What is Latvia?
Latvia is a small Baltic nation in Northern Europe, bordered by Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, Belarus to the east, and Russia to the east and north. It also has a coastline along the Baltic Sea to the west. Latvia is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful natural landscapes, including forests, lakes, and rivers.
Administrative Divisions
Latvia is divided into 7 regions:
- Riga (Capital Region)
- Kurzeme (Western Latvia)
- Latgale (Eastern Latvia)
- Vidzeme (Central Latvia)
- Zemgale (Southern Latvia)
- Jurmala
- Liepaja
Currency Details
- Currency Name: Euro (EUR)
- Symbol: €
- Subunit: Eurocents (1 EUR = 100 cents)
- Central Bank: Bank of Latvia
Type of Government
Latvia is a parliamentary republic with a democratic form of government. The political structure includes a separation of powers into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.
Detailed Hierarchy of Government Roles
Executive Branch Hierarchy
| Position | Role Description | Power & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| President | Head of State | Represents Latvia internationally, signs bills into law, and appoints judges. |
| Prime Minister | Head of Government | Leads the government, sets policies, and oversees ministries. |
| Cabinet Ministers | Heads of government departments | Manage sectors such as defense, health, and education. |
| Vice Prime Minister | Deputy to the Prime Minister | Assists in government operations and policy formation. |
Legislative Branch Hierarchy
| Position | Role Description | Power & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Saeima (Parliament) | Unicameral legislature | Makes laws, approves budgets, and supervises government actions. |
| Speaker of the Saeima | Presides over parliamentary sessions | Ensures smooth operation of the Saeima. |
| Members of the Saeima | Elected representatives | Debate, pass legislation, and represent their constituencies. |
Judicial Branch Hierarchy
| Position | Role Description | Power & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Supreme Court | Highest judicial authority in Latvia | Interprets the Constitution and ensures laws comply with it. |
| Constitutional Court | Reviews constitutionality of laws | Resolves legal disputes concerning the constitution. |
| District Courts | Courts of first instance | Handle civil and criminal cases at the district level. |
| Regional Courts | Intermediate level courts | Handle more serious cases than district courts. |
| Judges | Oversee legal proceedings and deliver rulings | Ensure that justice is administered according to the law. |
International Memberships
- European Union (EU)
- United Nations (UN)
- NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
- Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)
Military Structure
Latvia’s military is structured as a defense force with a focus on territorial defense. Latvia is also a NATO member, which provides additional security.
- Latvian National Armed Forces: Includes the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- National Guard: Responsible for internal security and territorial defense.
- NATO Partnership: Latvia participates in NATO missions and contributes to regional defense.
Secret Agencies
- Security Police (Drošības Policija): Responsible for counterintelligence and national security.
- Constitution Protection Bureau (Satversmes Aizsardzības Birojs): Focuses on counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and protection of the Constitution.
Stock Markets
Latvia is home to the Nasdaq Riga, which is part of the global Nasdaq network.
- Key Financial Institutions:
- Bank of Latvia: Central bank.
- Latvian commercial banks: Handle financial transactions and investments.
- Major Index: OMX Riga Index – Includes major publicly traded companies in Latvia.
Emergency Numbers
- General Emergency: 112
- Police: 110
- Fire: 113
- Medical Emergency: 113
SWOT Analysis of Latvia
Strengths
- EU membership offers economic support and integration.
- High-quality education system and skilled labor force.
- Strong manufacturing and export sectors.
Weaknesses
- Small domestic market with limited resources.
- Economic dependence on neighboring countries.
- Ongoing migration challenges, with a declining population.
Opportunities
- Growth potential in digital economy and IT services.
- Tourism industry expansion, leveraging natural beauty.
- Regional leadership within the Baltic region.
Threats
- Security risks from geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe.
- Climate change affecting agriculture and infrastructure.
- Economic challenges from global market volatility.
Additional Information
- Official Language: Latvian
- Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET)
- National Anthem: “Dievs, svētī Latviju!”