How to Call Latvia from India | Latvia ISD Code | International Roaming in Latvia

The flag of Latvia consists of three horizontal stripes – wider crimson stripes are located at the top and at the bottom and narrower white one is in-between. Allegedly, the flag dates back to the 13th century, when it served as a warrior´s flag, and therefore belongs to one of the oldest in the world. The flag in its current form was designed in 1917 and was officially adopted as the national flag in 1921. The flag was banned in times of Soviet domination, but people sometimes used it as an expression of disagreement with this condition. It has not been readopted until 1991, when Latvia became an independent state. The red color symbolizes the blood shed during the struggle for independence and the white stripe stands for justice, truth, and honor.

Declared European Capital of Culture in 2014, the city has one of the most impressive collections of art nouveau buildings in the world, not to mention a stunning UNESCO World Heritage downtown. The latter is home to medieval churches, grand Renaissance properties and a spectacular market, which is held inside defunct zeppelin hangers from WWI. The old town is dominated by Riga Cathedral, the largest medieval church in the Baltics and one of many attractions in Riga vying for visitors’ attention.

Latvia is rich in natural attractions, too, like the Gulf of Riga and the windswept coastline along the Baltic Sea, which is home to seemingly infinite sandy shores. Jūrmala, a resort town just 40 minutes from Riga, boasts 26km (16 miles) of golden beaches lined with spas, thermal mud pools and seafood restaurants.