Sandwiched between Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south, Latvia is home to the largest medieval church in Europe. Like Estonia, Latvia is a hidden gem for tourism. But it’s not all cathedrals and beautiful architecture – Latvia has a dark side. Often called the “fatherless nation,” Latvia is home to thousands of young people whose families suffer brokenness due to the high unemployment, depression, and substance abuse that run rampant there. Come love the Latvian people and introduce them to the love of God as the father they don’t have. And if you’re there in the winter, you might get to walk on the frozen Baltic Sea!
Geography:
-Slightly larger than West Virginia
-Borders Estonia, Lithuania, Russia, Belarus, and the Baltic Sea
-Highest point is Gaizina Kalns (1,023 feet)
-Capital is Riga
People/Society:
-Latvian is the official language but Russian is also widely spoken
-19.6% Lutheran, 15.3% Orthodox, and 63.7% unspecified
-Population 2,178,443
-Median age is 41.2 years old
-29.1% unemployment rate between 15-24
Government:
-Parliamentary Democracy, President Andris Berzins
-Gained independence September 6, 1991 from the Soviet Union
-National symbol is the white wagtail
-The Latvian flag is one of the older banners in the world, a medieval chronicle mentions a red standard with a white stripe being used by Latvian tribes around 1280
Economy:
-Agriculture: grain, rapeseed, potatoes, vegetables, pork, poultry, milk, eggs, and fish
-11.4% unemployment rate
-Exchange rate is 0.53 lati to USD
