Latvia
Some of the key events about Latvia
- 1201Crusaders invaded Livonian territory, beginning centuries of foreign rule
- 1558Livonian War began, devastating the region and leading to the dissolution of Livonia
- 1710Great Northern War and plague decimated Latvia's population
- 1812Napoleon's army invaded Latvia, causing widespread destruction
- 1918Latvia declared independence from Russia and Germany
- 1918German occupation of Latvia during World War I
- 1921Latvia was admitted to the League of Nations
- 1935The Freedom Monument was unveiled in Riga
- 1940Soviet Union forcibly annexed Latvia, ending its independence
- 1941Nazi Germany occupied Latvia during World War II
- 1944Soviet forces reoccupied Latvia, beginning a long period of Soviet rule
- 1949Mass deportations of Latvians to Siberia by Soviet authorities
- 1986Chernobyl nuclear disaster affected Latvia with radioactive fallout
- 1988The Latvian Popular Front was established, leading the push for independence
- 1990The Supreme Council of Latvia adopted the Declaration on the Restoration of Independence
- 1991Latvia regained full independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union
- 1994The last Russian troops withdrew from Latvia
- 2004Latvia joined both NATO and the European Union
- 2014Latvia adopted the euro as its official currency
- 2016Latvia became a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.
Latvia Latest news
EU plans first-ever penalties against digital attacks from Russia and others
Putin lets Belarus control new super-fast missile system coming next year
NATO countries pause Ukraine membership talks until new White House team arrives
Train tracks tell story: How Baltic states try to break free from Russian influence
How Baltic train tracks tell a story of freedom from Russian influence
EU plans first-ever penalties against digital attacks from Russia and others
European Union prepares to hit back at cyber-attacks and election meddling with new sanctions package. Brussels aims to punish 19 targets from various countries for undermining EU stability
Putin lets Belarus control new super-fast missile system coming next year
Russia plans to place its new fast-flying Oreshnik missiles in Belarus after signing defense deal. Belarus leader will get power to pick targets for these weapons that Russia already used in Ukraine
NATO countries pause Ukraine membership talks until new White House team arrives
Several NATO members hold back decision on Ukraineʼs alliance entry request while waiting for upcoming US administration change. Latvia shows support for Kyivʼs military skills and future membership
Train tracks tell story: How Baltic states try to break free from Russian influence
Three Baltic countries work on huge rail project to connect with Europe‚ leaving russian-gauge tracks behind. This transport shift shows how Estonia Latvia and Lithuania keep moving away from their big neighbor
How Baltic train tracks tell a story of freedom from Russian influence
A massive rail project is changing how Baltic states connect with Europe‚ leaving behind Soviet-era infrastructure. This shift mirrors their 35-year journey from occupied territories to modern EU members