Latvia is part of the European Union and offers a world-class education in different study fields – Engineering, Medicine, Business, Tourism, Public Relations, Banking, Nature Sciences, and Social Sciences. Latvia offers a modern and safe study environment; internationally recognized academic staff; very competitive tuition fees, and reasonable living costs, and the degrees obtained in Latvia are recognized in all European Union countries. The focus of Higher education in Latvia is on interactive learning and practical experience.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The population is 1.9 million.
Territory 64,589 km2.
Capital Riga.
The state language is Latvian. English is also widely spoken.

CLIMATE

The country has a temperate seasonal climate. In Latvia, a flat country overlooking the Baltic Sea, the climate is very cold in winter and mild and quite rainy in summer. The coastal areas are a bit more temperate, but also more humid and windier, while the eastern area has a slightly more continental climate. the temperature variations are little as the territory of Latvia is relatively small. Winter starts in mid-December and lasts until mid-March. Winters have average temperatures of −6 °C (21 °F) and are characterized by stable snow cover, bright sunshine, and short days. Summers are usually warm and sunny, with cool evenings and nights. The average temperature of around 19 °C (66 °F), with extremes of 35 °C (95 °F). Spring and autumn bring fairly mild weather.

TOURISM

Having been invaded by every regional power, Latvia has more cultural layers and a less homogenous population than its neighbors. People here fancy themselves to be the least pragmatic and the most artistic of the Baltic lot.  The country might be small, but the amount of personal space it provides is enormous.

There are many health centers here. Moreover, Latvians have invented a recipe of unique therapeutic balm (Rīgas Melnais balsams). It takes 24 species of plants that ingrain in oak casks to prepare it. While you’re studying in Latvia you experience the hospitality of Latvians, taste national dishes, see unique architectural monuments of Art Nouveau style, and just admire the beauty of the Baltic Sea.

GEOGRAPHY AND NATURE

Latvia, officially the Republic of Latvia, is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is one of the Baltic states; and is bordered by Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, Russia to the east, and Belarus to the southeast, and shares a maritime border with Sweden to the west.

It consists of fertile lowland plains and moderate hills, with most of its territory less than 100 meters above sea level. It has an extensive network of rivers, thousands of lakes, and hundreds of kilometers of undeveloped seashore lined by pine forests, dunes, and continuous white sand beaches. With over 44 percent of its territory covered by forests, a vast network of free-flowing rivers, and thousands of lakes, Latvia is one of Europe’s best-preserved havens for a wide variety of wildlife. Over 27 thousand species of flora and fauna thrive in natural settings that are still relatively undisturbed by man. Bird-watching is particularly rewarding in Latvia, especially in the coastal areas and wetlands during annual migration periods.

CUISINE

A lot of common dishes in contemporary Latvia come directly from other countries, often as a result of their historical domination. Popular dishes adopted from Ukrainian cuisine include pelmeni with sour cream, borsch, stroganoff, dressed herring, shashlik, parasol, plov, kefir, kvass, and solyanka.

The most consumed alcoholic beverage is beer. A national liquor is Riga Black Balsam.

Meat features in most main meal dishes, but fish also is commonly consumed, especially in the coastal areas next to the Baltic Sea. Both are also smoked. Latvian cuisine offers plenty of varieties of bread and milk products, which are an important part of the cuisine.

SAFETY

 Latvia is safe to study, the crime rates are relatively low, and even pickpockets are not that common. However, if there is any problem and you need someone’s help, you will surely find people who will do their best to fix them or give you directions. Most people speak English and are always ready to offer their helping hand. Additionally, Latvia has a well-functioning police system.

STUDENT’S LIFE

Student life in Latvia is vibrant and active, it is also highly orderly yet very diverse and unique with several opportunities for self-development and actualization. The dynamic of life on campus as a foreign student in Latvia is very interesting, the country has a lot to offer in terms of experiences and adventure.

SPORT

Ice hockey is usually considered the most popular sport in Latvia. The national tournament is the Latvian Hockey Higher League, held since 1931. The 2006 IIHF World Championship was held in Riga. The second most popular sport is basketball. Latvia has a long basketball tradition, as the Latvian national basketball team won the first-ever EuroBasket in 1935. Other popular sports include football, floorball, tennis, volleyball, cycling, bobsleigh, and skeleton.