Let’s explore!
Latvia is a land of remarkable contrasts, where nature meets technology and history merges with innovation.
Video: Investment and Development Agency of Latvia
Nature
Latvia’s landscape is a mix of wild beauty and serene charm, with over 2,000 km of coastline, sprawling forests, and wetlands teeming with life. The four National parks located all over Latvia and taking up almost 1,900 km2 are havens for rare birds, diverse habitats, and peaceful trails. The Baltic Sea coastline offers scenic beaches and marshes alive with wildlife, while more than half of the country is cloaked in forests, perfect for mushroom and berry foraging or leisurely hikes. A huge amount of Latvia’s lakes and rivers, with their clean waters, are ideal for swimming or fishing. You guessed it! Nature isn’t just scenery here—it’s a way of life. Our way.
Photo: Jānis Bautra
Tech-savvy innovation
Latvia is a rising star in Europe’s tech landscape, with a thriving startup ecosystem and a strong focus on digital innovation. Riga hosts numerous tech events, attracting entrepreneurs and investors. E-governance initiatives keep everyday life efficient, with services like healthcare and education just a click away, powered by the electronic ID system. Latvia has long been inventive—have you ever heard about Minox, the world’s tiniest camera? Yeah, that was us. Today, it’s the same innovative spirit driving Latvia into the digital future, leading with AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity, to name a few.
Photo: Reinis Hofmanis
Rich cultural heritage
Latvia’s cultural soul is woven from centuries of folklore, craftsmanship, and resilience. From intricate weaving to heartfelt folk songs like Dainas, tradition thrives while inspiring modern art and music. Festivals like Midsummer (Jāņi), with bonfires and songs, connect Latvians to their roots. Whether it’s the Nationwide Song and Dance Festival, UNESCO-recognized in 2003 for its cultural importance, or the timeless beauty of Latvian woodcraft, the country’s traditions remain vibrant also today through folk music, dance, traditional dress and crafts, preserving Latvia’s rich past. And by rich, we really do mean abundant.
Photo: Jānis Romanovskis, XXVII Nationwide Latvian Song and XVII Dance Festival, Latvian National Centre for Culture
Contemporary cultural highlights
Latvia’s cultural life is a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation, with globally celebrated talent shaping its creative landscape. The Riga Biennial highlights contemporary art, while the Mark Rothko Museum bridges local creativity with international influences. Iconic Latvian musicians—like conductors Mariss Jansons and Andris Nelsons or violinist Gidons Krēmers—perform on the world’s grandest stages, showcasing the nation’s artistry. Riga-born ballet legend Mihails Barišņikovs, along with composers like Pēteris Vasks, authors like Nora Ikstena, and filmmakers like Laila Pakalniņa, continues to inspire. Latvia’s creativity reflects resilience, depth, and global reach. Latvia proves that creativity really knows no borders. The latest testament to this is Gints Zilbalodis’ 2024 animated film “Flow” (Straume). Just look it up, you’ll understand.
Photo: Riga Municipality