General facts about Riga and Latvia
Latvia
Latvia is the central country of the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania). On the world map Latvia is to be found in North-eastern Europe, on the east coast of the Baltic Sea. The landscape of the country is marked by lowland plains and rolling hills. Most of the countryside is less than 100 metres above sea level.
Latvia's weather is governed by a moderate oceanic climate. In May average air temperature is between +13 …+ 17 degrees. The probability of rainfalls in May is low. On average there are 21 -25 sunny days in May thus allowing enjoying day light for 10 hours.
Riga
Nearly one third of Latvia's population (747 thousand) lives in the capital city Riga. Riga, the oldest still existing Latvian medieval city, was founded in 1201. The value of Riga's cultural and historical significance has been recognised by the fact that its old city centre in 1997 was included in UNESCO's list of the world's most important cultural and natural sites
The influence of history nowadays can be seen in an amazing variety of architecture: starting with unique wooden architecture and the lavish Art Nouveau buildings of Alberta Street to the medieval churches and castles of the Old City. The rapid renovation of the centre of Rīga has revealed hundreds of examples of distinctive Jugendstil architecture, making Rīga the Jugendstil capital of the world. Interestingly enough, over 60% of the buildings displaying this very European Art Nouveau style of the turn-of-the-last-century, were designed by Latvian architects.
Riga is a dynamic place, the largest city in the Baltics, constantly changing and named “the city of inspiration”. Riga is culturally vibrant with its museums, art galleries, concert halls, theatres and clubs. One hundred years ago Rīga was known as the "Paris of the North". As it moves into the 21st century, Rīga is blossoming as a creative centre for the arts once again. Local and visiting art exhibits and the opera, theatre and ballet compete with nightclubs and discos that rock with blues and the latest electronic fusions of hip hop and dance music.
Sources of information:
LIVE RIGA http://www.liveriga.com/promo/en/home
The Latvian Insitute http://www.li.lv/
Riga Tourism Coordination and Information Centre http://www.rigatourism.lv/EN/Channels/Tip/default.htm
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