- regained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
- low-lying country with large forests that supply timber for construction and paper industries. The environment is rich in wildlife.
- produces consumer goods, textiles and machine tools also.
- attracts tourists from all over Europe.
Ethnically, the population is 59% Latvian and 29% Russian, and more than a third live in the capital Riga.
Founded in 1201, Riga is the largest city in the three Baltic states with a population of 730 000.
Its Freedom Statue is one of the highest monuments in Europe, at 43 metres.
The 100-seat unicameral Latvian Parliament, the Saeima, is elected by direct, popular vote every four years.
The president is elected by the Parliament, also every four years.
Among the best-known Latvians are the expressionist painter Mark Rothko and the contemporary composer Peteris Vasks.
Characteristic specialities of Latvian cuisine are speķapīrādziņi (bacon pies) and a refreshing, cold sour cream soup.
Recommend Power Point 2010 for better air effect seted up in this my presentation.