The country of Latvia covers a geographical area of around 64-thousand square kilometers. It is bordered by Estonia to the north, Russia to the east, Lithuania to the south, and the Baltic Sea to the west. Over 40 percent of the country's territory is covered by forests. Nearly one fourth of the forests are growing on the wet land due to Latvia's temperate maritime climate, with mild summers, moderate winters, and frequently high levels of humidity and precipitation.

Latvia is one of Europe's best preserved havens for a wide variety of wildlife. A wealth of flora and fauna thrive in natural settings that are kept undisturbed by human beings.

Riga, the capital of Latvia which is also the political, economical, and cultural center of the country, contains more than one third of Latvia's population. The city's strategic location has made it an international crossroads for commerce and cultural exchange since ancient times.

Riga's elegant Old Town and distinctive Art Nouveau architecture serve as a stimulating setting for vibrant modern business and cultural life. Riga was inscribed by UNESCO as one of the world's most important cultural and natural sites in 1997.