Latvia is neither very large nor very small. It's a country cozily nestled between Estonia and Lithuania on the shore of the Baltic Sea, also known as the Amber Sea. The territory of Latvia (24,900 square miles) is inhabited by over 2.5 million people. Latvian language is one of the most ancient European Languages. Together with Lithuanian, Latvian forms the Baltic branch of the Indo-European group of languages. Although Latvia occupies only a small territory, the variety of its nature is large. This is determined by its geographical location, the history of its development and the local characteristics. You won't see smoking volcanoes or geysers, cloud-covered mountain tops or boundless plains in Latvia. However, Latvia will surprise you with other generous gifts of Mother Nature. Tree-covered hills alternate with grain-fields and pastures of the flatlands and massive forests. Along picturesque riverbanks the uncovered basic strata form cliffs and crags in which the water has carved caves. Numerous lakes sparkle at the bottom of hills. The forests and waters are full of wildlife. Riga, announces itself with a unique and fantastically beautiful silhouette which is sometimes reflected in the Daugava, the largest river of Latvia, but sometimes secretively disappears in the fog. In 2001 Old Riga celebrated its 800th birthday. The Old Town is the most ancient part of Riga and it is also the beginning of Riga -- with the first local inhabitant log building in the 11th century and the first German newcomer stone building in the 13th century. Over the time with much of the old disappearing and the new replacing it, the Old Town has become a part of the modern city where evidence of various centuries alternates in the streets. In sum, Latvia is one of Europe's great "get away from it all" discoveries. With 12,310 rivers and 3,000 lakes the country has many opportunities for boating and walking and just enjoying the outdoors. There are many small medieval towns, country castles, museums and folk parks to be visited. Peter Greenberg shares his list of unique, affordable vacation destinations IgoUgo considers Riga to be a budget-friendly travel destination in Europe This New York Times article by Jon Fasman was published on October 21, 2007 "Sounds Like Latvia" selected as "Grand Prix" winner in tourism video competition held in the Czech Republic on October 3-4, 2007 "Time" magazine published this article at the end of September On July 22, The Washington Post published travel writer Gary Lee's article "Riga, the Curtain Rises." "National Geographic Traveler," "Travel and Leisure," and "Time" magazine all contain travel articles promoting Latvia as a tourist destination. Latvia will be represented in the New York Times travel show in New York from February 23-25, 2007 List of American travel agents specializing in the Baltic region. A comprehensive site about Latvia's travel industry. Hosted by the Government's Tourist Board Riga In Your Pocket is a comprehensive online/print guide to Latvia's capital Riga and beyond. A network of country and village homes and vacation cottages throughout Latvia. Maps of Latvia and the Baltic region. Columbus World Travel Guide on the Net. Baltics Worldwide (City Paper) is the online presence of the Baltic news and travel magazine, "City Paper-The Baltic States." This site has up-to-date info --feature articles, interviews, histories and business analyses -- on Latvia and the other two Baltic countries. Short online version of the popular travel guide. Listing of events and tourism information for Latvia's capital - Riga. Online/Print Travel guide to the Latvian capital - Riga. Maps, tourism, upcoming events and more...