After seven centuries of foreign domination, Latvia is again independent, and is transforming into an economically strong and democratic state, ready for the challenges of the 21st century.

Despite the fact that history of the country began 3000 years ago, people living in four main areas – Latgale, Zemgale, Kurzeme and Vidzeme – had no central government, though they were lucky traders.

Teutonic Knights of the Sword, “Carrying the cross of the Lord”, conquered them, and founded Riga in 1201.

From that time until the First World War, German, Russian, Poles and Swedes had fought for control over this territory, and Latvian culture was suppressed.

Russian and German people had the biggest impact, which ended in 1701 after the defeat of King Peter the Great.

Russian kings appointed the governors, but in fact they ruled with the help of German nobility, who treated the Latvians as a serf.

Independence was gained, lost and gained again.

Changes in the world caused by the First World War, raised the people of Latvia for the bitter war for independence, which ended with its recognition in 1920.

In the inter-war period, Latvia regained its economy, reformed agriculture, implemented industrialization and expanded the possibility to obtain higher education.

But the outbreak of World War II drew Latvia again in the old Sovereign struggle.

The Soviet Union and Hitler, in turn, caused terror and mass deportations.

After the war, the country became a Soviet socialist republic.

Farms were collectivized. National flag and anthem were banned.

The collapse of the Soviet Union made it possible to restore the independence of Latvia, 21 August 1991.

The price was high. It was necessary to revive the economy. But the reward in the form of entrepreneurship, human values and freedom is visible to every visitor of the country.

Latvia is one of the greatest discoveries in Europe.

Riga is a wonderful surprise to visitors. Big city, which once again revived its emotional atmosphere and sophistication.

A lot of industries are located in Latvia, textile, metallurgical (including metal stamping), automotive & transportation, food processing industry, light industry and many others.