--:--
Latvia — Eastern European Time (EET / EEST)
--:--
UTC
Major Cities in Latvia
📝 Latvia Facts, Holidays & Tourism
🎓 For Students:
- Education System: Aligned with the Bologna Process, offering bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees.
- Top Institutions: University of Latvia, Riga Technical University, RISEBA University.
- Student Visa: Required for non-EU/EEA students; apply through Latvian embassies.
- Popular Fields: IT, Business, Medicine, Architecture, and Tourism.
✈️ For Visitors:
- Visa: Part of the Schengen Area — Schengen visa accepted.
- Popular Destinations: Riga Old Town, Jurmala Beach, Gauja National Park, Cēsis, Sigulda.
- Best Time to Visit: May–September for mild weather and outdoor festivals.
- Local Transportation: Buses, trams, and trains connect most Latvian cities.
💼 For Professionals & Expats:
- Work Visa: Required for non-EU nationals; company sponsorship needed.
- Key Sectors: IT, logistics, manufacturing, finance, and forestry.
- Business Etiquette: Polite, punctual, and detail-oriented.
- Cost of Living: Lower than Western Europe; affordable housing and services.
🏞️ Tourism & Culture:
- Cultural Heritage: Baltic and Northern European influences.
- Natural Attractions: Forests, lakes, rivers, and sandy Baltic Sea beaches.
- Major Events: Riga City Festival, Positivus Music Festival, Latvian Song & Dance Celebration.
- Local Cuisine: Rye bread, grey peas with bacon, smoked fish, and beer.
📌 Quick Tips:
- Currency: Euro (€).
- Timezone: EET (UTC+2), EEST (UTC+3 in summer).
- Emergency Numbers: 110 (Police), 113 (Ambulance), 112 (General emergency).
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz; plug types C and F.