| Background |
After a brief period
of independence between the two World Wars, Latvia was annexed by the USSR
in 1940. It reestablished its independence in 1991 following the breakup of
the Soviet Union. Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status
of the Russian minority (some 30% of the population) remains of concern to
Moscow. Latvia continues to revamp its economy for eventual integration into
various Western European political and economic institutions. |
| Government type |
parliamentary democracy |
| Capital |
Riga |
| Administrative divisions |
26 counties (singular
- rajons) and 7 municipalities*: Aizkraukles Rajons, Aluksnes Rajons, Balvu
Rajons, Bauskas Rajons, Cesu Rajons, Daugavpils*, Daugavpils Rajons, Dobeles
Rajons, Gulbenes Rajons, Jekabpils Rajons, Jelgava*, Jelgavas Rajons, Jurmala*,
Kraslavas Rajons, Kuldigas Rajons, Leipaja*, Liepajas Rajons, Limbazu Rajons,
Ludzas Rajons, Madonas Rajons, Ogres Rajons, Preilu Rajons, Rezekne*, Rezeknes
Rajons, Riga*, Rigas Rajons, Saldus Rajons, Talsu Rajons, Tukuma Rajons, Valkas
Rajons, Valmieras Rajons, Ventspils*, Ventspils Rajons |
| Legislative branch |
unicameral Parliament
or Saeima (100 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve
four-year terms) |
