Ancient Europe, Northeast Europe, 11 LATVIA (Founded: 18.11.1918): Introduction

The regions of Latvia each possess a distinct physical character shaped by glaciers, rivers, and centuries of agricultural history. Kurzeme (Western Coastline) is defined by its extensive relationship with the sea, featuring a 365 km coastline along the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga. Vidzeme (Highlands) is the most elevated part of Latvia. Zemgale (Fertile Plain), often called the ‘breadbasket’ of Latvia, is dominated by expansive grain and rapeseed fields, punctuated by orchards and river valley forests. Riga, often called the ‘Baltic heart’ of Latvia, is defined by its position at the mouth of the Daugava River as it empties into the Gulf of Riga.

Rising in Russia, the Daugava descends through Belarus and enters southeast Latvia, flowing through the municipalities of Augšdaugava (Latgale), Jēkabpils, Aizkraukle (Zemgale), and Ogre (Vidzeme). It then passes between Zemgale and Latgale on its left bank (southwest) and Vidzeme and Riga on its right, before emptying into the Gulf of Riga. The Daugava River together with the Dnieper River formed part of the Daugava-Dnieper corridor, a transport route connecting the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea.

The Daugava, Lielupe, and Gauja are the three largest and most significant rivers in Latvia. Together with the Venta and Salaca, they form the primary drainage system of the country, all eventually emptying into the Gulf of Riga or the Baltic Sea.