Agriculture and food in Latvia

Agriculture in Latvia

Latvia is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. Latvia borders Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, Belarus to the southeast, Poland to the southwest, and Russia to the east. Latvia has a total area of 64,589 km2 (24,938 sq mi) and a population of 1.9 million people. The capital and largest city is Riga. Latvia is a unitary parliamentary republic and was declared independent on 6 September 1991, restoring de facto sovereignty on 21 August 1991. The country maintained its de jure sovereignty for another week until 8 September 1991, when it permanently relinquished Soviet rule following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Latvia has been a member of the United Nations since its founding in 1945 and is a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations Charter, and the European Union's Barcelona Declaration. Latvia is also a member of the Council of Europe, NATO, and OECD. Latvia has been occupied by foreign powers at various times throughout history. As a consequence of the Peace of Riga following World War I, Latvia became a sovereign state on 7 May 1920. However, by the 1930s the country had become increasingly autocratic after years of feeble coalition governments. The last parliamentary elections before World War II were held in October 1931. Because of the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact and other circumstances, Latvia was occupied and incorporated into the Soviet Union on 5 August 1940. The country regained its independence in 1991 during the dissolution of the Soviet Union but was occupied by Russia between 1944 and 1991. Latvia is a high-income advanced economy with a very high Human Development Index score and provides universal health care and free higher education to its citizens. Latvia is a member of the World Trade Organization, the Council of Europe, NATO, and the European Union. It maintains a Nordic-style social welfare system that provides universal health care and tuition-free secondary education to its citizens. Latvia is ranked 14th on the Human Development Index among 187 countries scoring 0.888. The country performed exceptionally well during the global financial crisis, with GDP and exports both exceeding pre-crisis peaks by 2011. Latvia is known for its rich history and culture, as well as for its beautiful natural scenery. Riga, the capital of Latvia, is one of the largest cities in the Baltic states and is home to many historical and architectural landmarks. Latvia's coastline along the Baltic Sea is over 500 km (311 mi) long and is dotted with numerous beaches, which are popular tourist destinations in the summer. Latvia's terrain is mostly flat and forested, with a few mountains in the east. The country has over 2,000 rivers, of which only 17 are longer than 50 km (31 mi). Latvia has a temperate seasonal climate, with warm summers and cool winters. Latvia has been inhabited since at least 3,000 BC. The first known settlers were the ancient Baltic peoples. A distinct Latvian culture began to develop in the 13th century, and by the 18th century, most Latvians spoke a dialect of Latgalian, which was heavily influenced by Lithuanian. With the repeal of serfdom in 1861, Latvians began to develop a national identity that was strongly influenced by Germanic culture. By the early 20th century, Latvia had become one of the world's most industrialized countries, but its prosperity came to an abrupt end with the start of World War I, followed by the Soviet Union's annexation of the country in 1940. The country regained its independence in 1991 and is currently in the process of economic and political transformation. Latvia is a parliamentary republic and is divided into 118 administrative divisions, of which 109 are municipalities and 9 are cities. The hilly, forested landscape of Latvia is interspersed with rivers and lakes, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, canoeing, and hiking. In the winter, Latvia's ski resorts are a draw for both domestic and international visitors. Latvia's coastline, stretching for 500 kilometers (311 miles) along the Baltic Sea, is another major attraction. The capital city of Riga, with its medieval old town and Art Nouveau architecture, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other popular tourist destinations include the seaside resort town of Jurmala and the historic towns of Sigulda and Cesis. Latvia has a highly developed economy and is one of the world's fastest-growing countries. The country's economic growth has been driven by exports, particularly timber and agricultural products. Latvia is also a major transit country for Russian oil and gas. The Latvian economy is heavily dependent on foreign trade. Latvia's main trading partners are Russia, Lithuania, Estonia, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Latvia is a member of the European Union (EU), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the Council of Europe. Latvia has a mixed economy, with a large private sector and a smaller public sector. The country's main industries include agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, manufacturing, and tourism. Agriculture accounts for about 3% of Latvia's GDP and employs about 5% of the workforce. The country's main agricultural products are potatoes, wheat, barley, sugar beets, and livestock. Latvia is one of the world's leading producers of timber. Latvia has a large timber industry, which accounts for about 10% of the country's GDP. Latvia is one of the world's leading producers of sawn timber and plywood. Latvia's fishing industry employs about 2% of the workforce and accounts for about 0.5% of the country's GDP. The country's main fish products are herring, salmon, and eel. Mining is a significant part of Latvia's economy, accounting for about 2% of GDP. The country's main mineral resources are copper, zinc, lead, and limestone. Latvia also has deposits of gold, silver, and iron. Manufacturing is an important part of Latvia's economy, accounting for about 20% of GDP. The country's main manufacturing products are textiles, food and beverages, wood products, metals, and engineering products. Tourism is a significant part of Latvia's economy, accounting for about 4% of GDP. Latvia is a popular tourist destination, with visitors from all over the world. The country's main tourist attractions include its museums, art galleries, historical sites, and scenic landscapes. Latvia is a country with a long tradition of agriculture. Farming has been an important part of the Latvian economy for centuries, and today it continues to play a significant role. Latvia is predominantly an agricultural country. The main crops grown in Latvia are potatoes, wheat, barley, and rye. Livestock farming is also an important part of Latvian agriculture, with cattle, pigs, and sheep being the most common animals raised. In recent years, Latvia has seen a significant increase in organic farming. This type of farming is believed to be more environmentally sustainable than traditional methods, and it is becoming increasingly popular among Latvian farmers. Organic farms are required to follow strict guidelines set by the government, and they must be certified by an accredited organization. Latvia is also home to a number of large-scale commercial farms. These farms typically grow crops such as wheat, barley, and potatoes, and they often raise livestock as well. Commercial farms in Latvia are typically owned by foreign investors or companies, and they often employ a large number of workers. Latvian agriculture is an important part of the country's economy, and it plays a significant role in the lives of Latvians. Agriculture is a vital industry in Latvia, and it provides employment for many people. In addition to providing food and other products for consumption, agriculture also contributes to the Latvian economy through exports. Latvia is a major producer of dairy products, and Latvian cheese and butter are highly sought-after in other countries. Wheat, potatoes, and other crops are grown in Latvia are also exported to other markets. The Latvian government provides a number of support programs for farmers. These programs are designed to help farmers improve their operations and to make Latvian agriculture more competitive. The government also provides financial assistance to farmers who are experiencing difficulties. Latvian agriculture is an important part of the country's economy and culture, and it plays a vital role in the lives of Latvians. Latvia has a population of approximately 2.2 million people as of 2016. The majority of the population is ethnic Latvian, although there are sizable minority groups of Russians, Belarusians, and Ukrainians. Latvia's population is aging rapidly, with a life expectancy of just over 72 years for men and nearly 81 years for women as of 2016. This is largely due to the country's high mortality rate, which is caused by a number of factors including unhealthy lifestyle choices, alcohol abuse, and smoking. The population of Latvia has been in decline since the early 1990s when the country achieved independence from the Soviet Union. This decline has continued in recent years, with the population falling by nearly 5% between 2010 and 2016. The country's birth rate is also low, with just 10 births per 1,000 people in 2016. This is partly due to the fact that many Latvians have left the country in search of better opportunities elsewhere. As a result of these trends, Latvia's population is expected to continue to decline in the coming years. This will have a number of consequences for the country, including an increasingly aging population and a shrinking workforce. The government is working to address these issues through a number of initiatives, including encouraging immigration and increasing investment in health and social services. The Latvian government has also introduced a number of measures to encourage couples to have more children. These include a monthly child allowance, subsidies for childcare, and tax breaks for families with children. Despite these efforts, it is unlikely that Latvia's population will start to grow again in the near future. This means that the country will need to find ways to cope with a shrinking workforce and an aging population. The culture of Latvia is a unique blend of traditional Latvian and Livonian heritage, with influences from Estonian, German, Russian, and Swedish cultures. The Latvian people are very proud of their cultural heritage and traditions. One of the most important aspects of Latvian culture is traditional folk music, which is still very popular today. The folk music of Latvia is characterized by its use of ancient instruments, such as the kokle and the bagpipes, and by its focus on nature and rural life. Another important aspect of Latvian culture is the traditional Latvian dance, which is still very popular today. The Latvian dance is characterized by its use of traditional folk music and by its focus on nature and rural life. Latvia is also home to a number of important historical and cultural sites, such as the Riga Castle, the Old Town of Riga, and the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum. These sites are all testimony to the rich history and culture of Latvia.