There were settlements there dating back to 2000BC.

Latvia's capital, Riga, was founded in 1201.

Latvia has been far from "always independant" since being founded:

• Before the Russian Revolution, a Russian czar nicknamed "Ivan the Terrible" invaded Latvia in 1558.

• This led to Latvia belonging to Peter the Great and Russia in the 1700s.

• On November 18, 1918, Latvia declared independance from Russia. When Germany began claiming Latvia during World War 1, Latvia formed the "Riflemen" to fight. The Riflemen supported Lenin, the founder of the Soviet Union.

• After the Revolution, Latvia became part of the Soviet Union. It lost much of it's population because of Soviet Union's hardships, and also World War 2.

• Latvia tried declaring independance in 1990, but Soviet troops intervened. However, after the Soviet Union finally fell apart in 1991, Latvia established a government and gained independance once again.

• Even though Latvia is now independant, Latvia and Russia are still not very close in relationship due to all of these events.

Smallest nation to ever have colonial power (had a few colonies in Tobago, Trinidad, and Gambia in the 17th century).

Latvia has a great line of natural and traditional dairy products.

Highest rate of fashion models in the world.

Jeans were invented in Latvia.

Ice sports, mostly hockey, are popular in Latvia. Basketball is also popular.

Latvia has many big and traditional music and dance festivals. One of them is the Nationwide Music and Dance Festival.