Latvia is a country in northeastern Europe, situated on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. The coastline also includes the Gulf of Riga, a large, sheltered bay. The country covers a total area of 64,589 square kilometers, which is slightly larger than the state of West Virginia in the United States.

It shares land borders with four other countries. To the north is Estonia, to the east is Russia, to the southeast is Belarus, and to the south is Lithuania. Its position has historically made it a crossroads for trade and culture in the region.

Latvia's proximity to the Baltic Sea gives it a temperate maritime climate. This means the weather is often humid, with frequent precipitation and cloudy skies. Winters are wet and moderate rather than severely cold, while summers are typically cool and rainy.

The sea's influence helps to soften the extreme temperatures that are common farther inland at the same latitude. This creates a distinct four-season climate without drastic swings between hot and cold.

Despite its small size, Latvia is rich in certain natural resources. Forests cover about half of the country, making timber a significant asset. The land also provides peat, which is harvested from bogs and used for fuel and in agriculture.

Other key resources include minerals like limestone and dolomite, which are used in construction. The country's famous amber, fossilized tree resin, is found along the Baltic coast. Latvia also harnesses the power of its rivers, with hydropower being an important energy source. About a quarter of its land is arable, suitable for farming.

Latvia has a population of approximately 1.8 million people. The majority of the population, about 62.7%, are ethnic Latvians. The largest minority group is Russians, who make up around 24.5% of the population. Other smaller groups include Belarusians, Ukrainians, and Poles.

Most of the country consists of fertile, low-lying plains with some rolling hills in the east. This flat terrain, combined with a dense network of rivers and thousands of lakes, defines much of Latvia's scenery.

Let's review what you've learned about Latvia's geography.

This overview covers the essential geographic features of Latvia, from its place on the map to its natural environment and population.