Latvia (Latvijas Republika) is a small country on the Baltic Sea, a democratic parliamentary republic, divided in four distinct regions: Livland (Vidzeme), Latgallia (Latgale), Courland, (Kurzeme) and the Semigallia (Zemgale). Latvia is divided into 26 districts (rajoni). There are also seven cities (lielpilsētas) that have a separate status: Riga, Daugavpils, Jelgava, Jurmala, Liepaja, Rezekne, Ventspils. Latvia has been a member state of the European Union since May 1, 2004.

Latvia  border in the North with Estonia, in the East with Russia, in the South–East with Belorus, in the South with Lithuania, it is separated from Sweden in the west by the Baltic Sea. Latvia consists of fertile, low-lying plains, largely covered by forest, the highest point being the Gaiziņkalns at 311 metres. Undulating plains cover 75% of Latvia's territory; 25% of the territory lies in uplands of moderate-sized hills. The major rivers include the Daugava, the Lielupe, the Gauja, and the Salaca.