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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 the highest per-capita milk and milk products consumption? (566 litres per year per inhabitant)

During its second independence:

• A SKDS poll, January, 2006 shows 39% of Latvia's population consider emigrating.

Latvia News

News from Latvia

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

Latvian Events

Holidays and observances in Latvia

• January 1 - New Year’s Day
• January 20 - Commemoration Day of Defenders of the Barricades in 1991
• January 26 - International (de jure) Recognition of the Republic of Latvia

Things You Can Do

Here are some tasks you can do from Baltic States notice board and WikiProject Latvia: Create: Bikur Holim Hospital (Riga) • Cīņa • Iskolastrel • Raimunds Čaks • Daugavas Vanagi • Suiti Translate: lv:Satversmes sapulce → Constitutional Assembly of Latvia • de:Salaspils (Lager) → Salaspils concentration camp Improve: Kārlis Ulmanis • Dienas Lapa Expand: Latvian Riflemen • Arvīds Pelše • Delfi (web portal) • Stubs Collaboration: Minox Add media: Helsinki-86 • Rainis • Jānis Čakste • Gustavs Zemgals • Alberts Kviesis • Litene (memorial to Latvian army officers) Update: Latvian security laws referendum, 2007 • Līvi • Portal:Latvia