Riga

Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Riga, Letonia, 2012-08-07, DD 10

Panorama of Riga, 1572

Riga 1650

Baltische Post 25 October 1908

German troops Riga 1917

Damaged buildings of the Riga Old Town and St. Peter's Church during the World War II, 1939-1945

Riga is the capital and largest city of Latvia, a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is also the largest city in the three Baltic states, which include Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Situated on the Gulf of Riga, at the mouth of the Daugava River, Riga was founded in 1201 and is a former member of the Hanseatic League, a commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds and market towns in Northwestern and Central Europe. Riga's historical centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, noted for its Art Nouveau/Jugendstil architecture and 19th-century wooden architecture.

History

Riga's history dates back to its founding in 1201 by the German bishop Albert of Buxhoeveden, who arrived there with a group of crusaders. It quickly became a major centre of the Hanseatic League, serving as a hub for trade between Western Europe, Scandinavia, and Russia. Throughout the centuries, Riga endured periods of Polish, Swedish, and Russian rule, each leaving its mark on the city's cultural and architectural heritage.

Geography

Riga is located at the mouth of the Daugava River, on the shores of the Gulf of Riga. The city's geography has played a significant role in its development as a major trade center. The river Daugava has been crucial in establishing Riga's economic importance and its connection to the interior of Latvia and neighboring countries.

Economy

The economy of Riga is the largest and most diverse in Latvia. It is a significant industrial, commercial, cultural, and financial center in the Baltic region. Major industries include manufacturing, transportation, information technology, and tourism. The Port of Riga is one of the largest in the Baltics, serving as a vital link in the trade routes between East and West.

Culture

Riga is known for its rich cultural heritage, including numerous museums, theatres, and galleries. The city hosts the Riga Opera Festival, the Riga International Film Festival, and the Riga Biennial. Its historic center, with its cobblestone streets and Art Nouveau architecture, attracts tourists from around the world.

Education

Riga is a center of education and research in Latvia, home to many universities and colleges, including the University of Latvia and Riga Technical University. These institutions offer a wide range of programs in various fields, contributing to the city's vibrant academic community.

Transportation

Riga features an extensive public transportation network, including buses, trams, and a trolleybus system. The Riga International Airport is the largest in the Baltic states, providing connections to major cities in Europe and beyond. The city also has a well-developed road and railway system, facilitating easy access to both domestic and international destinations.

Demographics

Riga is the most populous city in Latvia, with a diverse population that includes ethnic Latvians, Russians, Belarusians, Ukrainians, and other nationalities. The city's demographic composition has been shaped by its history of foreign rule and its status as a major economic hub in the region.

See also

• History of Riga
• Geography of Latvia
• Economy of Latvia
• Culture of Latvia
• Education in Latvia