Latvia
Country in Europe
Latvia is a country on the Baltic Sea between Lithuania and Estonia. Its landscape is marked by wide beaches as well as dense, sprawling forests. Latvia’s capital is Riga, home to notable wooden and art nouveau architecture, a vast Central Market and a medieval Old Town with St. Peter's Church. Riga's museums include the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum, showcasing local crafts, food and music.
Capital and largest city: Riga; 56°57′N 24°6′E / 56.950°N 24.100°E
Currency: Euro
Study in Latvia
Interested in an education in Latvia?
Located along the eastern coast of the Baltic sea, Latvia is considered a geographic hotspot for its role as a crossroad between the East, West, North and South. It shares borders alongside fellow Baltic states, Estonia and Lithuania, and other countries such as Belarus, Russia and Sweden. Due to its unique location, it has been influenced by the varied traditions of its neighboring countries, thus offering a multi-cultural experience for students taking up an education in Latvia.
Those pursuing an education in Latvia will also notice that the nation’s openness to outside influences is evident in its education system, as Latvian higher education institutions are active members of international organizations in various fields of study.
Foreigners taking up an education in Latvia are not an uncommon sight either, as the Latvian education system had more than 5,400 international enrollees in 2016, with the number growing steadily every year.
More about Latvia
Labeled as the “Pearl of the Baltic States” and “Europe’s Best Kept Secret”, Latvia boasts distinct qualities which sets it apart from its European neighbors. The country has one of the best conservatories for wildlife, with its vast collection of forests, intricate networks of rivers, and gorgeous lakes contributing to 44% of the country’s total territory.
The unique weather is also an attractive prospect for those willing to live and take up an education in Latvia. Its geographical location allows for a more diverse climate, where conditions are generally mild and humid, with no abrupt changes in temperature.
Many consider the history of Latvia as one of the best underdog stories, as it has successfully overcome a tumultuous past to transform itself into a highly developed country, with a world-renowned culture which anyone who is pursuing an education in Latvia could enjoy. It is also a member of many international organizations, such as the EU, NATO and UN.
The study guide sections below offer further and more detailed information on what to expect when undertaking an education in Latvia.