The Republic of Latvia was proclaimed an independent state on November 18, 1918, in a building that today houses the National Theater in Riga. Latvia’s first period of independence lasted until June 17, 1940, when Soviet forces occupied the country. The independence of the Republic of Latvia was restored on August 21, 1991.

Many festive events take place throughout the country on this day, including a nationally televised address to the people by the President of the Republic of Latvia. In recent years, this speech is given before large crowds at the Freedom Monument in Riga.

Latvia has a free trade agreement with the European Union (EU). The country is one of the ten countries whose accession was sealed at the EU Summit in Copenhagen in 2002. In 2004, Latvia joined the EU and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Latvia has been engaged in transforming the state-run economy, inherited from its years as a Soviet republic, into a market economy. Reforms include the abolition of price controls and the initiation of privatization.

The country has encouraged foreign investment. Dairying and stock raising remain integral to the agricultural sector, which employs more than 15 percent of the labor force. Grain, sugar beets, potatoes, and vegetables are also important. The nation has valuable timber resources.

Since 2000, Latvia has had one of the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rates in Europe. The country is an important industrial sector which employs about 40 percent of the workforce. Its industries include the manufacture of motor vehicles, street and railroad cars, synthetic fibers, agricultural machinery, pharmaceuticals, electrical equipment, electronics, and textiles. Food and dairy processing, distilling, and shipbuilding are also significant, and tourism has developed as a source of foreign exchange.

Trade is primarily with Russia and other former Soviet republics, as well as Germany, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

We congratulate the people and government of Latvia led by Their Excellencies, President Valdis Zatlers and Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis, and its Consulate headed by Consul Robert Lim Joseph Jr., on the occasion of their National Day.