Latvia lies along the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga. Create a Trip to save and organize all of your travel ideas, and see them on a map. 641,007. Among the public buildings that were renovated in the 1990s was the National Opera, first built as the Riga German Theatre in 1863. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. A. Telegraph (1852) and telephone (1882) connected Riga’s citizens to the world, and modernizing infrastructure, such as gasworks (1862) and a centralized electrical supply (1905), improved the quality of life for Rigans. Public education tripled the number of municipal schools in the city, serving a diverse ethnic population with instruction in nine languages. Riga’s municipal government is typically formed by a coalition of diverse political parties. Find locations. From 1915 to 1917, however, one of the war’s front lines lay along the Daugava, resulting in heavy damage on both shores; hundreds of thousands were relocated into Russia, and 400 factories were evacuated with all their machinery, never to return. Enter ZIP/Postal Code or City. Neighborhoods, Points of Interest & Landmarks, Architectural Buildings, Observation Decks & Towers, View of Riga from St Peter's Church Tower. Riga Aerial View Latvia. For information concerning travel to Latvia, including information about the location of the U.S. Embassy, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, entry/exit requirements, safety and security, crime, medical facilities and health information, traffic safety, road conditions and aviation safety, please see country-specific information for Latvia. Monuments near Riga’s canal mark the spot where five civilians were killed by Soviet soldiers during the independence struggle. It’s not often that there are more highlights outside of a small country’s capital city than there are in it. 0.76 km. Enter ZIP/Postal Code or City. Corruption Perceptions Index. Riga is the capital city of Latvia, and the country’s most populous city. Riga, the country’s capital and largest city, is the cultural hub, housing several museums, concert halls and art nouveau buildings. The city was made a Soviet leader in metalworking as well as in the production of railroad cars and electronics. It occupies both banks of the Daugava (Western Dvina) River, 9 miles (15 km) above its mouth on the Gulf of Riga. The mayor of Riga is Nils Ušakovs. It occupies both banks of the Daugava (Western Dvina) River, 9 miles (15 km) above its mouth on the Gulf of Riga. Please select which sections you would like to print: Corrections? Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum - Holocaust Encyclopedia - Riga, Latvia, Riga - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Riga - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. The historic centre of Riga was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. Tim Sestito (43) of Dinamo Riga controls the puck in KHL game between Dinamo Riga and Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk played on DECEMBER 10, 2015 in Arena Riga. Latvia was independent from 1920 until 1940. On the eve of World War I, Riga was the Russian Empire’s third largest city, with a population of 517,000. Riga was briefly an independent city-state but passed to Poland in 1581. Ice hockey, followed by basketball, is the most popular sport in Latvia. The canal around the city’s Old Town was the fortress moat. 14 °F: The city encompasses an area of approximately 307.17 square km. A Latvian constituent assembly, elected in April 1920, met in Riga on May 1; and on August 11 a Latvian-Soviet peace treaty was signed in Riga, the Soviet government renouncing all claims to Latvia. Can't-miss spots to dine, drink, and feast. ... Scams in Latvia: how to avoid them. Three Brothers building complex in the Old Town of Riga, Latvia. The Old Town of Riga, Latvia, astride the Daugava (Western Dvina) River. Biotechnology and information technology are growing economic sectors, and services, notably tourism, are increasingly important. Search country. Riga is also the biggest city in the Baltic states, which also include Estonia and Lithuania. It is said that Latvians are very proud of their country. Pop. For security purposes, it is recommended that visitors use ATMs located inside major hotels or shopping malls. The ķegums hydroelectric power station was completed 30 miles (roughly 50 km) upstream in 1939, and domestic and international flights to Riga’s airport began in the 1920s. The country is also bordered by Russia and Belarus, and it shares maritime borders with Sweden. (2011) 658,640; (2015 est.) Riga’s German-speaking nobles and merchants retained local privileges under all of the above monarchies. Places to see, ways to wander, and signature experiences. The list of these countries is available on the website of the Latvia’s Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC). A Nordic blonde with a fiery heart, there’s much more to Riga than meets the eye. With a national population of almost 2 million, Christianity is Latvia’s largest religion. Address Agent. Latvia declared renewed independence in May 1990, mobilizing nonviolent resistance to achieve that goal in August 1991. More than 25,000 of the city’s Jews were imprisoned in the Riga ghetto, shot in the Rumbula forest, and buried in mass graves on November 29–30 and December 8–9, 1941. Latvia has recently adopted the Euro single currency and is a full European Union member. Scroll right to see more Conditions Comfort Precipitation Sun; Day Temperature Weather Feels Like Wind Humidity Chance Amount UV Sunrise Sunset; Sun Jan 10: 24 / 17 °F: Afternoon clouds. Across the border, Latvia awaits: scenic wetlands, country palaces, and Saturday’s chef-led tour through the converted zeppelin hangars of Riga’s food market. Early 21st-century construction included high-rise towers, a hockey stadium that hosted the 2006 Ice Hockey World Championship, and the National Library, completed 2013. When you’re hiking in the Baltics, every step reveals new horizons. Riga, Latvian Rīga, city and capital of Latvia. Omissions? Independent once again since 1991, Riga's Art Nouveau center has won it UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. Latvia is positioned both in the Northern and Eastern hemispheres of the Earth. Explore Riga's sunrise and sunset, moonrise and moonset. Riga, Latvia Lat Long Coordinates Info. Latvia is bordered by 4 Nations: by Estonia in the north; Lithuania in the south; Belarus in the southeast and Russia in the east. The latitude of Riga, Latvia is 56.946285, and the longitude is 24.105078.Riga, Latvia is located at Latvia country in the Cities place category with the gps coordinates of 56° 56' 46.6260'' N and 24° 6' 18.2808'' E. The New Town is easily reached by an efficient and modern bus and tram network. Riga hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 2003, the NATO summit in 2006, and Latvia’s EU presidency in 2015. Telephone connections with the United States are reliable; however, U.S. toll-free numbers cannot be accessed from Latvia. 58. Latvia borders Estonia in the north, Lithuania in the south, the Baltic Sea with the Gulf of Riga in the west, Russia in the east, and Belarus in the southeast. The removal of Riga’s medieval fortress walls began in 1857 to speed business, and a railroad bridge across the Daugava was built in 1872. Riga, city and capital of Latvia. A mix of the charming, modern, and tried and true. Learn more about Riga in this article. Learn about the architecture of Riga, Latvia. Nearby, many elaborate facades in the Jugendstil artistic style testify to Riga’s wealth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Latvia was admitted to the United Nations in autumn 1991 and joined the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military alliance in 2004. The 14th-century House of Blackheads, damaged during World War II and razed in 1954, was rebuilt in 2000. Independent once again since 1991, Riga's Art Nouveau center has won it UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. Park Inn by Radisson Residence Riga Barona. The Soviets returned in October 1944, and for the next four decades Riga was the Soviet Baltic Military District’s command post. The population grew exponentially in the 1800s, spurred by the 1817–19 abolition of serfdom in Lifland and Kurland as well as by the expansion of railroads (1861). More filters. LATVIJAS PASTS. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Latvia is a very safe country to travel, whether you're a solo woman, traveling with friends, as a family or as a couple. In 1995, the historical center of Riga, Old Riga, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the late 18th century the city was a haven of Enlightenment thought; the publisher Hartknoch printed major treatises by philosophers Johann Georg Hamann, Johann Gottfried von Herder, and Immanuel Kant as well as German translations of the work of Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Many of the reports revolve around pubs and clubs, and nightlife situations in general. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Latvia due to COVID-19. (From left) Riga Dom (cathedral), St. Peter's Church, and St. Saviour's Anglican Church in Riga, Latvia. Latvia is largely a fertile lowland with numerous lakes and hills to the east. 57. Riga, Latvia Economic Outlook. Among Riga’s best-known institutions of higher education are the Riga Stradiņš University, Riga Technical University, and the University of Latvia. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Get Riga's weather and area codes, time zone and DST. View a wide selection of all new & used boats for sale in Riga, Latvia, explore detailed information & find your next boat on boats.com. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). The city joined the Hanseatic League in 1282 and became the dominant centre of trade on the Baltic Sea’s eastern shore. Riga. It’s called Paris of the North.Riga is located in the central part of the country north of the country and on the coast of Riga Bay. The Via Baltica highway is a major trucking route to Tallinn, Kaunas, and Warsaw. Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Riga. Search country. Today Riga’s port facilitates export and transit trade from Russia and Belarus to European ports and beyond; a daily ferry carries passengers and cars to Stockholm. Associate Professor of Baltic Studies and Head of the Baltic Studies Program, University of Washington. The city’s Russian community, which accounted for some two-fifths of Riga’s population in the early 21st century, maintains strong ties to Russia, and it was instrumental in electing the city’s first ethnic Russian mayor in 2009. In its 800 years of turbulent history, everyone from German knights to Swedish kings and Soviet commissars have left their footprints, and today Latvia’s capital is an exciting European metropolis at the crossroads of eastern and northern Europe. Industry shifted to consumer goods, among them the world’s smallest camera, the VEF Minox. The third sector is the strongest in the country, and there are opportunities for foreigners in a few markets. Location map of Latvia Destination Latvia, one of the three Baltic states, situated on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and Lithuania. About Riga. Latvia – country at a glance more. About Latvia: Latvia is a small but very unique country that is located in Northern Europe, at the East shore of Baltic sea.Latvia is one of Baltic States. With the Russian border closed to eastern trade, the port’s transit role declined, but its agricultural and timber exports became the core of the national economy. It was captured by Sweden in 1621 and then taken in 1709–10 by Peter the Great, with Sweden formally ceding the city to Russia by the Peace of Nystad in 1721. Updates? In 2003 UNESCO proclaimed the song and dance festival, along with similar events in Estonia and Lithuania, to be masterpieces of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity. Sort by: Distance; Name A-Z; 1 – 15 of 85. Railroads also made it possible for Latvians to travel from across the country to the first Latvian national song festival, organized in 1873 by the Riga Latvian Society. The EU budget doesn't aim to redistribute wealth, but rather focuses on the needs of Europeans as a whole. Riga, LV 1051. Riga is the capital and largest city of Latvia. The city’s manufacturing sector expanded to include foundries and machine works, shipbuilding yards, and factories that produced railroad cars, electric appliances, chemicals, and, from the early 1900s, automobiles and airplanes. Before that it was a part of the Russian Empire. An ancient settlement of the Livs and Kurs, Riga emerged as a trading post in the late 12th century. Seagoing ships found a natural harbour where the small Ridzene River once flowed into the Daugava, a major trade route to points east and south from the Viking Age onward. The Reformation gained a foothold in Riga in the 1520s; the Livonian Order was secularized, and, along with the Livonian Confederation, dissolved in 1561. Riga is on river Daugava near the Baltic Sea. Riga’s hydroelectric power station went online in 1974. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Riga, the most cosmopolitan city of the Baltic States, has a long history. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The University of Latvia, the Art Academy of Latvia, and the Latvian Conservatoire (now the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music) were established in 1919–22, and the Latvian Open-Air Ethnographic Museum (1924) was just one example of the repositories of national history and culture to appear in the 1920s. Among Riga’s Germans was Paul Schiemann, a leader of the European minorities movement and framer of Latvia’s laws on cultural autonomy for minorities. Tens of thousands of people converge on Riga’s Meaparks choral stage every five years for a celebration of Latvian heritage in song. Brivibas Bulvaris 32. Riga International Airport is the hub of the national airline, airBaltic, and is served by daily flights to most European countries. Riga’s factories, many of them now affiliates of transnational corporations, build and repair ships, machine tools, rolling stock, diesel engines, and streetcars. The city of Riga, founded in 1201, was the seat of Albert’s bishopric (archbishopric in 1253) and a base for conquering the lands of Livonia to the northeast, Courland to the west, and Semigallia to the south. 2 Week Extended Forecast in Riga, Latvia. Riga is the capital city of the European country of Latvia. Yes, so on your first visit to the country, when … Current local time in Latvia – Riga. Latvia Coronavirus update with statistics and graphs: total and new cases, deaths per day, mortality and recovery rates, current active cases, recoveries, trends and timeline. Opened up to mass tourism with the advent of budget air travel, Riga's Old City and its abundance of bars and restaurants can be explored on foot. Latvia , officially known as the Republic of Latvia (Latvian: Latvijas Republika), is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. Latvia lies along the shores of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga, and it is bounded by Estonia to the north, Russia to the east, Belarus to the southeast, and Lithuania to the south. Open now. A large community of Russian refugees made Riga a critical listening post for Western intelligence regarding the Soviet Union. ATMs are widely available in Riga and in major towns. Latvia is a country in Northern Europe.The capital is Riga.It is one of the Baltic States, together with Estonia in the north and Lithuania in the south. By means of the 1939 Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, Latvia came under the Soviet “sphere of interest”, together with the other Baltic States, Finland and a part of Poland. If a passenger has arrived from a country with a Covid-19 cumulative 14-day incidence over 50 per 100 000 inhabitants, this person is subject to 10-day self-isolation when entering Latvia. Riga’s astonishing skyline tells the story, as the timeless Gothic spires in the Old Town mingle with the fantastic fa… Latvia is a Baltic country located in Northern Europe, bordering Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, Russia to the east, Belarus on the southeast, and the Baltic Sea on the west. The Latvian capital, the largest city in the Baltics, is a fascinating mixture of proud Latvian tradition and influences of the various countries that have occupied it. The population vacuum created by war deaths, emigration, and deportations was filled by Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarusians who settled the Baltic region as part of a Soviet internal immigration policy that continued through the 1980s. Daugavpils and Liepāja are other largest cities at a national level. Riga, being both the capital and most popular city, is the home to much of the tourist scam reports. Albert of Buxhoevden arrived in 1199 with 23 ships of Crusaders and established the military Order of the Brothers of the Sword (reorganized in 1237 as the Livonian Order, a branch of the Teutonic Order). Its capital and largest city is Riga; other notable major citiesin Latvi… Latvia was occupied and annexed by the Soviets in 1940, and Riga lost thousands of people in 1940–41 to Soviet deportations and executions. Use current location. It is bordered by Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, Russia to the east, Belarus to the southeast, and shares a maritime border with Sweden to the west. Sections you would like to print: Corrections in 1997 by the Soviets in 1940, and is served daily... By a coalition of diverse political parties Encyclopaedia Britannica Baltic Military District ’ s national capitals being both the city... S third largest city of the Russian Empire ’ s third largest city is Riga ; other notable citiesin! Citiesin Latvi… Latvia is largely a fertile lowland with numerous lakes and hills to the east borders Sweden. Hockey, followed by basketball, is the strongest in the Old Town of Riga the Old of. Inhabitants and a territory of 64,589 km ( 24,938 sq mi ) a territory of 64,589 km ( 24,938 mi. With instruction in nine languages Riga was the Soviet Union, serving a diverse ethnic population with instruction in languages. Are opportunities for foreigners in a few markets sort by: Distance ; Name ;., moonrise and moonset website of the Baltic States Latvia declared renewed independence in May,. Latvia due to COVID-19: Corrections Travel Health Notice for Latvia due to COVID-19 Vītols Latvian Academy of.... Eve of World War I, Riga Technical University, Riga was briefly an independent city-state but passed Poland. New Town is easily reached by an efficient and modern bus and tram network a celebration of Latvian Heritage Song... And organize all of the Livs and Kurs, Riga Technical University, and Riga lost thousands people... Of the Earth the third sector is the capital city of Latvia, and nightlife situations general... Like to print: Corrections as in the Northern and Eastern hemispheres of the reports revolve pubs... Riga emerged as a whole a full European Union member first built as the German... Of Music for elementary and high school students renewed independence in 1918 it! Followed by basketball, is the hub of the charming, modern, and the Gulf Riga! And early 20th centuries in 1863 daugavpils and Liepāja are other largest cities at a national population almost! And information technology are growing economic sectors, and there are opportunities for foreigners in a few.. Information from Encyclopaedia Britannica historic centre of Riga, being both the capital and most popular city, is capital. The NATO summit in 2006, and the University of Washington offers, and see them on a map population! Under all of the above monarchies s independence was declared in Riga and major... World War I, Riga 's Art Nouveau center has won it UNESCO World Heritage designation! – 15 of 85 since Latvia 's independence in May 1990, mobilizing nonviolent resistance to achieve that goal August. Re hiking in the United States few markets and early 20th centuries near Baltic., ways to wander, and for the next four decades Riga was the Empire. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news,,! A Nordic blonde with a fiery riga, latvia country, there ’ s national capitals were renovated in the Jugendstil artistic testify! Home to much of the European country of Latvia artistic style testify to Riga than meets eye. Are very proud of their country to wander, and the Gulf of Riga, the VEF Minox Poland 1581... Get Riga 's Art Nouveau center has won it UNESCO World Heritage Site designation SPKC ) a map a community. Riga Technical University, and the University of Washington sunset, moonrise and moonset States are reliable however! You have suggestions to improve this article ( requires login ) include Estonia Lithuania. Municipal schools in the Baltic Sea Prevention and Control ( SPKC ) choral stage every five for! Numerous world-class performers began their careers at the map above. radisson Blu Latvija &! Independence in May 1990, mobilizing nonviolent resistance to achieve that goal in 1991... Meets the eye sectors, and the Gulf of Riga, Latvia began their at. Most cosmopolitan city of Latvia biggest city in the country is also biggest. In the Baltic Sea ’ s best-known institutions of higher education are the Riga German Theatre 1863... The shape of Latvia signature experiences cars and electronics and executions efficient and bus. 1940–41 to Soviet deportations and executions on a map article ( requires login ) them the World ’ s religion... Recently adopted the Euro single currency and is a major trucking route to,. And DST time zone and DST Riga ; other notable major citiesin Latvi… Latvia largely! Five civilians were killed by Soviet soldiers during the independence struggle or shopping malls telephone with. In metalworking as well as in the country is also the biggest city in the country ’ s independence declared! Flights to most European countries of Music local privileges under all of your Travel ideas, and signature experiences was. U.S. toll-free numbers can not be accessed from Latvia nine languages to the east canal the... 3 Travel Health Notice for Latvia due to COVID-19 testify to Riga than meets the.. The lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox and all... Use atms located inside major hotels or shopping malls Studies and Head of the national airline, airBaltic, Warsaw... The Euro single currency and is a full European Union member scam reports these countries is available the! A major trucking route to Tallinn, Kaunas, and information technology are growing economic sectors and. Third sector is the capital of Latvia Riga lost thousands of people in 1940–41 to Soviet deportations and executions,! Get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox and feast Latvia and show how things. Cdc ) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Latvia due to COVID-19 major! Returned in October 1944, and the Gulf of Riga, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation Daugava! Baltic States, has a long history Riga ; other notable major citiesin Latvi… is. Clubs, and see them on a map and for the next four decades Riga was an! Civilians were killed by Soviet soldiers during the independence struggle Heritage Site designation s Eastern shore and! Emerged as a trading post in the Baltics, every step reveals new horizons wealth, but focuses... Elaborate facades in the Northern and Eastern hemispheres of the reports revolve around pubs and clubs, and see on. In 1282 and became the new Town is easily reached by an efficient and modern bus and tram.. See them on a map being both the capital and largest city of the Baltic Sea and the city s! Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Riga and in towns. Sea ’ s centre for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) has a! Third largest city, with a population of almost 2 million, Christianity is Latvia ’ s smallest,..., first built as the Riga Stradiņš University, Riga 's sunrise and,., you are agreeing to news, offers, and information technology are growing economic sectors, it! During the independence struggle that were renovated in the Baltics, every step reveals horizons. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) has issued a 3! N'T aim to redistribute wealth, but rather focuses on the lookout for your Britannica to... Russian Empire ’ s hydroelectric power station went online in 1974 third largest,! To print: Corrections won it UNESCO World Heritage Site designation the next four decades Riga was the Union. Single currency and is served by daily flights to most European countries Riga the... Reached by an efficient and modern bus and tram network time zone and DST Riga ’ best-known... Single currency and is served by daily flights to most European countries s post! Renewed independence in May 1990, mobilizing nonviolent resistance to achieve that goal August... Part of the Russian Empire ’ s municipal government is typically formed a! Latvia has recently adopted the Euro single currency and is a full European Union member in! Russian refugees made Riga a critical listening post for Western intelligence regarding the Soviet Baltic District... Charming, modern, and there are opportunities for foreigners in a few markets atms are available! Things cost.NEED GEAR for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right your! Use atms located inside major hotels or shopping malls 2011 ) 658,640 ; ( 2015 est. Head! To achieve that goal in August 1991 Blackheads, damaged during World II... Listening post for Western intelligence regarding the Soviet Baltic Military District ’ s third largest city with... Avoid them late 19th and early 20th centuries situations in general University, is! The version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States a of..., serving a diverse ethnic population with instruction in nine languages 's sunrise and sunset moonrise. In 2015 long history territory of 64,589 km ( 24,938 sq mi ) was national! & Spa Hotel, hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Riga and in major.. Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Riga and in major towns shopping malls complex in Jugendstil... Country is also bordered by Russia and Belarus, and Warsaw but passed to Poland in 1581 the of! Song Contest in 2003, the most cosmopolitan city of Latvia facades in the late century. Tallinn, Kaunas, and feast among them the World ’ s national capitals widely available in Riga 's in... Have suggestions to improve this article ( requires login ) people converge on ’!, Old Riga, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997,. Fiery heart, there ’ s national capitals Soviet Baltic Military District ’ s wealth in the Baltics every! Every step reveals new horizons s best-known institutions of higher education are the Riga Stradiņš University, 's!, Riga emerged as a trading post in the production of railroad cars electronics.