| | Latvia
People |
Population |
2.26 million (July 2007 est.)
|
Religion
|
Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Russian Orthodox
|
Languages
|
Latvian (official) 58.2%, Russian 37.5%, Lithuanian and other 4.3% (2000 census)
|
|
Culture
The central role of the Latvian folk song or daina in Latvian life has long been viewed as one of the distinguishing features of Latvian culture. It was first collected and published in the mid-nineteenth century by Krisjanis Barons. In 1888 the great epic poem Lacplesis by Andrejs Pumpurs was published, marking the dawn of modern Latvian literature. One of the most prominent figures in Latvian literature today is the poet Imants Ziedonis, who played a vital role in the promotion of Latvian culture.
Riga is the cultural hub of the region and consists of innumerable theatres, operas, symphony orchestras and circuses. Riga's Dome Cathedral is a home to the largest musical organs in the world.
Art & Architecture
Well known Latvian artists include Vilhelms Purvitis (1872-1945) and Janis Rozentals (1866-1916). Famous Latvian composers of the nineteenth and twentieth century include Andrejs Jurjans (1856-1922) and Jazeps Vitols (1863-1948).
The historic centre of Riga is a World Heritage site. It is recognized as having the best Art Nouveau ("Jugendstil") architecture in Europe. Examples of Art Nouveau architecture can be seen in Alberta, Elizabetes and Strelnieku Streets. A thriving centre of the mercantile Hanseatic League, the wealth of the League is reflected in Riga's medieval architecture. The oldest medieval houses, known as the "Three Brothers", are in Maza Pils Street.
The Dome Church in Riga, dating from the thirteenth century, is an impressive medieval building. Other thirteenth century churches in Riga are St. Jacob’s Church, St John's Church and St Peter’s Church.
|
|
|
| |
| | | |
