Country Name |
Republic of Latvia |
Continent |
Europe |
Surface area |
64,569 km2 |
Capital |
Riga |
Population |
1,997,500 |
Language |
Latvian |
Currency |
Euro (EUR) |
Time zone |
+1hr compared to Italy |
Area code for Italy |
0039 |
Area code from Italy |
00371 |
Yellow fever vaccination is not required.
Hepatitis A is usually transmitted by contaminated food and water, or close physical contact with an infected person, whereas Hepatitis B is transmitted by exposure to infected body fluids and blood.
Infection typically occurs through contact with the saliva of an infected animal, usually caused by bites, scratches or licks near open wounds or mucous membranes (e.g. mouth, nose, eyes). The most common vectors are dogs and bats, but cases of infection in other domestic animals have also been reported.
Caused by toxins released by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, the risk of tetanus infection is present throughout the country.
Tuberculosis is an airborne disease of bacterial origin. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers at risk of developing severe symptoms or coming into contact with infected individuals. It is also recommended for all travellers under the age of 16 who plan to stay in the country for more than 3 months.
Diseases such as Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever, leishmaniasis, West Nile virus are found in Eastern Europe. As these diseases are transmitted by insect bites and there are no vaccines, it is important to adopt careful behavioural and preventive measures.
The following vaccinations are strongly recommended as these diseases can be contracted anywhere in the world. Experts advise that you protect yourself and other travellers by making sure you are up-to-date with all of the recommended vaccinations. This will allow you to travel safely, while minimising the risk of exposure to infection.
Latvia is sandwiched between the Baltic republics of Estonia (to the north) and Lithuania (to the south), and borders Russia and Belarus to the east and southeast. To the west, the country overlooks the Baltic Sea for almost 500 km, and forms part of the Gulf of Riga.
The western side of the landmass is composed of hillsides, covered with forests, and the region is crossed by several rivers. Whereas, the eastern side features more substantial elevations. There are also many lakes of various sizes that number in the thousands. Latvia’s low-lying coast is characterised by its sand dunes that create a series of small lakes and lagoons along the shoreline.
The climate is mainly continental, although temperatures vary depending on the region. In the west, the influence of the humid currents of the Baltic Sea mitigate the annual temperature range (an average of 18/21°C in summer and -1.5/-5°C in winter); whereas, the eastern slope, the last offshoot of the Russian lowlands, is affected by the gelid currents of air that arrive from the Arctic. In fact, in winter temperatures can fall from -20°C to -35°C, while in summer they rise considerably, even reaching 22°C.
Rainfall is light, but frequent and even throughout the year.