible, and [[privatization|privatized]] most state-owned industries, reintroducing the [[Latvian lats|prewar currency]]. After a difficult transition to a liberal economy and its re-orientation toward Western Europe, Latvia still has one of the lowest standards of living in the EU, though its economy has one of the highest growth rates. |
||
| Line 181: | Line 181: | ||
Large parts of Latvia are covered by [[forests]], and the country has over 12,000 small [[rivers]] and over 3,000 [[lakes]]. Most of the country consists of fertile, low-lying plains with some hills in the east, the highest point being the [[Gaiziņkalns]] at 311.6 m (1,020 [[foot (unit of length)|ft]]<!--spelled out in text per WP:MOSNUM -->). |
Large parts of Latvia are covered by [[forests]], and the country has over 12,000 small [[rivers]] and over 3,000 [[lakes]]. Most of the country consists of fertile, low-lying plains with some hills in the east, the highest point being the [[Gaiziņkalns]] at 311.6 m (1,020 [[foot (unit of length)|ft]]<!--spelled out in text per WP:MOSNUM -->). |
||
An inlet of the [[Baltic Sea]], the shallow [[Gulf of Riga]] is situated in the northwest of the country. The capital city Riga is located on the shores of this inlet, where the River [[Daugava]] flows into it. Other major cities include [[Daugavpils]] further upriver and [[Liepāja]] along the Baltic coast. |
An inlet of the [[Baltic Sea]], the shallow [[Gulf of Riga]] is situated in the northwest of the country. The capital city, Riga, is located on the shores of this inlet, where the River [[Daugava]] flows into it. Other major cities include [[Daugavpils]] further upriver and [[Liepāja]] along the Baltic coast. |
||
The Latvian [[climate]] is maritime and [[temperate climate|temperate]] in nature, with cool summers and wet, moderate winters. |
The Latvian [[climate]] is maritime and [[temperate climate|temperate]] in nature, with cool summers and wet, moderate winters. |
||
| Line 192: | Line 192: | ||
Since the year [[2000]] Latvia has had one of the highest ([[GDP]]) growth rates in [[Europe]] [http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page?_pageid=1996,39140985&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL&screen=detailref&language=en&product=sdi_ed&root=sdi_ed/sdi_ed/sdi_ed1000]. In [[2004]], annual GDP growth was 8.5% and [[inflation]] was 6.2%. [[Unemployment]] was 8.5% - almost unchanged compared to the previous two years. However, it has recently dropped to 7%, partly due to active economical [[Human migration|migration]] mostly to the [[Republic of Ireland]] and [[United Kingdom]]. [[Privatization]] is mostly completed, except for some of the large [[State ownership|state-owned]] utilities. Latvia is a member of the [[World Trade Organization]] (1999) and the [[European Union]] (2004). |
Since the year [[2000]] Latvia has had one of the highest ([[GDP]]) growth rates in [[Europe]] [http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page?_pageid=1996,39140985&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL&screen=detailref&language=en&product=sdi_ed&root=sdi_ed/sdi_ed/sdi_ed1000]. In [[2004]], annual GDP growth was 8.5% and [[inflation]] was 6.2%. [[Unemployment]] was 8.5% - almost unchanged compared to the previous two years. However, it has recently dropped to 7%, partly due to active economical [[Human migration|migration]] mostly to the [[Republic of Ireland]] and [[United Kingdom]]. [[Privatization]] is mostly completed, except for some of the large [[State ownership|state-owned]] utilities. Latvia is a member of the [[World Trade Organization]] (1999) and the [[European Union]] (2004). |
||
The fast growing economy is regarded as a possible [[economic bubble]], because it is driven mostly by growth of domestic [[Consumption (economics)|consumption]], financed by a serious increase of private [[debt]], as well as negative foreign [[Balance of trade|trade balance]]. The prices of [[real estate]], which increases at amount approx. 5% a month (due to lack of tax legislation that could prevent speculations in real estate market), are perceived to be too high for economy, which mainly produces low valued goods and [[raw materials]]. As stated by Ober-Haus, a real estate company operating in Poland and the Baltics, the prices of some segments of real estate market have been stabilized as of summer [[2006]] and |
The fast growing economy is regarded as a possible [[economic bubble]], because it is driven mostly by growth of domestic [[Consumption (economics)|consumption]], financed by a serious increase of private [[debt]], as well as negative foreign [[Balance of trade|trade balance]]. The prices of [[real estate]], which increases at amount approx. 5% a month (due to lack of tax legislation that could prevent speculations in real estate market), are perceived to be too high for the economy, which mainly produces low valued goods and [[raw materials]]. As stated by Ober-Haus, a real estate company operating in Poland and the Baltics, the prices of some segments of real estate market have been stabilized as of summer [[2006]] and some experts expect serious reduction of real estate prices in the near future. |
||
The Latvian government aspires to adopt the [[euro]] as the country's currency on [[January 1]], [[2008]], though this has been thrown into doubt recently, and Latvia might not be able to adopt the [[Euro]] until [[2009]] or later. |
The Latvian government aspires to adopt the [[euro]] as the country's currency on [[January 1]], [[2008]], though this has been thrown into doubt recently, and Latvia might not be able to adopt the [[Euro]] until [[2009]] or later. |
||
| Line 211: | Line 211: | ||
In [[1897]] the first official [[census]] in this area indicated that [[Latvians]] formed 68.3 % of the total population of 1.93 million; [[Russians]] accounted for 12%, [[Jews]] for 7.4 %, [[Germans]] for 6.2 %, and [[Poles]] for 3.4 %. The remainder were [[Lithuanians]], [[Estonians]], [[Roma people|Roma/Sinti]], and various other nationalities. |
In [[1897]] the first official [[census]] in this area indicated that [[Latvians]] formed 68.3 % of the total population of 1.93 million; [[Russians]] accounted for 12%, [[Jews]] for 7.4 %, [[Germans]] for 6.2 %, and [[Poles]] for 3.4 %. The remainder were [[Lithuanians]], [[Estonians]], [[Roma people|Roma/Sinti]], and various other nationalities. |
||
[[Latvians]] and [[Livonians]], the indigenous peoples of Latvia, now form c. 60% of the population; 28.5% of the inhabitants are [[Russians|Russian]].[http://www.csb.lv/lteksts.cfm?tem_kods=dem&datums=%7Bts%20%272005%2D06%2D29%2013%3A00%3A00%27%7D]. |
[[Latvians]] and [[Livonians]], the indigenous peoples of Latvia, now form c. 60% of the population; 28.5% of the inhabitants are [[Russians|Russian]].[http://www.csb.lv/lteksts.cfm?tem_kods=dem&datums=%7Bts%20%272005%2D06%2D29%2013%3A00%3A00%27%7D]. Approximately 54% of the ethnic Russians are citizens of Latvia; most of the others are permanent residents with Latvian aliens' passports. Like others who arrived whilst Latvia was occupied by the [[USSR]], and their descendants, they must be naturalized to receive Latvian citizenship. Over 100,000 persons have been naturalized in recent years, but 418,440 persons (278,213 of them ethnic Russians) remain non-citizens. Children born to residents after the restoration of independence in [[1991]] do not require naturalization to obtain citizenship. |
||
In some large cities (e.g. [[Daugavpils]] and [[Rēzekne]]), Russians and other minorities outnumber Latvians. Minorities from other countries such as [[Belarus]], [[Ukraine]], [[Poland]], [[Lithuania]], etc., also live in Latvia. The share of ethnic Latvians had fallen from 77% (1,467,035) in 1935 to 52% (1,387,757) in 1989.[http://www.lka.edu.lv/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=index&topic=68]. In 2005 there were even fewer Latvians than in [[1989]], though their share of the population was larger - 1,357,099 (58.8% of the inhabitants). |
In some large cities (e.g. [[Daugavpils]] and [[Rēzekne]]), Russians and other minorities outnumber Latvians. Minorities from other countries such as [[Belarus]], [[Ukraine]], [[Poland]], [[Lithuania]], etc., also live in Latvia. The share of ethnic Latvians had fallen from 77% (1,467,035) in 1935 to 52% (1,387,757) in 1989.[http://www.lka.edu.lv/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=index&topic=68]. In 2005 there were even fewer Latvians than in [[1989]], though their share of the population was larger - 1,357,099 (58.8% of the inhabitants). |
||
== Language == |
== Language == |
||
The official language of the Republic of Latvia is [[Latvian language|Latvian]]. The Latvian language, like [[Lithuanian language|Lithuanian]] and the [[extinct language|extinct]] [[Old Prussian language]], belongs to the [[Baltic languages|Baltic language group]] of the [[Indo- |
The official language of the Republic of Latvia is [[Latvian language|Latvian]]. The Latvian language, like [[Lithuanian language|Lithuanian]] and the [[extinct language|extinct]] [[Old Prussian language]], belongs to the [[Baltic languages|Baltic language group]] of the [[Indo-European language family]]. The Latgalian language or dialect is present in [[Latgale]] (also the written tradition - see [[Latgalian language]]). Kuronian/Couronian is another dialect of Latvian spoken in [[Kurzeme]], though less popular than Latgalian. [[Russian language|Russian]] is by far the most widespread minority language, also spoken, or at least understood, by large sections of the non-Russian population; most of Latvia's minorities are considered "Russian - speaking" by some political parties, while ethnically being [[Belarusians]], [[Ukrainians]], Jews, etc. |
||
== Culture == |
== Culture == |
||
| Line 224: | Line 224: | ||
It is customary for people to go to the countryside for Ligo, traditionally wreaths of leaves and flowers are worn on the head. If a man is named Jānis (John) the wreath will be made of oak leaves. In the early evening of the 23rd, fires are lit around which people will chat, sing and dance until the early hours of the following day. It is considered lucky to jump over these fires. Cheese flavoured with caraway and a drink made from birch sap are traditional fare at Ligo firesides. Throughout the night it is not unusual to see young couples slip quietly off into the woods in search of a non-existent "fern flower"- these liaisons are not considered unseemly nor are they generally remarked upon the next day. Latvians love their crepes. |
It is customary for people to go to the countryside for Ligo, traditionally wreaths of leaves and flowers are worn on the head. If a man is named Jānis (John) the wreath will be made of oak leaves. In the early evening of the 23rd, fires are lit around which people will chat, sing and dance until the early hours of the following day. It is considered lucky to jump over these fires. Cheese flavoured with caraway and a drink made from birch sap are traditional fare at Ligo firesides. Throughout the night it is not unusual to see young couples slip quietly off into the woods in search of a non-existent "fern flower"- these liaisons are not considered unseemly nor are they generally remarked upon the next day. Latvians love their crepes. |
||
[[Image:Dziesmusvetki.png|right|200px|thumb|Great choir sings in Latvian Song and Dance Festival "Rīgai 800"]] Latvian Song and Dance Festivals have been held since [[1873]], normally every five years (this schedule was adjusted most recently for "Rīga 800"), and are one of the most important events in Latvian social life - there is even a law to regulate this event [http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=111203]. During the festivals exhibitions of photography, art and folk craft also take place. Events and competitions leading up to the event occur throughout the period between festivals. The next festival is scheduled for [[2008]] in Latvia. (Note, the [http://www.latviansongfest.org/ next U.S. festival] is scheduled for [[July 4-9]], [[2007]].) Many people are |
[[Image:Dziesmusvetki.png|right|200px|thumb|Great choir sings in Latvian Song and Dance Festival "Rīgai 800"]] Latvian Song and Dance Festivals have been held since [[1873]], normally every five years (this schedule was adjusted most recently for "Rīga 800"), and are one of the most important events in Latvian social life - there is even a law to regulate this event [http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=111203]. During the festivals exhibitions of photography, art and folk craft also take place. Events and competitions leading up to the event occur throughout the period between festivals. The next festival is scheduled for [[2008]] in Latvia. (Note, the [http://www.latviansongfest.org/ next U.S. festival] is scheduled for [[July 4-9]], [[2007]].) Many people are awakened by a singing lady at a quarter to eight in the morning as a mark of free speech for women. Approximately 30,000 people all together participate in the event [http://www.dziesmusvetki2003.lv/?sadala=15] [http://www.pbase.com/ilsters/song_and_dance_festival]. Although usually [[dainas]] and classical choir songs are sung, recently modern popular songs were incorporated into the repertoire. Most popular songs are from the [[1980s]] when songs that made fun of characteristics of Soviet life and which were concerned about preserving Latvian identity aroused popular protests against the USSR; they also gave rise to an increasing popularity of poetry. <!--Here, in my humble opinion, one should carry on about poetry and then about literature in general and then about theatre--> |
||
In recent years Riga has seen many tourists. Tourists seeking active night life enjoy the flexible drinking hours. Shops were recently banned from selling alcohol after 22:00 but there is no such restriction for sale of alcohol in restaurants and bars. |
In recent years Riga has seen many tourists. Tourists seeking active night life enjoy the flexible drinking hours. Shops were recently banned from selling alcohol after 22:00 but there is no such restriction for sale of alcohol in restaurants and bars. |
||
Revision as of 08:43, 24 February 2007
Republic of Latvia Latvijas Republika | |
|---|---|
| Motto: "Tēvzemei un Brīvībai" (Latvian) "For Fatherland and Freedom" | |
| Anthem: Dievs, svētī Latviju! (Latvian) "God, bless Latvia!" | |
 Location of Latvia (dark orange) – in the European Union (light orange) | |
| Capital and largest city | File:Liels gerbonis.gif Riga |
| Official languages | Latvian |
| Ethnic groups | 60.5% Latvians 28.5% Russians 4.5% Belarussians 2.1% Poles 3.4% others |
| Government | Parliamentary democracy |
| Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga | |
| Aigars Kalvītis | |
| Independence1 from Russia | |
• Declared | November 18, 1918 |
• Recognized | January 26, 1921 |
• Proclaimed2 | May 4, 1990 |
• Completed | September 6, 1991 |
• Water (%) | 1.5 |
| Population | |
• July 2005 estimate | 2,307,000 (141st) |
| GDP (PPP) | 2005 estimate |
• Total | $29.214 billion (95th) |
• Per capita | $12,622 (53rd) |
| HDI (2004) |  0.845Error: Invalid HDI value (45th) |
| Currency | Lats (Ls) (LVL) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC+3 (EEST) |
| Calling code | 371 |
| ISO 3166 code | LV |
| Internet TLD | .lv 3 |
1 Latvia considers itself continuous with the first republic. 2 Secession from Soviet Union begun. 3 Also .eu, shared with other European Union member states. | |
Latvia, officially the Republic of Latvia (Latvian: Latvija or Latvijas Republika, Livonian: Lețmō), is a country in Northern Europe. Latvia shares land borders with Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south – and both Russia and Belarus to the east. In the west, Latvia shares a maritime border with Sweden. The capital of Latvia is Riga (Latvian: Rīga). Latvia has been a member state of the European Union since May 1, 2004.
History
Main article: History of Latvia
The proto-Baltic forefathers of the Latvian people have lived on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea since the third millennium BC (3000 BC).[1]
At the beginning of this era, the territory known today as Latvia became famous as a trading crossroads. The famous "route from the Vikings to the Greeks" mentioned in ancient chronicles stretched from Germany through Latvian territory via the River Daugava to ancient Russia and the Byzantine Empire.
The ancient Balts of this time actively participated in the trading network. Across the European continent, Latvia's coast was known as a place for obtaining amber. Into the Middle Ages, amber was more valuable than gold in many places. Latvian amber was known in places as far away as Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. In the 900s AD, the ancient Balts started to form specific tribal realms. Gradually, four individual Baltic tribal cultures developed: Couronians, Latgallians, Selonians, Semigallians (in Latvian: kurši, latgaļi, sēļi and zemgaļi). The largest of them was the Latgallian tribe, which was the most advanced in its socio-political development. In the 1100s and 1200s, the Couronians engaged in a number of invasions that included looting and pillaging. Located on the west coast of the Baltic Sea, they became known as the "Baltic Vikings". The Selonian and Semgallian tribes, during this time, were known as peace-loving and prosperous farmers.
Because of its strategic geographic location, Latvian territory has always been invaded by other larger nations, and this situation has defined the fate of Latvia and its people.
At the end of the 1100s, Latvia was often visited by traders from western Europe who set out on trading journeys along Latvia's longest river, the Daugava, to Russia. At the very end of the 12th century, German traders arrived, and with them he preachers of the Christian faith who attempted to convert the pagan Baltic and Baltic-Finnic tribes to the Christian faith. The Balts did not willingly convert to the new and different beliefs and practices, and particularly opposed the ritual of christening. News of this reached the Pope in Rome and it was decided that Crusaders would be sent into Latvia to influence the situation.
The Germans founded Riga in 1201, and gradually it became the largest city in the southern part of the Baltic Sea. With the arrival of the German Crusaders, the development of separate tribal realms of ancient Latvians came to an end.
In the 1200s, a confederation of feudal nations developed under German rule those was called Livonia. Livonia included today's Latvia and Southern Estonia. In 1282, Rīga and later the cities of Cēsis, Limbaži, Koknese and Valmiera were included in the Northern German Trading Organisation, or the Hanseatic League (Hanse). From this time, Riga became an important point in west-east trading. Rīga, being the centre of the eastern Baltic region, formed close cultural contacts with Western Europe.
The 1500s were a time of great changes for the inhabitants of Latvia, notable for the reformation and the collapse of the Livonian nation. After the Livonian War (1558-1583) today's Latvian territory came under Polish-Lithuanian rule. The Lutheran faith was accepted in Kurzeme, Zemgale and Vidzeme, but the Roman Catholic faith maintained its dominance in Latgale – it remains so to this day.
The 17th and early 18th centuries saw a struggle between Poland, Sweden and Russia for supremacy in the eastern Baltic. Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden took Riga in 1621, and the larger part of Polish Livonia, including Vidzeme, came under Swedish rule with the Truce of Altmark in 1629. Latvian forces played a key role at the Battle of Zenta against the Ottomans in 1697 AD. The term "Swedish era" (Latvian: zviedru laiki) is still synonymous with beneficent rule and a sort of 'Golden Age', at least compared to all the other rulers Latvia had to deal with- though serfdom was not abolished, it was strictly regulated and a network of schools was established for the peasantry. The Treaty of Nystad ending the Great Northern War in 1721 gave Vidzeme to Russia (it became part of the guberniya of Livland). The Latgale region remained part of Poland as Inflanty until 1772, when it was joined to Russia. In the Duchy of Courland, a German minority of ca. 4% ruled an indigenous majority of 80% rather harshly and derisively. Courland became known as a "paradise of the nobles," because the code granting privileges to the German nobility declared the country a "social paradise." Courland became a Russian province (the guberniya of Courland) in 1795, bringing all of what is now Latvia into Imperial Russia.
The promises Peter the Great made to the Baltic German nobility at the fall of Riga in 1710, confirmed by the Treaty of Nystad and known as "the Capitulations," largely reversed the Swedish reforms. The emancipation of the serfs took place in Courland in 1817 and in Livland in 1819. In practice, the emancipation was actually advantageous to the nobility because it dispossessed the peasants of their land without compensation. At the beginning of the 19th century, 7% of the population was urban, this proportion rising to 40% by its close. The population grew from ca. 720 000 persons to almost two million by the end of the century, the proportion of indigenous inhabitants falling from ca. 90% to 68%. The social structure changed dramatically, with a class of independent farmers establishing itself after reforms allowed the peasants to repurchase their land, landless peasants numbering 591 000 in 1897, a growing urban proletariat and an increasingly influential Latvian bourgeoisie. The "Jaunlatviesi" Young Latvia (alternative translation: New Latvians) movement laid the groundwork for nationalism from the middle of the century, many of its leaders looking to the Slavophiles for support against the prevailing German-dominated social order. The "Jaunlatviesi" braved harsh criticism by encouraging the Latvians to reawaken their Nationalist feelings, speak Latvian freely, write novels and create art- the Germans had trodden upon and ridiculed Latvians in general, considering them nothing more than unintelligent farmers. Russification began in Latgale after the January Uprising in 1863 and spread to the rest of what is now Latvia by the 1880s. The Young Latvians were largely eclipsed by the New Current, a broad leftist social and political movement, in the 1890s. Popular discontent exploded in the 1905 Revolution, which took on a nationalist character in the Baltic provinces.
World War I devastated the country. Demands for self-determination were at first confined to autonomy ("a free Latvia in a free Russia"), but full independence was proclaimed in Riga on November 18, 1918, by the People's Council of Latvia, Kārlis Ulmanis becoming the head of the provisional government. The War of Independence that followed was a very chaotic period in Latvia's history. By the spring of 1919 there were actually three governments- Ulmanis' government, which concluded an agreement with the Germans and was supported by the United Kingdom; the Iskolat led by Pēteris Stučka, which proclaimed an independent Soviet Latvia and whose forces, supported by the Red Army, occupied almost all of the country; and the "Baltic German" puppet government headed by Andrievs Niedra. Estonian and Latvian forces defeated the Germans at the Battle of Cēsis in June 1919, and a massive attack by a German and Russian force under Pavel Bermondt-Avalov was repelled in November. Eastern Latvia was cleared of Red Army forces by Polish, Latvian, and German troops in early 1920.
A freely elected Constituent Assembly was convened on May 1, 1920 and adopted a liberal constitution, the Satversme, (loose translation: "tied together," "collection,") in February 1922- suspended by Ulmanis after his coup in 1934 but reaffirmed in 1990 and since amended, this is the constitution still in use in Latvia today. The Satversme declares that power is vested in the people of Latvia (Latvijas tauta- rather than the Latvian people, latviešu tauta), and minorities received considerable cultural autonomy. With most of Latvia's industrial base evacuated to the interior of Russia in 1915, radical land reform was the central political question for the young state. In 1897, 61.2% of the rural population had been landless; by 1930 that percentage had been reduced to 23.2%. The extent of cultivated land surpassed the pre-war level already in 1923. Innovation and rising productivity led to the GNP per capita approaching Finland's level by 1930, but the economy soon suffered the effects of the Great Depression. Though Latvia showed signs of economic recovery and the electorate had steadily moved toward the center during the parliamentary period, Ulmanis staged a bloodless coup on May 15, 1934, establishing a nationalist dictatorship that lasted until 1940. Most of the Baltic Germans left Latvia by agreement between Ulmanis' government and Nazi Germany after the conclusion of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. On October 5, 1939, Latvia was forced to accept a "mutual assistance" pact with the Soviet Union, granting the Soviets the right to station 25,000 troops on Latvian territory. On June 16, 1940, Vyacheslav Molotov presented the Latvian representative in Moscow with an ultimatum accusing Latvia of violations of that pact, and on June 17 great numbers of Soviet forces occupied the country. Rigged elections for a "People's Saeima" were held, and a puppet government headed by Augusts Kirhenšteins led Latvia into the USSR. The annexation was formalized on August 5, 1940.
The ensuing months would become known in Latvia as Baigais Gads, the Year of Horror. Mass arrests, disappearances, and deportations culminated on the night of June 14, 1941. Prior to the German invasion, in less than a year, at least 27,586 persons were arrested; most were deported, and ca. 945 persons were shot. While under German occupation, Latvia was administered as part of Reichskommissariat Ostland. Latvian paramilitary and Auxiliary Police units established by occupation authority actively participated in the Holocaust. More than 200,000 Latvian citizens died during World War II, including approximately 70,000 Latvian Jews murdered during the Nazi occupation. Latvian soldiers fought on both sides of the conflict, including in the Latvian Legion of the Waffen-SS, most of them conscripted by the occupying Nazi and Soviet authorities. Refusal to join the occupying army resulted in an imprisonment, threats to relatives or even death.
The Soviets reoccupied the country in 1944-45, and further mass deportations followed as the country was forcibly collectivized and Sovietized; 42,975 persons were deported in 1949. An influx of laborers, administrators, military personnel and their dependents from Russia and other Soviet republics meant that the ethnic Latvian population had fallen to 62% by 1959. During the Khrushchev Thaw, attempts by national communists led by Eduards Berklavs to gain a degree of autonomy for the republic and protect the rapidly deteriorating position of the Latvian language were suppressed. In 1989 the Supreme Soviet of the USSR adopted a resolution on the "Occupation of the Baltic States," in which it declared that the occupation was "not in accordance with law," and not the "will of the Soviet people". A national movement coalescing in the Popular Front of Latvia took advantage of glasnost under Mikhail Gorbachev, opposed by the Interfront, and on May 4, 1990, the Supreme Soviet of the Latvian SSR adopted the Declaration of the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia, subject to a transition period that came to an end with Latvian independence on August 21, 1991, after the failure of the August Putsch. The Saeima, Latvia's parliament, was again elected in 1993, and Russia completed its military withdrawal in 1994.
In the 1990s and early 21st century, Latvia focused on "rejoining Europe"; its two major goals, NATO and European Union membership, were achieved in 2004. Language and citizenship laws have been opposed by many Russophones (Latvian is the official language and citizenship was not automatically extended to some former Soviet citizens - mostly ethnically Russian - who settled during the occupation, or to their descendants). Though many are naturalizing since the law was liberalized, almost 18.5% of the residents remain non-citizens today. Non-citizens hold a Latvian aliens' passport (an internationally recognized identity document that serves as a proof of residence as well as entitles the holder to consular protections abroad and certain other rights). The government denationalized private property confiscated by the Soviet rule, returning it or compensating the owners when that was not possible, and privatized most state-owned industries, reintroducing the prewar currency. After a difficult transition to a liberal economy and its re-orientation toward Western Europe, Latvia still has one of the lowest standards of living in the EU, though its economy has one of the highest growth rates.
Politics
 | Template:Wikify is deprecated. Please use a more specific cleanup template as listed in the documentation. |
The 100-seat unicameral Latvian parliament, the Saeima, is elected by direct, popular vote every four years. The president is elected by the Saeima in a separate election also every four years. The president appoints a prime minister who, together with his cabinet, forms the executive branch of the government, which has to receive a confidence vote by the Saeima.
The Latvian government has often been criticized for failing to focus on the needs of the people and for alleged corruption.
On September 20, 2003, in a nationwide referendum 66.9% of the participants voted in favour of joining the European Union. Latvia became a full-fledged member of the European Union on May 1, 2004. Latvia has been a NATO member since March 29, 2004.
Latvia has not made a territorial claim against the Russian Federation regarding the Abrene region, which was previously part of Latvia and was detached from it by the Soviet Union. Latvia's references to territorial integrity in the proposed border treaty (which prompted Vladimir Putin's "dead donkey ears" comment) would, however, require Russia to acknowledge that Latvia is continuous with the first Latvian Republic. At the same time Latvia is considering requesting monetary compensation from the Russian Federation for the Soviet occupation. A special government commission has calculated the amount of 100 billion USD in losses caused to Latvia by its incorporation into the Soviet Union; however, no official demands yet for the Russian Federation to provide compensation have been made by the Latvian government.
Administrative divisions
- Main article: Districts of Latvia
Latvia is divided into 26 districts (rajoni). There are also seven cities (lielpilsētas) that have a separate status.
|
- Abrene District (1919-1940), the eastern part of which was annexed to Russia in 1944;
the legal status of the annexed portion is disputed -- the western part of the former district is now in Balvi District.
Geography
Main article: Geography of Latvia
Large parts of Latvia are covered by forests, and the country has over 12,000 small rivers and over 3,000 lakes. Most of the country consists of fertile, low-lying plains with some hills in the east, the highest point being the Gaiziņkalns at 311.6 m (1,020 ft).
An inlet of the Baltic Sea, the shallow Gulf of Riga is situated in the northwest of the country. The capital city, Riga, is located on the shores of this inlet, where the River Daugava flows into it. Other major cities include Daugavpils further upriver and Liepāja along the Baltic coast.
The Latvian climate is maritime and temperate in nature, with cool summers and wet, moderate winters.
Latvia is historically and culturally divided in four or five distinct regions, see regions of Latvia.
Economy
Main article: Economy of Latvia
Since the year 2000 Latvia has had one of the highest (GDP) growth rates in Europe [1]. In 2004, annual GDP growth was 8.5% and inflation was 6.2%. Unemployment was 8.5% - almost unchanged compared to the previous two years. However, it has recently dropped to 7%, partly due to active economical migration mostly to the Republic of Ireland and United Kingdom. Privatization is mostly completed, except for some of the large state-owned utilities. Latvia is a member of the World Trade Organization (1999) and the European Union (2004).
The fast growing economy is regarded as a possible economic bubble, because it is driven mostly by growth of domestic consumption, financed by a serious increase of private debt, as well as negative foreign trade balance. The prices of real estate, which increases at amount approx. 5% a month (due to lack of tax legislation that could prevent speculations in real estate market), are perceived to be too high for the economy, which mainly produces low valued goods and raw materials. As stated by Ober-Haus, a real estate company operating in Poland and the Baltics, the prices of some segments of real estate market have been stabilized as of summer 2006 and some experts expect serious reduction of real estate prices in the near future.
The Latvian government aspires to adopt the euro as the country's currency on January 1, 2008, though this has been thrown into doubt recently, and Latvia might not be able to adopt the Euro until 2009 or later.
Religion
The population is mostly Christian, the largest group being Lutheran (556,000, according to 2003 data; 24 % of total population), with smaller percentages Roman Catholic (430,405, 19 %) and Eastern Orthodox (350,000, 15 %).
There are also Jews (9,883 in 2005) in Latvia who are now mainly a remainder from the Soviet Union, as during World War II the Jewish Community (according to the last official census in 1935 there were 93,479 Jews in the country, or approximately 5% of the total population) was killed. Dievturi (The Godkeepers), which has historical roots based on pre-Christian era mythology also has followers.
About 35 % of the total population is not affiliated with a specific religion and may be agnostic or atheist.
Demographics
Latvia's population has been multiethnic for centuries, though the demographics shifted dramatically in the 20th century due to the world wars, the emigration and removal of Baltic Germans, the Holocaust, and occupation by the Soviet Union.
In 1897 the first official census in this area indicated that Latvians formed 68.3 % of the total population of 1.93 million; Russians accounted for 12%, Jews for 7.4 %, Germans for 6.2 %, and Poles for 3.4 %. The remainder were Lithuanians, Estonians, Roma/Sinti, and various other nationalities.
Latvians and Livonians, the indigenous peoples of Latvia, now form c. 60% of the population; 28.5% of the inhabitants are Russian.[2]. Approximately 54% of the ethnic Russians are citizens of Latvia; most of the others are permanent residents with Latvian aliens' passports. Like others who arrived whilst Latvia was occupied by the USSR, and their descendants, they must be naturalized to receive Latvian citizenship. Over 100,000 persons have been naturalized in recent years, but 418,440 persons (278,213 of them ethnic Russians) remain non-citizens. Children born to residents after the restoration of independence in 1991 do not require naturalization to obtain citizenship.
In some large cities (e.g. Daugavpils and Rēzekne), Russians and other minorities outnumber Latvians. Minorities from other countries such as Belarus, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, etc., also live in Latvia. The share of ethnic Latvians had fallen from 77% (1,467,035) in 1935 to 52% (1,387,757) in 1989.[3]. In 2005 there were even fewer Latvians than in 1989, though their share of the population was larger - 1,357,099 (58.8% of the inhabitants).
Language
The official language of the Republic of Latvia is Latvian. The Latvian language, like Lithuanian and the extinct Old Prussian language, belongs to the Baltic language group of the Indo-European language family. The Latgalian language or dialect is present in Latgale (also the written tradition - see Latgalian language). Kuronian/Couronian is another dialect of Latvian spoken in Kurzeme, though less popular than Latgalian. Russian is by far the most widespread minority language, also spoken, or at least understood, by large sections of the non-Russian population; most of Latvia's minorities are considered "Russian - speaking" by some political parties, while ethnically being Belarusians, Ukrainians, Jews, etc.
Culture
One of the most striking features of Latvian culture to visitors is the midsummer festival of Ligo or Jāņi - a celebration of the summer solstice and the feast day of St. John the Baptist. Whilst ostensibly a Christian festival, its pagan roots are unmistakable. Ligo takes place every year on the night between June 23 and 24th, the shortest night of the year.
It is customary for people to go to the countryside for Ligo, traditionally wreaths of leaves and flowers are worn on the head. If a man is named Jānis (John) the wreath will be made of oak leaves. In the early evening of the 23rd, fires are lit around which people will chat, sing and dance until the early hours of the following day. It is considered lucky to jump over these fires. Cheese flavoured with caraway and a drink made from birch sap are traditional fare at Ligo firesides. Throughout the night it is not unusual to see young couples slip quietly off into the woods in search of a non-existent "fern flower"- these liaisons are not considered unseemly nor are they generally remarked upon the next day. Latvians love their crepes.
Latvian Song and Dance Festivals have been held since 1873, normally every five years (this schedule was adjusted most recently for "Rīga 800"), and are one of the most important events in Latvian social life - there is even a law to regulate this event [4]. During the festivals exhibitions of photography, art and folk craft also take place. Events and competitions leading up to the event occur throughout the period between festivals. The next festival is scheduled for 2008 in Latvia. (Note, the next U.S. festival is scheduled for July 4-9, 2007.) Many people are awakened by a singing lady at a quarter to eight in the morning as a mark of free speech for women. Approximately 30,000 people all together participate in the event [5] [6]. Although usually dainas and classical choir songs are sung, recently modern popular songs were incorporated into the repertoire. Most popular songs are from the 1980s when songs that made fun of characteristics of Soviet life and which were concerned about preserving Latvian identity aroused popular protests against the USSR; they also gave rise to an increasing popularity of poetry.
In recent years Riga has seen many tourists. Tourists seeking active night life enjoy the flexible drinking hours. Shops were recently banned from selling alcohol after 22:00 but there is no such restriction for sale of alcohol in restaurants and bars.
The country won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2002, and hosted the event on May 24, 2003.
Sports
Latvia has professional basketball, handball, volleyball, football and hockey leagues. Latvia's football league is named the LMT Virslīga.
The Latvian hockey team has participated in the 1936, 2002, and 2006 Winter Olympics and all Ice Hockey World Championships since its (re)entry in 1997. Its best results were the 7th places in the 1997 and 2004 World Championships. The 2006 Ice Hockey World Championship took place in Riga, Latvia. There have been many Latvians in the NHL, such as Sandis Ozoliņš, Artūrs Irbe, Kārlis Skrastiņš, Sergejs Žoltoks and Pēteris Skudra.
In football, Latvia qualified for Euro 2004 in Portugal.
Andris Biedriņš is playing in NBA club Golden State Warriors for the 3rd season.
The future of Latvian tennis is coming with Ernest Gulbis and Andis Juska.
International rankings
- Environmental Sustainability Index 2005 Rank 15 out of all countries
- Reporters Without Borders World-wide press freedom index: 10/168
- Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index: 49/163
- Heritage Foundation/The Wall Street Journal Index of Economic Freedom: 39/157
See also
- Communications in Latvia
- Foreign relations of Latvia
- Public holidays in Latvia
- List of cities in Latvia
- Military of Latvia
- National Roads in Latvia
- Regions of Latvia
- Sports in Latvia
- Tourism in the Baltics
- Transportation in Latvia
- History of Russians in Latvia
- History of the Jews in Latvia
- Muslims in Latvia
- Latvijas Skautu un Gaidu Centrālā Organizācija
- Latvijas Televīzija
- Latvian humour
- List of Museums in Latvia
References
- "Latvia in Transition", Juris Dreifelds,Cambridge University Press,1996.
- "Latvia: Country & People," Jānis Rutkis, editor, Latvian National Foundation, Stockholm, 1967
- "The Story of Latvia - A Historical Survey," by Arveds Švābe, Latvian National Foundation, Stockholm, 1949 (see below)
- "These Names Accuse-Nominal List of Latvians Deported to Soviet Russia," Latvian National Foundation, Stockholm, 2nd edition, 1982 (see below)
- ^ "Data: 3000 BC to 1500 BC". The Ethnohistory project. Retrieved 2006-08-06.
External links
Definitions from Wiktionary
Media from Commons
News from Wikinews
Quotations from Wikiquote
Texts from Wikisource
Textbooks from Wikibooks
Resources from Wikiversity
Government
- The Cabinet of Ministers
- The Latvian Parliament (Saeima)
- The Latvian President's Chancery
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- The Constitution of Latvia (in English), translation by the Latvia Law Institute, published online by the Human Rights Institute of the University of Latvia.
- National Agency of Latvian Language Training - available in Russian, Latvian, and English
Other
- AABS (the Association for the Advancement of Baltic Studies) - an international educational and scholarly organization. Site hosted by Washington University.
- Baltic Times - English language weekly in the Baltic States, published in Riga.
- http://dmoz.org/Regional/Europe/Latvia/
- Latvia tourism - Tourism information sponsored by Latvian Tourism Development Agency
- Latvija - Official Portal of Latvia by Secretariat of Special Assignments Minister for Electronic Government Affairs
- Latvians - Personal web site of Silvija and Peters Vecrumba
- Latvians Online - Online Latvian community, site edited by Andris Straumanis, Minnesota, USA
- Policy.lv - English version of the Latvian public policy site politika.lv by Providus and the Soros Foundation.
- The Latvian Institute - professional organization publishing information on Latvian society, economy, culture and history
- Latvia on Wikitravel
- Analysis of Freedom in Latvia (pdf file) -Freedom House publication "Nations in Transit 2006". Authored by J.Dreifelds.
- Latvia : Country Studies - Published in 1996 by the Federal Research Division, Library of Congress.Authored by J.Dreifelds.
- National Statistics Agency (in Latvian and English. For English press upper right hand corner "EN")
- Latvia Tourism Brochures - Official publication by European Travel Commission (ETC)
Republished online
A reminder! Respect authorship rights and don't reproduce materials electronically if not permitted!
- "Attitudes of the Major Soviet Nationalities—Latvia and the Latvians", by Frederic Harned, M.I.T. Center for International Studies; pub. 1973. Published online by Latvians.
- "Brīvības Piemineklis" (The Freedom Monument), by Jānis Siliņš, an artistic and cultural review of the monument; published by the Freedom Monument Committee, 1935. Published online by Latvians.
- "Lāčplēsis" (Bearslayer), by Andrejs Pumpurs translated by Arthur Cropley; pub. 2005.
- "Latvia—Our Dream is Coming True", by Vilis Lācis; an example of Soviet propaganda; pub. 1959. Published online by Latvians.
- "Latviešu Trimdinieka Kalendārs—1947" (The Latvian Exile's Calendar 1947), facsimile and some translations; published during the "Displaced Persons" camps period after WWII, 1946. Published online by Latvians.
- "The Story of Latvia-A Historical Survey", by Arveds Švābe; a history of Latvia from Balts inhabiting what is now western Russia through the Soviet occupation of WWII; pub. Stockholm, 1949. Published online by Latvians.
- "These Names Accuse—Nominal List of Latvians Deported to Soviet Russia", by the Latvian National Foundation; the circumstances leading up to and including the Soviet occupation and deportations of 1940-1941 and list of those deported (list itself not reproduced); second edition, pub. Stockholm, 1982. Published online by Latvians.