Geography and Nature
Where is Latvia located?
Latvia is located in Northern Europe and is bordered by Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, Russia to the east, and Belarus to the southeast. It has a coastline along the Baltic Sea to the west.
What is the highest point in Latvia, and how high is it?
Gaiziņkalns, at 312 meters (1,024 feet)
What is the largest lake in Latvia and what does its name translate to?
Lake Lubāns, meaning "swamp lake"
How many national parks are there in Latvia?
41
What is the name of the unique rock formations along the Latvian coast known for their caves and arches?
The Livonian Sandstone Scarp
History and Culture
In what year did Latvia declare its independence?
1918
What peaceful demonstration in 1989 is considered a key event in Latvia's regaining independence?
The Singing Revolution
What ancient Baltic tribe is considered the ancestors of modern Latvians?
The Livonians
What traditional folk song genre is protected by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage?
Daina
What is the largest and most famous open-air museum in Latvia?
The Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum in Riga
Food and Traditions
What bread, traditionally served as a ring with braided dough, is considered a symbol of good luck in Latvia?
Rupjmaize
What is the national beer of Latvia?
Aldaris
What festival, celebrated on Midsummer's Eve, involves jumping over bonfires and weaving flower crowns?
Līgo
What is the traditional sauna ritual in Latvia that involves whisking with birch branches?
Pirts and pēršana
What unique musical instrument made from cow horns is associated with Latvian folk music?
The ragus
City Life and Fun Facts
What is the capital of Latvia and its nickname?
Riga, known as the "Pearl of the Baltic"
How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are there in Riga?
Three: the Historic Centre of Riga, the House of the Blackheads, and the Spikeris Monument of Freedom
What was Latvia's currency before the Euro?
The Latvian lats
What is the national sport of Latvia?
Basketball
What is the world's largest outdoor art installation, located in Latvia?
The Ķemeri Bog Boardwalk, stretching for 5 km (3.1 miles)
Animal World and Quirky Facts
What is the national animal of Latvia?
The grey wolf
What type of bread is traditionally given to beggars in Latvia?
Bread soaked in beer and honey
What is the world's oldest oak tree still growing in Latvia called?
The Stelmuze Oak, estimated to be around 800 years old
What is the largest forest in Latvia named after?
The Gauja River
What unique tradition involves hiding hand-knitted mittens for others to find during the winter holidays?
Zīdmītu vilkšana (mitten pulling)
Music and Entertainment
What Latvian-born conductor held the position of Principal Conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra for over 30 years?
Mariss Jansons
What popular Latvian rock band gained international recognition for their song "Everybody Dance Now"?
BrainStorm
What annual film festival takes place in Riga and focuses on documentaries?
Arsenāls International Film Festival
What traditional dance is performed by couples holding hands and forming a long chain?
Lingaitis, also known as the "snake dance"
What peculiar belief do some Latvians hold about stepping on ants before Christmas?
It is said to bring bad luck for the upcoming year