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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, with Russia and Belarus to the east. In the west, Latvia shares a maritime border with Sweden. The capital of Latvia, Riga (Latvian: Rīga), is the largest city in the Baltic states.

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Salaspils (pronunciation (population 21,106 in the census of 2000, known as Kircholm until 1917), is a city 18 km south-east of Riga in Latvia, on the northern bank of Daugava river. Salaspils is one of the oldest settlements in Latvia. Archaeological excavations of 1964-1975 (during the construction of Riga HES) in ancient settlements, burial grounds and castle mounds give evidence of very dense population of the region. During the excavations which were the largest in the history of Latvian archaeology, on the right bank of the Daugava the oldest ever known settlement of indigenous Latvians – Salaspils Laukskola (Country School of Salaspils) was found. 11,000 years ago reindeer hunters had settled there. From the 10th to 15th century, the site was settled by the Livonian and Baltic tribes.

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Did You Know?

During its first independence (1918-1939):

• Latvia had one of the best teacher to student ratios for elementary school? (Sweden first at 28.7, Holland second at 28.4, Latvia third at 27.1)

During its second independence:

• By official data, more than 50,000 citizens emigrated since Latvia joined EU in 2004. However, recent polls (2006) suggest the actual number may be double that.

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News from Latvia

• 25 July - President Valdis Zatlers expresses discontent about inappropriate joke on national anthem told in competition New Wave.