Latvia
Latvia
- Capital
- Riga
- Population
- 1,901,548
- Region
- Europe
- Languages
- Latvian
Latvia is home to Ventas Rumba, which holds the title of the widest waterfall in Europe, spanning up to 249 meters during spring floods. While the falls are remarkably wide, they are only about two meters high, making them a unique horizontal natural spectacle. Every spring, locals gather to watch 'flying fish' as spawning vimba attempt to leap over the ledge to reach upstream breeding grounds. This natural phenomenon has been a protected site for centuries and remains a major part of local folklore in the town of Kuldīga.
Currency
Latvia uses the Euro with the ISO code EUR, having officially adopted it on January 1, 2014. Before this, the country used the Lats, which was historically notable for having one of the highest individual unit values in Europe, often being worth more than the British Pound.
Flag symbolism
The Latvian flag features a unique carmine red field bisected by a narrow horizontal white stripe. According to legend, the design originated from a blood-stained sheet used to carry a wounded chieftain, where only the area beneath his body remained white. The specific dark red hue is internationally recognized as 'Latvian Red' to distinguish it from other national flags. It is one of the oldest banners in the world, with its use first recorded in the Rhymed Chronicle of Livonia during the 13th century.
Emblem history
The national coat of arms combines symbols of historical regional identity with a rising sun that represents Latvian statehood. Above the shield, three golden stars symbolize the historical provinces of Vidzeme, Latgale, and Courland-Semigallia. The shield is supported by a red lion and a silver griffin, representing Western and Eastern Latvia respectively. These heraldic figures stand upon oak branches, which are a traditional Latvian symbol of strength and endurance, tied together with a ribbon in the national colors.