Latvia

The Republic of Latvia (Latvian: Latvijas Republika) is a country in Northern Europe. Latvia has land borders with its two fellow Baltic states ? Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south ? and Russia and Belarus to the east. In the west Latvia shares a maritime border with Sweden. The capital of Latvia, Riga (Latvian: R?ga), is the largest city in the Baltic States.

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Main article: History of Latvia

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Known originally as Livonia, the area that now constitutes Latvia was under the influence of the German Sword Brethren (Schwertbr?der) from the 13th century onward until the 16th century, when the institution of Livonia was terminated and sold by the local aristocracy to Poland. During several wars different regions of Latvia were occupied by Poland, Sweden and Russia. However, in the 18th, during the Great Northern War, and later, following the Partitions of Poland, Russia gained control over Latvia and the neighbouring regions.

Latvian: The term Latvian can mean:...

Northern Europe: Northern Europe is a name of the northern part of the European continent. At different times this region has been defined differently but today it is generally seen to include:...

Lithuania: The Republic of Lithuania (Lithuanian: Lietuva; full - Lietuvos Respublika) is a republic in northeastern Europe. One of the three Baltic States along the Baltic Sea, it shares borders with Latvia to the north, Belarus to the southeast, Poland to the south, and the Kaliningrad Oblast of Russia to th...

Latvia related Images and Photos (experimental)

Riga Latvia 19th century

Beach at Dusk Liepaja Latvia

Cityscape from St. Peter's Church Riga Latvia