Latvia
Alexis Maokhamphiou Period 9
Latvia joined the European Union on May 1,2004. They were not one of the founders of the EU.
Latvia was part of lots of countries/empires. During the Middle Ages, Germany ruled Latvia, in the 17th century, Sweden took over. Lastly, Russia became ruler in the 18th and 19th centuries. Then, on December 5,1918 Latvia fought for independence (War of Independence). It lasted from December 5,1918 to August 11, 1920.
Latvia is South of Estonia, West of Russia, and North of Lithuania.
Latvia's flag was used by Latvian Tribes in about 1280. The red represents the blood shed by a wounded Latvian Leader, and the white represents the cloth used to wrap his wounds.
Latvia's capital is Riga, and four major cities are Daugvapils, Cesis, Liepāja, and Ventspils
Freedom Monument
People should visit the Freedom Monument because it honors soldiers killed during the Latvian War of Independence, and without those soldiers they wouldn't have their independence they have today.
St. Peters Church
St. Peters Church is located in Latvia, Riga. It's a Lutheran church dedicated to Saint Peter. It's a parish (a small administrative district typically having its own church and a priest or pastor) church of the Evangelical a member of the Evangelical tradition in the Christian Church) Lutheran Church of Latvia.
Nativity Cathedral
Nativity Cathedral is also located in Latvia, Riga. The Cathedral was built by Nikolai and Robert Pflug between 1876 and 1883, during the period when the country was part of the Russian Empire.
Gauja River
The Gauja River is located in Vidzeme, Latvia. It is the only large river in Latvia that begins and ends its flow, and it is 286 miles long
Lielupe River
The Lielupe River is located in Central Latvia. It is 74 miles long.
Daugava River
The Daugava River flows through Russia Belarus, and Latvia, draining into the Gulf of Riga. It is 635 miles long.
Venta River
The Venta River is located in the north-western part of Lithuania, and the western part of Latvia. It flows into the Baltic Sea, and it's 215 miles long.
Latvia's government type is Republic.
Latvia's currency type used to be Lats (the picture above), but changed to Euros on January 1, 2014.
Fact #1
Latvia's current president is Raimonds Vējonis. He was elected on June 3, 2015.
Fact #2
Over 50% of Latvia is covered in forest. Latvia is one of the most environmental friendly countries on the planet, is ranked 2nd for Environmental Performance Index.
Fact #3
Latvia is the smallest nation to ever become a colonial power.