The Land of The Gauja National Park, The Aglona Basilica

 & The Dundaga's Castle

Information on Relocating to Latvia

• The capital city of Latvia is Riga with about 730 thousand people. The political centre is also in Riga where the President resides. Latvia is a Republic.

• Languages: Latvian is the official language. It is an Indo-European, non-Slavic and non-Germanic language and is similar only to Lithuanian. Russian is the mother tongue of over 30 per cent of the population and is understood by most people. English and German may also be understood. The TV programs are in their original language. Cable and Satellite TV is available.

• Population: The population is about 2.3 million people - 57.7% are Latvian, 29.6% Russian, 4.1% Belarusian, 2,7% Ukrainian, 2.5% Polish, 1.4% Lithuanian, 2% other.

• Expat areas: Popular area for the Expat community is the capital city Riga.

• Housing: The housing in Riga city is limited to apartments. The most expensive area is Old Riga, the inner city of Riga. On the border of Riga you can find apartments, semi-detached or detached housing.

• Cost of housing: Varies from area to area and the size of the house. Expat Homes are available as of euro 1200-4000, depending upon size, location and style. The local currency is Latvian Lat (Ls).

• Schools: We have the International school. Depending on the age we can tell you about a possible waiting lists, etc.

• Transportation: Public transport in Riga runs from 5.30 am - 12.00 midnight. Taxis in Riga are cheap, but prices are rising. All taxis are now privately run and all have meters. There is a 50 per cent surcharge at night. All parts of the city can also be reached by bus, tram and trolleybus. Tickets should be bought on board from the conductor and retained for inspection. Share-taxis (taksobussi) also operate but are slightly more expensive than ordinary buses. Fines for fare dodging are common.

• Bank: The banks are open Monday-Friday from 9.00 am - 5.00 pm. Some banks are open Saturdays 9.00 am - 1.00 pm.

• Shopping: Is generally done from Monday-Friday 9.00/10.00 am - 6.00/7.00 pm, Saturdays 9.00/10.00 am - 4.00/5.00 pm. Some smaller shops may be closed between 2.00 pm - 3.00pm for lunch. Food shops open 8.00/9.00 am - 8.00/9.00 pm. Some shops are open 24 hours.

• Climate: Temperate climate, but with considerable temperature variations. Summer is warm with relatively mild weather in spring and autumn. Winter, which lasts from November to mid-March, can be very cold. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year with the heaviest rainfall in August. Snowfall is common in the winter months.

• Culture: Riga has a good range of excellent restaurants, bars and cafes.

• Public holidays: January 1st New Year's Day, March-April (date varies) Good Friday, March-April (Date varies) Easter Monday, May 1st Labour Day, May 4th Declaration of Independence Day, June 23rd Ligo (Midsummer's Eve), June 24th Jani (Midsummer's Day/St John's Day), November 18th Latvian National Day, December 25th Christmas Day, December 26th Boxing Day, December 31st New Year's Eve.