Latvia is located in the Baltic States and borders Lithuania, Russia, Belarus and Estonia. Its natural border is the Baltic Sea. About 1.85 million people live on an area of 64589 square kilometres. The official language is Latvian, but there is also a Russian-speaking minority. The main economic sectors are services, industry and agriculture.
History of Latvia in brief
Latvia's early history dates back to prehistoric times, when the area was inhabited by various Baltic tribes. In the Middle Ages, Latvia became part of the Teutonic Order and later the Livonian Order. This period was marked by Christianisation and the strengthening of German influence.
In the 16th century, Latvia became part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and remained so until the Great Northern War in the early 18th century, when the region was conquered by Russia. Russian rule lasted until the end of the First World War, when Latvia declared its independence.
The inter-war period was marked by political instability, during which Latvia had to defend its sovereignty. During the Second World War, the country was occupied first by the Soviet Union and then by Nazi Germany. After the war, Latvia was reintegrated into the Soviet Union and remained under communist control until the collapse of the Soviet regime in 1991.
The regaining of independence in 1991 marked an important turning point in Latvia's history. The country began a process of economic and political transformation that led it to join the European Union and NATO. This development has brought stability and prosperity, while preserving Latvia's cultural identity and linguistic traditions.
In recent years, Latvia has played an active role in international affairs and has become an important player in the Baltic Sea region. Latvia's history reflects the challenges and successes of a people who, despite many adversities, have been able to maintain their independence and are today a modern and dynamic country.
The Latvian political system
Latvia is a parliamentary republic with a multi-party system. The Constitution of Latvia is based on the Constitution of 1922, which was re-enacted after Latvia regained independence in 1991.
Legislative power is exercised by the Saeima (Parliament), which consists of 100 members elected for a four-year term on the basis of proportional representation. The Saeima also elects the President, who is the head of state and has mainly representative duties. The President is elected for a four-year term and is eligible for re-election only once.
Executive power is exercised by the Council of Ministers (government), headed by the Prime Minister (head of government), who is appointed by the President. The Prime Minister must have the confidence of the Saeima and appoints the ministers of his cabinet, who must be confirmed by the Saeima. There are currently 14 ministries in Latvia.
Judicial power is exercised by independent courts, which are divided into three levels: District Courts, Provincial Courts and the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is the highest court for civil and criminal cases and consists of three chambers: Civil Division, Criminal Division and Senate. There is also a Constitutional Court, which rules on the constitutionality of laws and other legal acts.
Latvia's political system is characterised by a highly fragmented party landscape and frequent changes of government. The main political issues are economic development, social security, integration of the Russian-speaking minority and relations with neighbouring countries and the European Union.
Filling in the ETIAS form to enter Latvia
In principle, filling in the ETIAS form is straightforward and only takes a few minutes. However, there are some pitfalls to be aware of.
First of all, the application can only be completed online. However, not everyone has an internet connection or a suitable terminal. In this case, the application can also be completed by a third party, such as a good friend, an acquaintance, a travel agency or a visa office.
When filling in the application, make sure that all the information is entered correctly. A number error in the passport may invalidate the application. It will probably be necessary to upload the passport. Although much of the data is transferred automatically, errors can still occur. The security questions are also important. If any of them are answered in the affirmative, the application will at least be examined more closely, and in many cases rejected.
The destination is binding for the first entry, but not for subsequent entries.
After payment and submission of the application, it usually takes only a few hours for the ETIAS to be approved. ETIAS is valid for three years, unless the passport expires earlier or personal details change.
ETIAS is not a guarantee of entry. This is always up to the border official. If the border official feels that the traveller is a danger, he or she will refuse entry into the Schengen area.
ETIAS makes Schengen travel safer
Travellers from Latvia to the Schengen area face a low terrorist threat. However, attacks cannot be completely ruled out. ETIAS was created to provide the best possible protection for people travelling to the Schengen area. It only takes a few minutes, but the traveller will be safer in the Schengen area.
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latvia-3725547_640.jpg
Latvia is located in the Baltic States and borders Lithuania, Russia, Belarus and Estonia. Its natural border is the Baltic Sea. About 1.85 million people live on an area of 64589 square kilometres. The official language is Latvian, but there is also a Russian-speaking minority. The main economic sectors are services, industry and agriculture.
History of Latvia in brief
Latvia's early history dates back to prehistoric times, when the area was inhabited by various Baltic tribes. In the Middle Ages, Latvia became part of the Teutonic Order and later the Livonian Order. This period was marked by Christianisation and the strengthening of German influence.
In the 16th century, Latvia became part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and remained so until the Great Northern War in the early 18th century, when the region was conquered by Russia. Russian rule lasted until the end of the First World War, when Latvia declared its independence.
The inter-war period was marked by political instability, during which Latvia had to defend its sovereignty. During the Second World War, the country was occupied first by the Soviet Union and then by Nazi Germany. After the war, Latvia was reintegrated into the Soviet Union and remained under communist control until the collapse of the Soviet regime in 1991.
The regaining of independence in 1991 marked an important turning point in Latvia's history. The country began a process of economic and political transformation that led it to join the European Union and NATO. This development has brought stability and prosperity, while preserving Latvia's cultural identity and linguistic traditions.
In recent years, Latvia has played an active role in international affairs and has become an important player in the Baltic Sea region. Latvia's history reflects the challenges and successes of a people who, despite many adversities, have been able to maintain their independence and are today a modern and dynamic country.
The Latvian political system
Latvia is a parliamentary republic with a multi-party system. The Constitution of Latvia is based on the Constitution of 1922, which was re-enacted after Latvia regained independence in 1991.
Legislative power is exercised by the Saeima (Parliament), which consists of 100 members elected for a four-year term on the basis of proportional representation. The Saeima also elects the President, who is the head of state and has mainly representative duties. The President is elected for a four-year term and is eligible for re-election only once.
Executive power is exercised by the Council of Ministers (government), headed by the Prime Minister (head of government), who is appointed by the President. The Prime Minister must have the confidence of the Saeima and appoints the ministers of his cabinet, who must be confirmed by the Saeima. There are currently 14 ministries in Latvia.
Judicial power is exercised by independent courts, which are divided into three levels: District Courts, Provincial Courts and the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is the highest court for civil and criminal cases and consists of three chambers: Civil Division, Criminal Division and Senate. There is also a Constitutional Court, which rules on the constitutionality of laws and other legal acts.
Latvia's political system is characterised by a highly fragmented party landscape and frequent changes of government. The main political issues are economic development, social security, integration of the Russian-speaking minority and relations with neighbouring countries and the European Union.
Filling in the ETIAS form to enter Latvia
In principle, filling in the ETIAS form is straightforward and only takes a few minutes. However, there are some pitfalls to be aware of.
First of all, the application can only be completed online. However, not everyone has an internet connection or a suitable terminal. In this case, the application can also be completed by a third party, such as a good friend, an acquaintance, a travel agency or a visa office.
When filling in the application, make sure that all the information is entered correctly. A number error in the passport may invalidate the application. It will probably be necessary to upload the passport. Although much of the data is transferred automatically, errors can still occur. The security questions are also important. If any of them are answered in the affirmative, the application will at least be examined more closely, and in many cases rejected.
The destination is binding for the first entry, but not for subsequent entries.
After payment and submission of the application, it usually takes only a few hours for the ETIAS to be approved. ETIAS is valid for three years, unless the passport expires earlier or personal details change.
ETIAS is not a guarantee of entry. This is always up to the border official. If the border official feels that the traveller is a danger, he or she will refuse entry into the Schengen area.
ETIAS makes Schengen travel safer
Travellers from Latvia to the Schengen area face a low terrorist threat. However, attacks cannot be completely ruled out. ETIAS was created to provide the best possible protection for people travelling to the Schengen area. It only takes a few minutes, but the traveller will be safer in the Schengen area.