Latvia is a country where history, culture, and nature remain visible in everyday life. Situated at the crossroads of Northern and Eastern Europe, it carries more than eight centuries of layered history shaped by Baltic traditions, medieval powers, imperial rule, and modern independence. These influences can still be seen in the architecture of its towns, heard in its language and music, and experienced through the customs that continue to define Latvian life. With a population of around 1.8 million, Latvia has preserved a strong and distinctive national identity while remaining open to the wider world.
Often described as a “singing nation,” Latvia is especially known for its powerful choral and folk traditions. Every five years, tens of thousands of singers and dancers gather for the Latvian Song and Dance Festival, performing before audiences that fill Riga with music, movement, and national pride. The tradition dates back to 1873 and is recognised by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Music has also played a central role in Latvia’s modern history. During the Singing Revolution, collective performances and public gatherings became symbols of peaceful resistance and helped carry the country towards restored independence.
Nature is equally central to Latvia’s identity. Forests cover more than half of the country, opening into national parks, wetlands, lakes, rivers, and a long Baltic coastline. Latvia’s landscape is not only beautiful but also closely connected to the country’s approach to sustainability. Renewable energy, particularly hydropower from the Daugava River, supplies a significant share of its electricity, reflecting a wider national commitment to environmental responsibility and long-term development.
What makes Latvia especially memorable is the way it balances deep cultural roots with a modern and outward-looking spirit. It is a country shaped by resilience, creativity, and a strong sense of community. Its history is not hidden behind museum walls, but carried through its streets, songs, traditions, and people. For WorldMUN delegates, Latvia offers more than a destination. It offers a setting where questions of culture, sustainability, identity, diplomacy, and international cooperation can be experienced as well as discussed.
In 2027, we invite you to experience it all: the city, the culture, the people, and be part of something unforgettable.