Riga, the capital of Latvia, is an elegant city with impressive Art Nouveau architecture and a vibrant cultural life. With 1.8 million inhabitants, this Baltic country captivates with its quality of life, preserved landscapes, and modern spirit.

Latvia offers a reasonable cost of living, high security, advanced digital infrastructure, and direct access to the Baltic Sea. Ideal for curious travelers, digital nomads, and those seeking a peaceful everyday life yet connected to Europe.

We talk about life in Latvia, Riga, Jurmala’s beaches, forests and lakes, the cost of living, Latvian culture, Baltic traditions, Latvian women, salaries, career opportunities, the economy, freedoms, gastronomy, transportation, climate, universities in Latvia, expatriation, digital nomads, housing, safety, and Latvia’s natural attractions.

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After two weeks traveling through the Balkans, 
we decided to return, one year later, to Riga, the fascinating capital of Latvia — a 
city that keeps surprising us every time. Once an unknown destination, Riga 
has quickly gained popularity. Today it welcomes an increasing number 
of tourists — especially Europeans and Asians — who come to discover its charm and 
see how much it has changed in recent years. What used to be a hidden corner of the 
Baltic is now a destination that blends tradition and modernity, attracting 
travelers from all over the world. Latvia is famous for having one of the tallest 
populations in the world, especially among women. It’s common to see women of 
impressive height here — something that has caught international attention.
In fact, the country has a strong fashion tradition, and it’s not unusual for many 
top models on global runways to be Latvian. But it’s not only height that stands 
out — Latvian women are known for their natural elegance and refined taste.
The fact that so many people look like models is not just about genetics, but also the 
cultural value placed on appearance and self-care. Fashion is an essential part of 
everyday life in Latvian cities, and walking through the streets of Riga can 
feel like watching an open-air runway show. It’s important to clarify that although many 
blonde women can be seen in Riga and other parts of the country, Latvia is not among the top five 
countries with the highest proportion of blondes. That list is led by Sweden, Norway, 
Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Iceland, and even neighboring Estonia Interestingly. Riga has also become a 
popular destination for bachelor parties, especially among British tourists.
The nightlife, affordable prices, and beauty of the city attract groups looking 
to have fun and enjoy the Latvian atmosphere. Although there’s a clear Scandinavian influence 
in some cultural aspects, there is also greater ethnic and genetic diversity, adding 
even more richness to the country. When people talk about Latvia, some immediately 
associate it with Russia — which isn’t surprising, since for much of the 20th century 
the country was under Soviet control. Latvia was part of the Soviet Union from World 
War II until it gained its independence in 1991. That past left deep marks on its 
culture, architecture, and language. Although Latvian is the official 
language, many residents — especially in Riga — also speak Russian, due to the 
significant Russian minority living there. This coexistence of languages and traditions 
has created a unique cultural mosaic, blending Russian influences 
with a distinct Latvian touch. However, Latvia is much more 
than a reflection of Russia. Despite some similarities, it has developed a strong national identity, 
influenced by Baltic and Scandinavian peoples. While Russian cities tend to be grand and 
imposing, Latvian cities, especially Riga, are smaller, welcoming, and filled with Art 
Nouveau architecture, giving them a unique charm. Riga, with its cobblestone streets and 
calm atmosphere, is a very romantic city. You can easily sense this when you see 
so many couples walking hand in hand, enjoying the city’s enchanting vibe. About 35% to 40% of Latvian women are single, 
according to recent statistics — figures that vary depending on the source and year.
For more accurate information, it’s best to consult official government 
data or updated demographic studies. With over 800 years of history, Riga was 
once a member of the Hanseatic League, ruled by the Swedes, Russians, and 
Soviets, and is now a vibrant, modern city. Interestingly, it also attracts many 
foreigners who want to learn Russian, as the cost of living is lower than in Russia 
and there are plenty of native speakers. One of Riga’s most impressive 
features is its extraordinary collection of Art Nouveau buildings 
— one of the largest in the world. Walking through the Old Town or along 
Alberta iela, it’s impossible not to be amazed by the intricate details and ornate 
facades — like an open-air art gallery. Riga also boasts a rich cultural heritage: besides its famous National Opera, the city 
is home to museums, galleries, and festivals. Music lovers will find a true paradise here, 
as the country has a long choral tradition. Something that deeply defines 
Latvia is its connection to nature. Despite being a small country, it offers a 
great variety of landscapes: white-sand beaches, dense forests, and crystal-clear lakes. For Latvians, nature is a refuge and a source of peace.
It’s common for families to spend weekends in countryside cabins or enjoy outdoor 
activities like hiking, cycling, or skiing. The tradition of picking mushrooms and 
wild berries is very strong — every summer and autumn, forests fill with families 
searching for these natural treasures. Despite its turbulent past, Latvia today is 
a growing country with a promising future. As a member of the European Union and NATO, it 
has shown great adaptability and development. Its economy, based on trade, technology, 
and tourism, continues to expand, and more and more people are discovering 
the charm of this Baltic nation. Latvia is a country full of contrasts, with its 
unique mix of Russian and Baltic influences, rich history, deep connection to 
nature, and tall, elegant people. It’s a place that invites exploration. Riga, in particular, blends the best of the 
past with a modern, cosmopolitan energy. I hope you found this information interesting.
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