Latvia Country Report

Latvia is a low risk and generally stable country. The government is expected to continue market-orientated and pro-European policies. There are no major terrorist threats. Anti-Semitic and ultra-nationalist groups have committed minor acts of domestic terrorism. Groups such as the National Bolsheviks have turned to violence in the past, attempting to create a voice for the ethnic Russian population in Latvia. Crime is rising but it is generally of a non-violent nature. Foreigners can fall victim to petty theft due to perceived wealth. Assaults against foreigners are reported on occasion but overall such incidents remain rare. Criminals can drug victims and then rob them when they are unconscious. Foreigners have also been targets of scams in clubs, lounges and bars. Money laundering for and by Russian criminal organizations has been a serious problem. Corruption is more widespread than in most European Union countries. Air travel to and from Latvia is considered to be safe and efficient. Overland travel is generally safe, though winter driving conditions can be hazardous. Medical facilities throughout the country are adequate, though critical and life-threatening injuries will require medical evacuation.

Latvia is a member of the EU, NATO and the Schengen travel area.

Anti-Semitic and ultra-nationalist groups have committed minor acts of domestic terrorism, which do not pose a significant threat to travel. Most incidents of crime that involve travelers include pickpocketing and bag-snatching. The risk of racially motivated attacks is elevated against individuals of African and Asian descent, Jews and Roma, and such attacks have occurred in the past. Protests have occasionally turned violent, resulting in arrests and disruption. Russian-Latvian relations have deteriorated since Russia's annexation of Crimea, which has led to increased military cooperation within NATO and among the Baltic states.

Air travel is safe and in compliance with international safety standards.

The highway system is generally good. Secondary roads may not be paved. Winter driving can be especially dangerous.

Currently, only the Port of Riga and its grain terminals are able to provide efficient services to large bulk carriers in Latvia.

Access to utilities in the main cities is good, although service delivery may be poor in rural areas. Broadband is widely used, with mobile Internet spreading fast.

There are increasing concerns over the threat from cyber-attacks, which can cause damage to the country's economy.

Latvia has warm, dry summers and fairly severe winters due to heavy snowfall and extremely cold temperatures. Extreme cold and snow storms can create hazardous conditions and pose a threat to safety. Sporadic minor, low impact earthquakes do occur but cause no injuries or damage.

Medical facilities are generally good in major centers, but they may be limited in rural areas. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate payment for health services. Basic medical supplies in pharmacies are generally available.

Latvia is a unitary multi-party parliamentary republic. The Prime Minister is the head of government, and the President is the head of state. The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers form the government and exercise executive power. The unicameral Parliament, or the Saeima, exercises legislative power. Parliamentary elections take once every four years. The judiciary is nominally independent of the executive and the legislature but is widely regarded as corrupt and vulnerable to external pressures.

Coalitions featuring a cross-section of political parties are typically required to form the government. Government collapses occasionally occur. State institutions are competent and effective and provide reliable services across most of the country.