Latvia Facts for Kids
Latvia is a small, yet culturally rich country in Northern Europe, known for its stunning landscapes, impressive architecture, and vibrant traditions.
Overview
Economy
History
Tourism
Language
Education
Geography
Notable Figures
Culture And Traditions
Government And Politics
Latvia
Inside this Article
Independence Day
European Union
Technology
Government
Literature
Lithuanian
Lithuania
Tradition
English
Nature
Did you know?
🇱🇻 Latvia is known as one of the three Baltic States, alongside Estonia and Lithuania.
🌳 About 50% of Latvia's land area is covered by forest.
🏛️ Riga, the capital of Latvia, boasts the largest collection of Art Nouveau architecture in Europe.
🎶 Latvia has a rich choral tradition, with over 20,000 singers participating in the National Song and Dance Festival every five years.
🦢 The symbol of Latvia is the white wagtail, a bird often seen in the region.
🌊 Latvia has a coastline of approximately 500 km along the Baltic Sea.
🛷 Traditional winter sports like ice skating and bobsleigh are popular among Latvians.
📜 The country regained independence from the Soviet Union on August 21, 1991.
🏰 Latvia is home to more than 2,000 castles and manors, showcasing its rich history.
🍺 Latvia has a strong brewing tradition, with a beer consumption rate among the highest in the world.
Introduction
Economy
In the past, agriculture and fishing were the main jobs. Now, Latvia's economy focuses on industries like manufacturing, technology, and tourism. Popular exports include machinery, food products, and textiles. The Euro is the currency used in Latvia, making it easy for people to trade and travel across Europe. The country also promotes green energy and sustainable practices to help protect the beautiful nature that surrounds it. 🌱
History
In the 13th century, German crusaders arrived and built castles. Later, Latvia was part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Swedish Empire. In the 18th century, Russia took control of Latvia. After World War I, Latvia declared independence in 1918 🎉, but it was occupied by the Soviet Union during World War II. In 1990, Latvia restored its independence and has been a free country ever since. Latvia celebrates its Independence Day on November 18! 🇱🇻
Tourism
Tourists can explore the capital, Riga, with its beautiful old town filled with colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. Other popular destinations include Jurmala, known for its sandy beaches and spas, and the stunning Gauja National Park, perfect for hiking and exploring nature 🥾. Latvia also has beautiful castles like Turaida Castle and the charming town of Cēsis. Visitors can enjoy local food, festivals, and cultural events, making it a wonderful experience! 🌍
Language
️ It is one of the oldest languages in Europe and belongs to the Baltic branch of the Indo-European family. Latvian has its unique alphabet consisting of 33 letters! Some letters are used differently than in English, like "ē" and "ū." The language is influenced by German, Russian, and Lithuanian due to historical events. Learning Latvian can be fun; many words are similar to words in other languages. For example, "mīlestība" means "love." ❤️
Education
Most children start school at the age of 7. The school system has primary, secondary, and higher education. Latvia has many public and private schools, where students learn subjects like math, science, languages, and music 🎶. The country emphasizes learning languages, so many Latvians speak English and other languages, like Russian and German. Students in Latvia also participate in various activities, like sports and art, making learning fun and exciting! 🖌
️
Geography
Notable Figures
️ One important figure is Rainis, a celebrated poet and playwright who contributed to Latvian literature. Another notable person is Jānis Čakste, the first President of Latvia, who helped establish the country’s independence. Līga Tīna Nagle, a talented contemporary artist, showcases Latvian culture through her work. In sports, Māris Štrombergs, an Olympic gold medalist in BMX cycling, inspires many young athletes! These figures play a big role in Latvian history and culture. 🏆
Culture And Traditions
One famous tradition is the Song and Dance Festival, where thousands of people sing and dance together every five years. Latvia has unique folk songs known as "dainas" that tell stories about nature, love, and daily life. In summer, Latvians celebrate a festival called Jāņi to welcome the summer solstice by singing, dancing, and jumping over bonfires 🔥. Traditional Latvian food includes rye bread, smoked fish, and birch sap. Cooking and eating together is a big part of their culture! 🍽
️
Government And Politics
Latvia Quiz
Related Articles
Belarus
Country
Mauritius
Country
Frequently Asked Questions
Start your 7 day free trial
Our Mission
To create a safe space for kid creators worldwide!
2025, URSOR LIMITED. All rights reserved. DIY is in no way affiliated with Minecraft™, Mojang, Microsoft, Roblox™ or YouTube. LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO® Group which does not sponsor, endorse or authorize this website or event. Made with love in San Francisco.