RIGA

    Riga is the capital of the Republic of Latvia, the state’s administrative and public centre. With 772 485 inhabitants in 2007 Riga is the largest city in the Baltic States. The area OF Riga covers 307.17 square km. Riga was officially founded in 1201 and is located on both banks of the Daugava river. The historical part of Riga is situated on the right bank of the Daugava, about 10 km from where the Daugava flows into the Gulf of Riga.

    Riga is a cultural, financial and industrial centr in Latvia. The historical centre of Riga has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city is particularly notable for its extensive Art Nouveau architekcure, which UNESCO considers to be unparalleled anywhere in the world.

    Riga accounts for about half of the total industry output Latvia, foucusing on the financial sector, public utilities, food and beverages, pharmaceutical, wood processing, printing and publishing, textiles and furniture and manufacturing of communication equipment. The Port of Riga in an important cargo transhipment centre.

    Riga is also a major educational centre in Latvia locating most national universities, state and private higher schools and academies. At the beginning of 2007 there were 34 institutions of higher education and 26 colleges in Latvia.