Where is Latvia Located?
Where is Latvia located on the map? Latvia is an independent nation located in Northern Europe. Check out the following images to see location of Latvia on maps.
Latvia Location in World Map
Latvia is one of the three Baltic States, along with Lithuania and Estonia. They are located in the northeast of Europe. Latvia borders Estonia in the north, Russia in the east, Belarus in the southeast and Lithuania in the south. In the east lies the Baltic Sea. The Riga Bay (or Riga Bay of the Sea) protrudes far into Latvia. By the way, Latvia is called Latvija in Latvian.
Latvia is in the Baltic States.
Location Information of Latvia
Latvia is a country in Northern Europe, one of the three Baltic States, alongside Estonia and Lithuania. It is located along the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea and shares borders with Estonia to the north, Russia to the east and northeast, Belarus to the southeast, and Lithuania to the south. Latvia also has a coastline along the Baltic Sea to the west, making it strategically located for trade and maritime activity.
Latitude and Longitude
Latvia is situated between 56° and 58°N latitude and 21° and 28°E longitude. This places Latvia in the northeastern part of Europe, slightly to the east of the Scandinavian Peninsula and near the temperate zone of the continent.
Capital City and Major Cities
Capital City: Riga
Riga is the capital and largest city of Latvia, located on the western bank of the Daugava River, close to the Baltic Sea. It is the cultural, economic, and political center of the country, with a population of over 630,000 people. As the largest city in the Baltic region, Riga plays a significant role in trade and commerce. The Old Town of Riga is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and vibrant arts scene.
Major Cities
- Jurmala:
Jurmala is a popular resort city located on the Baltic Sea coast, just a short distance from Riga. Known for its beautiful sandy beaches, spas, and resorts, Jurmala attracts both locals and international visitors during the summer months. It is also famous for its wooden architecture and cultural festivals. - Daugavpils:
Daugavpils is the second-largest city in Latvia and is located in the southeastern part of the country, near the borders with Belarus and Lithuania. Daugavpils is an important industrial and cultural center, home to various museums, theaters, and a significant Russian-speaking population. The city is historically important due to its role as a military and trade hub. - Jelgava:
Located south of Riga, Jelgava is an important industrial city with a long history dating back to the medieval period. It is known for the Jelgava Palace, a grand Baroque-style building, and is also an educational center, hosting the Latvia University of Agriculture. - Liepaja:
Situated on the southwestern coast of Latvia, Liepaja is a significant port city on the Baltic Sea. The city is famous for its historical architecture, music scene, and beaches. It also has a rich military history, with several forts and fortifications dating back to the Russian Empire.
Time Zone
Latvia operates on Eastern European Time (EET), which is UTC+2 during standard time. During the summer months, Latvia follows Eastern European Summer Time (EEST), which is UTC+3, due to daylight saving time. Daylight saving time starts in late March and ends in late October.
Climate
Latvia has a temperate maritime climate, influenced by its proximity to the Baltic Sea. The climate is characterized by four distinct seasons: cold winters, mild springs, warm summers, and cool autumns.
- Winter (December to February):
Winters in Latvia can be cold, with temperatures often dipping below freezing, especially in the inland areas. Snow is common, particularly from December to February, and the average temperature during this season is around -6°C to -8°C (21°F to 18°F), though it can be colder during cold spells. Coastal areas are milder due to the moderating effect of the Baltic Sea. - Spring (March to May):
Spring in Latvia is cool to mild, with temperatures gradually rising from 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F) in March to 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) in May. The season is marked by blossoming trees and flowers, though the weather can still be unpredictable, with occasional frosts. - Summer (June to August):
Summers in Latvia are relatively mild compared to other parts of Europe. Average temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), but it can occasionally reach above 30°C (86°F), particularly in July. This is the peak tourist season, as the days are long, with up to 18 hours of daylight during the solstice. - Autumn (September to November):
Autumn is cool, with temperatures dropping from 15°C to 5°C (59°F to 41°F) in September to around 5°C to 0°C (41°F to 32°F) in November. The season is characterized by beautiful autumn foliage, particularly in forests and parks.
Economic Status
Latvia has a developed and high-income economy. Since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the country has transitioned from a centrally planned economy to a free-market economy. The country is a member of the European Union (EU), NATO, the Eurozone, and the World Trade Organization (WTO), which has greatly facilitated its integration into the global economy.
- Manufacturing: Latvia’s manufacturing sector is diverse, including machinery, wood products, food processing, and textiles. The country is a major exporter of wood products, which make up a significant portion of Latvia’s exports, along with machinery and electronic equipment.
- Agriculture: Despite its small size, Latvia has a strong agricultural sector. Major agricultural products include cereals, potatoes, vegetables, dairy, and meat. The country is also known for its production of flax, which is used for linen and other textiles.
- Services: The service sector, especially in finance, telecommunications, and tourism, plays a significant role in Latvia’s economy. The country has developed a strong financial services industry, and Riga has become a hub for banking and international trade.
- Tourism: Latvia’s tourism sector is growing, thanks to its historical sites, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. Riga, in particular, attracts a significant number of tourists with its medieval Old Town, Art Nouveau architecture, and vibrant arts scene. The seaside resort of Jurmala and the cultural heritage of towns like Sigulda and Cesis also draw international visitors.
- Challenges: While Latvia has made considerable strides in developing its economy, challenges remain, including an aging population, emigration of young people seeking work abroad, and regional inequality. The country has also focused on increasing investment in technology and innovation to stay competitive within the EU.
Tourist Attractions
Latvia offers a wide range of tourist attractions, from medieval castles and art nouveau architecture to beautiful natural landscapes and coastal resorts.
1. Riga Old Town
Riga’s Old Town (Vecriga) is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and beautiful squares. Key attractions in the Old Town include St. Peter’s Church, the House of Blackheads, and Riga Cathedral. The city is also famous for its Art Nouveau district, where visitors can see stunning examples of early 20th-century architecture.
2. Jurmala
Jurmala is Latvia’s premier beach resort, located just 25 kilometers from Riga. It is known for its long sandy beaches, tranquil atmosphere, and wooden architecture. Visitors come to relax at the spas, enjoy outdoor activities, and visit attractions like the Jurmala Open-Air Museum and Dzintari Forest Park.
3. Sigulda
Located in central Latvia, Sigulda is often referred to as the “Switzerland of Latvia” due to its beautiful natural scenery. The area is known for the Gauja National Park, the Turaida Castle, and the Sigulda Medieval Castle. The park offers hiking trails, scenic views, and opportunities for adventure sports like bobsleighing and zip-lining.
4. Cesis
Cesis is a historic town known for its medieval castle, Cesis Castle, and charming Old Town. The town is surrounded by beautiful forests, rivers, and parks, making it a great destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
5. Rundale Palace
Rundale Palace is an 18th-century Baroque palace located in southern Latvia. It was designed by the famous architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli and is often called the “Versailles of Latvia.” The palace and its surrounding gardens are a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Latvia’s aristocratic past.
6. Latvia’s Natural Beauty
Latvia is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including Gauja National Park, the Kemeri National Park, and the Lahemaa National Park. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and exploring Latvia’s many lakes, rivers, and forests.
Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens
As of 2024, U.S. citizens traveling to Latvia for tourism or business purposes do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, as Latvia is part of the Schengen Area. However, travelers must meet certain entry requirements:
- A valid U.S. passport with at least three months of validity beyond the date of departure from the Schengen Area.
- Sufficient funds to cover the duration of stay in Latvia.
- Health insurance that covers medical expenses in the Schengen Area.
- A return or onward ticket.
For longer stays, such as for work, study, or residency, U.S. citizens must apply for the appropriate visa at the nearest Latvian embassy or consulate before traveling.
Distance to New York City and Los Angeles
- New York City to Riga:
The distance from New York City (JFK) to Riga (Riga International Airport) is approximately 4,800 miles (7,725 kilometers). Flights typically take around 8 to 9 hours nonstop. - Los Angeles to Riga:
The distance from Los Angeles (LAX) to Riga is about 5,600 miles (9,000 kilometers). A flight from Los Angeles to Riga usually takes around 10 to 11 hours nonstop or longer if there are layovers.
Mountains and Lakes
In Latvia flat plains alternate with hilly land. There are many lakes and forests. The longest river is the Gauja, which is also called Livonian Au in German. It is 452 kilometers long. The Daugava, which is called in Latvian Daugava, is on Latvian territory’s second longest river. It flows from Russia and Belarus to Latvia, where it flows into the Baltic Sea. The highest mountain is more like a hill. It is called Gaising (in Latvian Gaiziņkalns) and measures 311 meters.
Climate
The climate of Latvia is cool temperate. The winters are cold with lots of snow, the summers are moderately warm. In the west, the influence of the Baltic Sea is noticeable, here the climate is more maritime (influenced by the sea) with cooler summers and warmer winters. In the east, the temperature differences are greater on a day and within a year.
Latvia Facts
| Size | 64,589 km² |
| Residents | 1.93 million |
| Language | Latvian |
| Capital | Riga |
| Longest river | Gauja (452 km) |
| Highest mountain | Gaising (311 m) |
| Currency | Euro |
