About Latvia

Everyone has their own story, but many of us share the experience of arriving in a new country, where a new life must be built as quickly as possible. We hope our Expaterra portal can help you!
So, Latvia: a land of opportunities and warm hospitality, where everyone can find their home among picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Culture and Lifestyle

Latvia, situated at the crossroads of Eastern and Western cultures, possesses a rich cultural heritage, a unique lifestyle, and distinctive cuisine.

Latvian culture is deeply rooted in folk traditions and folklore. Special significance is attached to celebrations related to natural cycles, such as Ligo (the celebration of the summer solstice) and Jani Day. These events are accompanied by folk songs, dances, and rituals passed down from generation to generation. Latvians cherish nature and lead a peaceful lifestyle, harmoniously combining modern trends with respect for traditions. Crafts such as weaving, pottery, and wood carving are actively developed in the country, reflecting the desire to preserve cultural heritage.

Latvian cuisine is characterized by simple yet hearty dishes based on local products. The main ingredients include potatoes, grains, meat, fish, and dairy products. Traditional dishes include: grey peas with bacon (a dish of grey peas served with fried bacon and onions); sklandrausis (open rye pie with a filling of potatoes and carrots, seasoned with caraway seeds); cold beet soup (a refreshing soup based on kefir or buttermilk with added beets, cucumbers, and greens). Fish, especially smoked, occupies an important place in the diet, given the proximity of the Baltic Sea. Dairy products, including various cheeses and cottage cheese, are also popular.

Latvians are known for their hospitality and respect for traditions. Family values and a connection with nature play an important role in society. Many Latvians actively participate in cultural events, such as the Song and Dance Festival, which takes place every five years and gathers thousands of participants.

Thus, Latvia combines rich cultural heritage, unique culinary traditions, and a lifestyle based on harmony with nature and respect for its roots.

Latvia actively participates in various international rankings that reflect its achievements in different fields. Although the country does not occupy top positions in global rankings, it shows significant successes in certain areas.

Latvia is known for its efforts in environmental protection. In some ecological rankings, the country holds high positions, indicating its commitment to sustainable development and the conservation of natural resources.

Latvian athletes have achieved significant success on the international stage:

- Olympic Games: Since regaining independence in 1991, Latvian athletes have won 21 medals at the Summer Olympics and 10 medals at the Winter Olympics.

- Basketball: Latvian basketball teams and players, such as Kristaps Porzingis, have gained recognition on the international stage, contributing to the popularization of this sport in the country.

In some competitiveness and quality of life rankings, Latvia occupies average positions. For example, in the 2019 Numbeo quality of life ranking, Latvia was ranked 34th among 71 countries.

In some rankings, the country occupies positions that indicate existing challenges and areas requiring improvement.

In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, Latvian universities did not rank above the 1001st position. Riga Technical University and the University of Latvia are in the 1001-1200 group.

According to a study by the International Institute for Management Development, in 2022, Latvia ranked 51st in the global competitiveness ranking, dropping from 35th position in the previous year. This is the worst result among the Baltic countries.

In the Women's Health Index, published by Hologic in 2024, Latvia ranked 20th in the world and 11th among European countries, losing 6 points compared to the previous year. There is noted deterioration in disease prevention, emotional health, and the satisfaction of basic needs.

These indicators point to the need for further reforms and investments in relevant areas to improve Latvia's positions in international rankings.

Local Language

Learning the Latvian language, especially for those unfamiliar with other Baltic or Finno-Ugric languages, may present certain difficulties. The Latvian language has seven cases. Nouns, adjectives, and pronouns decline by gender, number, and case, requiring diligent memorization. Verbs change according to person, number, tense, and mood. Some sounds in the Latvian language may be unfamiliar to speakers of other languages. The stress in Latvian words almost always falls on the first syllable. The Latvian language belongs to the Baltic group of languages, making its vocabulary unique. For most learners, there is no "language base" to help quickly master words. The Latvian language contains borrowings from German, Russian, and English. However, their adaptation to Latvian phonetics and grammar can be challenging. The Latvian language is spoken almost exclusively in Latvia, making practice difficult for those outside the country. Learning the Latvian language requires time and patience, but the efforts are worthwhile. Knowledge of the language not only opens access to the country's culture but also simplifies integration into Latvian society.