cultal+study

DANIEL: Latvia, offically the republic of Latvia is a country in baltic of Northern Europe. it is borered to the north by Estonia, to the south by Lithuania, to the east by the russian Federation,

GIAN: Population and territory

offical language:Latvian population: 2 274 700 (as of 07.2007) capital: Riga (population-723 931) administrative divistion:109 counties and 9 republican cities Cultural-historical divistion:4 regions-Vidzeme, Latgale, Kurzeme, and zemgale Largest cities: Riga, Daugavipils, jelgava, Jurmala, Liepaja, Rezekne, Ventspils biggest port cities: Ventspils, Riga, Liepaja

LIAM: History and culture Latvia's history and culture is a rich cultural-historic heritage. Because of its multicultral mix, Latvia's history and culture stands out because of its variety, but at the same time its singularity and uniqueness.

DANIEL: Why is latvia's culture so unique?Because of its favourable geographical location,in the last millennium Latvia has absorbed the traditions and experience of,arguably, almost all European or even World nations, at the same time retaining characteristics which are special and unique only to Latvians.

GIAN:FOR example, the pagan traditions every family or farmstead such as summer sostice or ligo when on many hills on latvia bonfires are lit,around which people sing and party through the christmas-these are festivities are celebrated twice,both as a christian and as a pagan holiday. latvia simultaneously honours christian and hewbrew tradition,as well as elements of the german and the slavic cultures.

LIAM:the freedom monument has been Riga's central landmark for more than a half centry. this granite and copper work of art is a symbol of the Latvian nathion's striving for freedomand independence. The woman on top of the historical regions of Kurzeme, Vidzeme and Latgale. the motto "For the Fatherland and freedom" is inscrible upon the base.Unveiled on 18 November 1935 and financed entrirely from public donations. Its eight - 42.7 metres.

DANIEL: Riga castle has stood on the right bank of the Daugava for more than 700 years.Through the centuries,it saw severe destruction,numerous rulers and wars.Today it houses the residence of the president of latvia and a museum.

Riga Bridges

GIAN:Five bridges span the Daugava River; each of them has its own history and features, and stories about what they've seen. Railway Bridge, which beams in blue and white neon at night, is the oldest one. When there is a proud of being the strongest one. Vansu Bridge is located farthest to the North, looking at the sea and coming and going ships. The youngest bridge-Dienvidu Bridge-is still under construction

DANIEL:Railway Bridge was opened in 1974