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Latvia
Latvia is named after one of the most prominent historic tribes in the region. The Latgalians were a Baltic tribe that lived in the region as early as the 400 or 500s.
Latvija
Introduction:
The Latvians have always been unique to the region as they share few ethnic relations with many of the people from the greater region. The Latvians have also clung to historic ties and have been hesitant to change on a number of occasions, however when those changes have been adopted they seem to stick and today the culture and lifestyle has many similarities to that of neighboring countries, although significant variations exist everywhere.
For much of history the Latvians have been isolated and developed a unique culture and lifestyle that was primarily based on the lands and agriculture. These early settlers cleared forests and made a living off the lands, while fiercely protecting themselves. Many people tried to invade the lands and spread their influences to the people, but the Latvians strongly resisted and even fought off Christianity at a time when nearly everywhere else in Europe had adopted this religion.
The Germanic people were among the first major outside groups to control the region, turning it into a major trading hub and altering the economy and lifestyle to a degree. However, the culture changed in few other ways, with most of the population resisting Christianity. However, the architecture in Riga still has some obvious Germanic influences and many foods are also rooted in this time.
The next group to take over the region was the Poles and Lithuanians; having a huge number of connections with the Lithuanians, including sharing a similar language and history, helped lead to the conversion of the people to Christianity. Other changes were also made, but Christianity made the greatest impact as it altered the culture and daily life to a great degree.
In the 1900s the culture and lifestyle took a major blow when the Soviet Union took over the people and region. The Soviets tried to destroy much of this past as the Russian language was forced on the people, the population was urbanized, most jobs were found in the industrial sector, religion was outlawed (even today few Latvians are very religious) and many ethnic Russians immigrated to the region.
Since the fall of communism, the Latvians have sought a new identity based on their language, ethnicity, and culture. This is often defined in contrast to Russian culture as they share very few similarities, although today most Latvians and Russians remain urbanized. Today the ethnic Russians and ethnic Latvians tend to remain divided politically and culturally. For the ethnic Latvians, the Latvian language, traditional dress, historic foods, and ethnic festivals have all become important parts of the local culture and identity today.
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Information for Latvia was last updated: March, 2014 ● View our: Sources & Special Thanks