Latvia: Art Nouveau and Folk Traditions

Latvia, a Baltic nation on the Baltic Sea, is known for its extensive forests, beautiful beaches, and Art Nouveau architecture. Riga, the capital, has one of Europe's finest collections of Art Nouveau buildings.

Latvian folk traditions, including intricate folk costumes, dainas (folk songs), and Midsummer celebrations, are integral to national identity. The Latvian Song and Dance Festival, held every five years, brings together thousands of performers celebrating cultural heritage. These festivals helped maintain identity during Soviet occupation.

Latvia's forests cover over half the country, supporting timber industry and providing spaces for berry and mushroom foraging, beloved pastimes. Since independence, Latvia has developed a modern economy with strong IT sector, joined the EU and NATO, and adopted the euro while preserving linguistic and cultural distinctiveness.