Latvia, officially known as the Republic of Latvia, is a country located in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, Russia to the east, Belarus to the southeast, and the Baltic Sea to the west. The capital and largest city of Latvia is Riga.

Latvia gained independence from the Russian Empire in 1918 and later became part of the Soviet Union during World War II. It regained its independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Latvia is a unitary parliamentary republic and a member of the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations.

With a population of around 1.9 million people, Latvia is a relatively small country known for its diverse culture, rich history, and scenic landscapes. The country is characterized by its traditional folk music and dance, as well as its unique cuisine, which includes dishes like grey peas with bacon and caraway seed cheese.

Latvia is also known for its well-preserved medieval Old Town in Riga, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The country has a strong emphasis on education, with a high literacy rate and a well-developed university system. Latvia's economy is driven by sectors such as IT, finance, manufacturing, and agriculture.