30 Surprising Facts About Latvia You Should Know

A quiet but distinctive country on the Baltic Sea coast: Latvia.

From Riga's gothic towers to the misty forests of the Gauja River, every corner tells a story.

In this article we will explore Latvia not only on the map but also in its soul.

Here are 30 interesting facts about this beautiful country that you may not know or have perhaps never even heard of.

1. Half of Latvia is Covered in Forests

Latvia is one of the greenest countries in Europe, with approximately 52% of its area covered by forests.

It's not just about beautiful views — much of Latvian culture is intertwined with nature.

Villagers gather mushrooms and blueberries in the summer and warm themselves with wood fires in the winter.

Nature is not just a landscape here, it is a way of life.

2. Rye Bread is a Matter of National Pride

At the heart of Latvian cuisine is rye bread (rupjmaize).

Every family has its own recipe, some even add brewer's yeast or caramel sugar.

It is even taken as a gift — because in Latvia, if someone welcomes you with “homemade bread,” they really have opened their door to you.

3. The Inventor of Jeans is a Latvian

Yes, you heard right.

Born in Riga, Jākobs Jufess (later renamed “Jacob Davis” in America),

The person who invented the first pair of jeans together with Levi Strauss.

The jeans worn around the world today are actually an idea that originated in the cold land of the Baltic winds.

4. Riga's Old Town is a UNESCO Heritage Site

Riga's streets are filled with fascinating Art Nouveau architecture,

It is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

There are more than 800 Art Nouveau buildings in the city—one of the densest examples in the world.

As you walk along the paving stones, you feel as if you've been transported to Europe in the 1900s.

5. Latvia Has the Tallest Women in the World

According to research, the average height of Latvian women is over 170 cm.

This puts them first in the world rankings.

So if you are sitting in a cafe in Riga, you can see many people around you with supermodel heights 😄

6. Europe's Widest Waterfall Is Here

Venta Waterfall (Ventas Rumba) in the town of Kuldīga,

With a width of 240 meters, it is the widest waterfall in Europe.

In spring, fish swim upstream and make an incredible sight as they leap upstream —

Some locals call it “flying fish season.”

7. One of the World's Oldest Flags

The history of the Latvian flag dates back to the 13th century.

According to legend, the blood of a Latvian commander who was wounded in a battle stained a white cloth,

There is a thin white stripe left in the middle that his body has not touched.

The red-white-red flag we see today was born from this story.

8. Latvia Was Once a Colony

Yes, it's hard to believe, but in the 17th century, the Duchy of Courland established a colony on the island of Tobago.

It is known as the "smallest colonial country" in history.

Remains of Latvian cannons and structures from this period are still found in the Caribbean today.

9. The World's Largest Choir Festival is in Latvia

Dziesmu un Deju Svētki (Festival of Song and Dance), held every four years,

It brings together approximately 40,000 artists.

This festival is such a deep-rooted tradition that it has become the voice of Latvian identity.

UNESCO recognizes this tradition as the “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.”

10. Latvia Has 12,000 Rivers and 3,000 Lakes

It is a small country but huge in terms of water resources.

Activities such as canoeing, fishing and camping along the Gauja, Daugava and Venta rivers are very popular.

In short, a paradise for nature sports enthusiasts.

11. One of the Fastest Internets in the World

Latvia also surprises in technology.

Riga is one of the cities with one of the fastest internet infrastructures in Europe.

This has made it the rising star of the Baltic region for digital nomads.

12. Latvian is one of the oldest languages ​​in Europe.

Latvian belongs to the Indo-European language family and is one of the two living languages ​​of the Baltic group.

Despite being under the rule of different empires for centuries, it has managed to preserve its language.

Today, language is seen as one of the most important symbols of cultural identity.

13. Pagan Traditions Still Live

Although Latvia is a Christian country, ancient Pagan beliefs are still strong.

The Jāņi (Līgo) festival, celebrated every year on the summer solstice,

filled with rituals of sun salutations, fire-lighting and singing.

The symbol “Jumis” is hung at the entrance of houses — a symbol of abundance.

14. Latvians Fought With Vikings

The Vikings who plundered the Baltic coast in the Middle Ages had difficulty encountering Latvian tribes, especially the Kurshi.

Some legends say that "God, protect us from the Kurshites" was written on Viking temples.

So, Latvians have been a silent but strong people throughout history.

15. Latvia's National Drink: Black Balsam

A dark-colored, herbal drink: Riga Black Balsam.

It has been produced since the 18th century, and according to legend, the Russian Empress Catherine II was cured with this drink.

A tonic that Latvians always have in their hands on cold winter evenings.

16. Traces of Latvia, from World-Famous Jean Models to Holograms

Juris Upatnieks, one of the inventors of the 3D hologram, is a physicist born in Riga.

Latvians have made their mark on the world stage in many areas, from fashion to science.

17. One-Third of the Country's Population Lives in Riga

One-third of Latvia's population of approximately 2 million lives in the capital, Riga.

The city is both the financial centre and cultural heart of the Baltic region.

18. One of the Countries with the Cleanest Air in the World

Latvia has one of the lowest air pollution rates, according to European Environment Agency data.

This is thanks to its extensive forests and low industrial density.

Taking a deep breath here really feels like “health.”

19. Angel Falls Discovered by a Latvian

Latvian explorer Aleksandrs Laime discovered Angel Falls (Salto Ángel) in Venezuela in 1949.

So, the story of the world's highest waterfall also has a Latvian signature.

20. Latvia is one of the countries that produces the most models in the world.

Latvia is one of the countries that produces the most models in the world in proportion to its population.

The country's genetic diversity and northern beauty are described by fashion designers as "natural elegance."

21. Ice Hockey is a National Passion

In Latvia, ice hockey, not football or basketball, is the most popular sport.

On match days, the streets are empty and the pubs are packed.

When the Latvian National Team became third in the world in 2023, the country celebrated for days.

22. First Christmas Tree Planted in Riga

According to legend, the first Christmas tree tradition began in Riga in 1510.

Today, there is a plaque in the town square commemorating this event.

23. Summer Nights Never End in Latvia

In late June the sun sets for only a few hours.

Even at midnight in Riga the sky remains a grey-blue glow.

Latvians call these “white nights” and celebrate with open-air festivals.

24. Sauna Culture is Very Strong in Latvia

Here, sauna is not just a place to sweat, it is a kind of spiritual purification ritual.

Massages (vīta) with pine branches and jumping into ice lakes are very common in the villages.

25. Education in Latvia is Free and of High Standards

Public schools and universities are largely free.

It has one of the strongest education systems in the Baltic region, especially in the fields of engineering and informatics.

26. Latvian Cuisine is Full of Fermented Flavors

Kefir, kvass, pickled mushrooms, cabbage…

Fermentation is almost an art form on the Latvian table.

In this way, it is possible to store food for a long time in winter.

27. The country is still called the “Baltic Tiger”

Due to its rapid economic growth in the 2000s, Latvia, along with Estonia and Lithuania, was nicknamed the "Baltic Tigers".

It is a country that knows how to emerge stronger from economic crises.

28. Latvia Takes Eurovision Very Seriously

They won the competition with Marie N in 2002.

Since then, Eurovision has become almost a national affair for Latvians.

29. Street Art is Growing Rapidly in Riga

In recent years, Riga's former industrial areas have become open workshops for graffiti and mural artists.

Latvia is now known not only for its quiet nature but also for its colorful walls.

30. Silence is a Virtue in Latvia

In Latvian culture, “talking less” is a sign of politeness.

This does not mean being introverted; it means not speaking without thinking.

They are a society that appreciates living with nature, silence and inner peace.