Latvia is full of wondrous things to look at, from castles and palaces to storks' nests and rare black swans. It's capital city, Riga, has been an international center for centuries.

Still, the people are what we remember. For one thing, they're thirsty for freedom and economic development. But there's something more, a willingness to talk and share that leaves you feeling you'll meet a friend where ever you go.

Latvia occupies a central position between Estonia and Lithuania.	The Latvian flag consists of two broad, horizontal bands of red separated by a narrow band of white.

 
 
In a Nutshell...