Latvia Facts
Capital: Riga
Government Type: Parliamentary democracy
Currency: LVL
Population: 2,178,443
Total Area: 24,938 Square Miles
64,589 Square Kilometers
Location: Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and Lithuania
Language: Latvian (official), Lithuanian, Russian, other
Languages
Latvian (official), Lithuanian, Russian, other. Russian is still used in commerce and daily life. English and German are also widely used. Latvian is related to the Lithuanian language. Latvian is based on the Latin alphabet, but contains many diacritical marks. It is now the official language.
The Latvian People
Introductions are done by giving their name and surname to the other person. A firm handshake with strong eye contact is the norm. With good friends a light kiss may also given. It is common for friends to use first names. In the afternoon young people say: "Chau" (hello), if they know each other, "Labdien" (good afternoon) if they don't know each other. In the morning Latvians say "Labrit" In the afternoon they say "Labdien", in the evening they say "Labvakar".