"Latvia Country Profile" (BBC News)
Written by: BBC Monitoring
Published: 18 January 2012
Accessed: 10 December 2012
Click here to read this article
Published: 18 January 2012
Accessed: 10 December 2012
Click here to read this article
Brief Summary of the Article
Latvia is a member of the European Union and Nato. Latvia was primarily an agricultural country, with seafaring, fishing and forestry as other important factors in its economy. Latvia underwent heavy industrialisation, and experienced many immigrants from other parts of the USSR, mainly Russia during the Soviet period. Legislation on citizenship was toughened up in 2006. Candidates who fail a Latvian language test three times will be denied citizenship. People without citizenship are entitled neither to vote nor to obtain an European Union passport. Latvia made a rapid transformation to a market economy after independence.
Your Thoughts, Comments, and/or Reaction
As Latvia is striving to get back on their feet, many surrounding countries have a main impact of Latvia. Russia has made a tremendous impact within Latvia since the Soviet period. I was surprised by the law of failing to pass the language test results in being denied your rights to vote or have a passport. The language test is a beneficial factor because it is a major part of communication and culture.
Article's Relation to "Culture"
It has language links with Lithuania to the south and historical and ecumenical ties with Estonia to the north. Legislation on citizenship was toughened up in 2006. Candidates who fail a Latvian language test three times will be denied citizenship. People without citizenship are entitled neither to vote nor to obtain an EU passport. Since the Soviet period, Latvia has gained an abundance of Russian influences.