Rīga

Rīga is the capital and the largest city of Latvia, a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is one of the key economic and cultural centers of the region, located on the southern coast of the Gulf of Riga, at the mouth of the Daugava River.

History

Rīga was founded in 1201 by Albert of Riga, a bishop from Germany, who had landed in Rīga with 23 ships and more than 1500 armed crusaders. The city quickly developed as a significant center of the Hanseatic League, an economic and defensive confederation of merchant guilds and market towns in Northwestern and Central Europe.

Geography

Rīga is located in the central part of the country, on the south coast of the Gulf of Riga, at the mouth of the Daugava River. The city is situated on a flat and sandy plain, about 10 meters above sea level.

Economy

Rīga is the economic heart of Latvia. It is home to the largest seaport in the country and a major industrial, commercial, cultural and financial center. The city's economy is diverse and includes sectors such as transport, information technology, telecommunications, and manufacturing.

Culture

Rīga is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to many museums, including the Latvian National Museum of Art and the Riga Motor Museum. The city's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved Art Nouveau architecture and 19th-century wooden architecture.

Cuisine

Rīga is also known for its unique Latvian cuisine. Traditional dishes include Riga Black Balsam, a traditional Latvian herbal liqueur, and Riga rye bread, a staple food item in Latvian cuisine.

See also

• Tourism in Latvia
• Transport in Riga
• Education in Riga