Latvia Introduction - 2004

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 will join the EU in May of 2004 and NATO in the summer of 2004.

NOTE: The information regarding Latvia on this page is re-published from the 2004 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Latvia Introduction 2004 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Latvia Introduction 2004 should be addressed to the CIA.