Latvia
Culture Shock
Welcome to this month’s edition of Culture Shock. As our journey continues through the many cultures and nationali- ties that make up the modern day Great Britain, we take a closer look at Latvia. This is a country that people are very unaware of their real history and language, so without further ado let’s go!
How do you say?... Hello- “Labdien”, “Sveki” Goodbye-“Uz redzesanos” , Atā!
Please- lūdzu” (the macron above the letter is Latvian grammar rule) Thank you-“Paldies”
What is the current population? 2,2 million people.
What are the major industries in Latvia?
It’s known for its rich green zone, forests are covering almost 48% of the whole territory. For a long time Latvia has been a strong exporter of the fish, wood and amber industries. Although it has become more services
oriented.
Historically, what periods do you think had an effect on the country as a whole?
The Daugava River was at the head of an important mainland route from the Baltic region through Russia into southern Europe and the Middle East used by the Vikings and later Nordic and German traders. The capital of Latvia is Riga founded in 1201 by the Teuton- ic colonist, it was to be the first major city of the southern Baltic and, after 1282, a principal trading centre. Although, the geographical location of Latvia defines a link between West and East, it was consistently involved in
conflicts. The country finally proclaimed independence after the end of WWI – 18/11/1918 - which is now their Independence Day. From 1944 till 1991 Latvia was a part of the Soviet Union, on 06/09/1991 Latvian independence was once again recognized. In 2004, Latvia’s most important foreign policy goals,
membership of the European Union and NATO, were fulfilled. On April 2, Latvia became a member of NATO and on May 1, Latvia, along with the other two Baltic States, became a member of the European Un- ion.
Is there a typical cuisine? It has traditionally been based on agricultural produce. The
traditional meal includes grey peas, pork snout and meat pasties. At the Midsummer’s festival, you will always find a wheel of special cheese and lots of homemade beer. Riga’s lovely cafés and restaurants turn the city into a gastronomic paradise of Northern Europe.
What is the exact location of Latvia?
Latvia is located in northeastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Sweden and Russia. Latvia shares
boundaries with Estonia, to the North is Russia, East is Belarus on the South is Lithuania and the Baltic Sea is on the West.
Written by Dana Ponomarenko 5 No v embe r 2 0 1 0 K i x Ma g
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