Latvia History, Language and Culture
History of Latvia
The territory of modern Latvia has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with early Baltic tribes settling across the region thousands of years ago. During the medieval period, German crusaders and merchants established control over much of present-day Latvia, and Riga was founded in 1201 as a major trading centre of the Hanseatic League. German influence remained dominant for centuries and shaped much of the country's urban culture, architecture and political structure.
Over the following centuries, Latvia came under the control of several regional powers, including Poland-Lithuania, Sweden and the Russian Empire. Swedish rule during the 17th century is sometimes remembered positively in Latvian history due to reforms in education and administration, though by the early 18th century Latvia had largely been absorbed into the Russian Empire following the Great Northern War.
During the 19th century, Latvian national identity began to strengthen through language, literature and cultural movements. Industrialisation transformed Riga into one of the Russian Empire's most important ports and manufacturing centres, while nationalist ideas gradually expanded among the Latvian population.
Latvia declared independence in 1918 following the collapse of the Russian Empire and the end of the First World War. The country remained independent until 1940, when it was occupied and annexed by the Soviet Union under the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. This was followed by Nazi German occupation during the Second World War before Soviet control was re-established in 1944.
The Soviet period brought large-scale industrialisation, immigration from other parts of the USSR and significant political repression. Latvia regained independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union and subsequently reoriented itself towards Western Europe. The country joined both the European Union and NATO in 2004 and adopted the euro in 2014.
Did you know?
• Riga has one of the largest collections of Art Nouveau architecture in Europe.
• Latvia's national flag is considered one of the oldest national flags still in use, with origins dating back to the 13th century.
• The Latvian Song and Dance Festival involves tens of thousands of performers and is recognised by UNESCO as part of the world's intangible cultural heritage.
Latvia Culture
Christianity is the dominant religion in Latvia, with Lutheranism, Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy forming the country's principal Christian traditions. Lutheranism is historically strongest in western and central Latvia, while Roman Catholicism is more common in the eastern Latgale region.
The Russian-speaking population has contributed to a significant Eastern Orthodox community, particularly in Riga and eastern Latvia. Smaller religious groups include Baptists, Old Believers, Jews and other Christian denominations.
Language in Latvia
Latvian is the official language of Latvia and is used in government, education, media and everyday life. It is one of only two surviving Baltic languages, alongside Lithuanian, and forms an important part of Latvian national identity.
English is widely spoken in Riga and other larger towns, particularly among younger people and those working in tourism, hospitality and business. Communication in English is generally straightforward in hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions.
Russian is also widely understood and spoken by part of the population, particularly in Riga and eastern Latvia, reflecting the country's Soviet-era history and sizeable Russian-speaking minority.
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