Latvia

Country in Europe

The Republic of Latvia is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe, on the coast of the Baltic Sea. It borders Estonia, Lithuania, Russia, and Belarus. Its area is approximately 64,589 km². The population is about 1.857 million people (2025). The capital is Riga. The independent Republic of Latvia was founded on November 18, 1918, after the collapse of the Russian Empire. The country's independence was interrupted in June 1940 by its forced incorporation into the Soviet Union, after which it was restored in August 1991.

1991

Restoration of state independence

2004

The country joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

2004

The state became a full member of the European Union

2007

The country joined the Schengen Agreement

2010

The country's economy successfully emerged from recession

2014

The state introduced the single European currency, the euro

2015

The country held the presidency of the Council of the European Union

2023

The country ratified the Istanbul Convention on preventing violence against women

2025

The country was elected to the UN Security Council

News by theme

European Parliament investigates allegations of Russian ties against Latvian MEP

The European Parliament is investigating allegations that Latvian MP Tatjana Ždanoka has ties to Russia. This case will be discussed at a conference of European Parliament presidents on January 31.

News of the World • January 30, 12:49 PM • 33683 views

Shells, weapons and cybersecurity: The Netherlands allocates 122 million euros to help Ukraine

The Dutch government has announced €122 million in new military aid to Ukraine, including €87 million for artillery shells, €25 million for weapons, and €10 million to strengthen Ukraine's cyber defense.

War in Ukraine • January 30, 09:40 AM • 29658 views

russian figure skater Valieva stripped of gold medal and banned for 4 years

The Court of Arbitration for Sport has disqualified russian figure skater Kamila Valiyeva for four years and stripped her of all her awards from December 25, 2021, due to a positive doping test.

News of the World • January 29, 02:33 PM • 26070 views

NATO should prepare for russian missile strikes across Europe - The Times

In preparation for a possible russian attack on NATO countries, European militaries are calling for simplified bureaucratic procedures to allow for the rapid movement of troops and equipment between allies.

News of the World • January 29, 09:34 AM • 23115 views

Netherlands joins IT coalition to support Ukraine's defense

The Netherlands has joined the IT coalition to support Ukraine's defense efforts by allocating 10 million euros. Together with the Netherlands, 12 countries have joined the coalition to support Ukraine in the field of IT, communications and cybersecurity.

War in Ukraine • January 27, 10:57 AM • 35553 views