LATVIA
Northern Europe
Capital: Riga
Languages: Latvian
Religion(s): Christianity
(predominantly Roman Catholic/Lutheran)
Common Characteristics:
- Latvia is a small nation, but Latvians are very proud of their heritage.
- Latvians are hard working, polite and responsible.
- Latvians can be reserved when you first meet them, but they are friendly and helpful after they get to know you – friendships are genuine.
FUN FACTS:
- Aleksandrs was a famous Latvian explorer. He moved to Venezuela in 1939. His most famous discovery was Angel Falls and he named the river, from which Angel Falls flows, Gauja. He also named 3 other rivers in Venezuela after Latvian Rivers such as Daugava (Riga), Venta (Kuldiga, Ventspils) and Ogre.
- The capital of Latvia, Riga, is the largest city in the Baltic States and is famous for some of the best Art Nouveau architecture in Europe.
- Walter Zapp invented and built the first Minox ”Spy Camera” in Latvia.
USEFUL PHRASES:
- How are you? Kātev iet?
- Fine, thanks. Paldies – labi.
- My name is… Mani sauc…
- Nice to meet you. Prieks iepazīties.
- Thank you. Paldies.
Photo by: Ricardo Liberati {flickr}