Latvia cities list with latitude and longitude in CSV, XML, SQL, JSON format
Last update : 20 January 2025.
Below is a list of 100 prominent cities in Latvia. Each row includes a city's latitude, longitude, region and other variables of interest. This is a subset of all 3883 places in Latvia that you'll find in our World Cities Database. You're free to use the data below for personal or commercial applications. The data below can be downloaded in .csv, .json, .xml and .sql formats. Notable Cities: The capital of Latvia is Riga.
Geoname_ID | City | Alternate_Name | Country_Code | Region | Sub_region | Latitude | Longitude | Elevation | Population | Timezone | Fcode_Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
12005663 | Borovaja | Borovaja | LV | Rēzekne Municipality | 56.58378 | 27.09736 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | ||
453944 | Zastjenki | Zascenki,Zastenki,Zastjenki | LV | Augšdaugava Municipality | Naujenes pagasts | 55.95031 | 26.70244 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
454043 | Daumanti | Daumanti,Dumanti,Volfarte,Volfarti,Volfārte,Volfārti | LV | Jelgava Municipality | Elejas pagasts | 56.39277 | 23.69704 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
458747 | Klāvi | Klavi,Klāvi | LV | Jelgava Municipality | Sesavas pagasts | 56.37308 | 23.84247 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
8714330 | Zorgi | LV | Bauska Municipality | Iecavas novads | 56.56459 | 24.16683 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | ||
455369 | Sondori | LV | Preiļu novads | Sīļukalna pagasts | 56.53295 | 26.76762 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | ||
456359 | Puze | LV | Ventspils Rajons | Puzes pagasts | 57.32847 | 22.01034 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | ||
454948 | Taurene | Myza Netins,Nekene Muizas Centrs,Nekina Muiza,Nekini,Nekins,Nēķene Muižas Centrs,Nēķina Muiža,Nēķini,Nēķins,Taurene,Таурене | LV | Cēsis Municipality | Dzērbenes pagasts | 57.15963 | 25.6647 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
795988 | Ziedoņi | Bornsminde,Ziedoni,Ziedoņi | LV | Bauska Municipality | Rundāles pagasts | 56.4124 | 24.10466 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
455460 | Sleiķi | Polumyza Sleyka,Sleika,Sleikas,Sleikas Pusmuizas Centrs,Sleikas Pusmuižas Centrs | LV | Limbaži Municipality | Limbaži | 57.51222 | 24.69111 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
457797 | Ļubāni | Lubani,Lubāņi,Ļubāni | LV | Ludza Municipality | Ņukšu pagasts | 56.46246 | 27.80898 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
12324491 | Sauna | LV | Preiļu novads | Riebiņu pagasts | 56.39221 | 26.75897 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | ||
12004528 | Kolna Sloboda | Kolna Sloboda | LV | Rēzekne Municipality | 56.50632 | 27.15535 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | ||
454465 | Vecbebri | Myza Vetsbebru,Vecbebri,Vecbebru Muiza,Vecbebru Muiža | LV | Aizkraukle Municipality | 56.71977 | 25.48347 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | ||
456261 | Rāva | LV | South Kurzeme Municipality | Dunalkas pagasts | 56.64193 | 21.34704 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | ||
460374 | Dekteri | LV | Ludza Municipality | 56.74246 | 27.45938 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |||
457738 | Luste | Lustes Muiza,Lustes Muiža | LV | Dobele Municipality | Jaunbērzes pagasts | 56.7 | 23.35 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
457804 | Losi | LV | Rēzekne Municipality | Ozolaines pagasts | 56.44511 | 27.18464 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | ||
453899 | Zemīte | Myza Zemites,Zemite,Zemites Muiza,Zemīte,Zemītes Muiža | LV | Tukums Municipality | Zemītes pagasts | 56.92832 | 22.79394 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
457407 | Meržova | Merzevo,Merzova,Merževo,Meržova,Mierzova,Mieržova | LV | Ludza Municipality | Briģu pagasts | 56.45495 | 28.03526 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
459205 | Jurjāni | Jurguci,Jurjani,Jurjāni,Yur’yan,Yur’yan | LV | Madona Municipality | Mētrienas pagasts | 56.68996 | 26.37067 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
454704 | Uņģeni | Ungeni,Ungeny,Ungēni,Uņģeni | LV | Limbaži Municipality | Salacgrīvas pagasts | 57.65836 | 24.37431 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
460792 | Bringi | Bringas,Bringi | LV | Ludza Municipality | Mežvidu pagasts | 56.65134 | 27.59404 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
459684 | Grūbe | LV | Smiltene Municipality | Apes pagasts | 57.52563 | 26.77565 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | ||
456742 | Piedruja | Daugaviesi,Daugavieši,Daugaviyeshi,Piedruja,Piedrujas,Piyedruya,Pridruiska | LV | Krāslava Municipality | 55.79761 | 27.44488 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | ||
459444 | Jaunā Muiža | Jauna Muiza,Jaunamuiza,Jaunamuiža,Jaunā Muiža | LV | Kuldīga Municipality | Kabiles pagasts | 56.94902 | 22.37075 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
458717 | Žibukakts | Klive,Klives,Klivesmuiza,Klivesmuyzha,Klīve,Klīves,Klīvesmuiža,Zibukakts,Žibukakts | LV | Jelgava Municipality | Valgundes pagasts | 56.76558 | 23.65701 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
458029 | Blīdenes Mežniecība | Blidene,Blidenes Meznieciba,Blīdene,Blīdenes Mežniecība,Lielblidene,Lielblidiene,Lielblidienes Muiza,Lielblīdene,Lielblīdiene,Lielblīdienes Muiža,Liyelblidene | LV | Saldus Rajons | Blīdenes pagasts | 56.64103 | 22.69069 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
455647 | Siliņi | LV | Ventspils Rajons | Ziru pagasts | 57.10492 | 21.55644 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | ||
456225 | Rempi | Remp’i,Rempi,Rempji,Remp’i | LV | Cēsis Municipality | Jaunpiebalgas pagasts | 57.11273 | 26.10909 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
453932 | Zeiļova | Zeileva,Zeilova,Zeiļeva,Zeiļova | LV | Krāslava Municipality | Šķaunes pagasts | 56.18522 | 27.96078 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
459786 | Glūda | Falcgrave,Falcgraves Muiza,Falcgrāve,Falcgrāves Muiža,Gluda,Gludas Muiza,Gludas Muiža,Glūda | LV | Jelgava Municipality | Glūdas pagasts | 56.59987 | 23.49185 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
457326 | Mieriņi | LV | Balvi Municipality | Rugāju pagasts | 56.98272 | 26.90528 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | ||
456459 | Pūjalgi | Pujalgi,Puyalgi,Pūjalgi | LV | Kuldīga Municipality | Ēdoles pagasts | 57.03467 | 21.721 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
460677 | Butnari | LV | Saldus Rajons | Zirņu pagasts | 56.66533 | 22.4279 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | ||
456388 | Pušča | LV | Krāslava Municipality | Svariņu pagasts | 56.13282 | 27.78733 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | ||
458990 | Kārkli | Karkli,Kārkli,Kārkļi | LV | Madona Municipality | Cesvaines pagasts | 57.0536 | 26.24365 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
454025 | Žabi | LV | Ventspils Rajons | Ziru pagasts | 57.11667 | 21.51667 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | ||
12004525 | Jaunā Sloboda | Jauna Sloboda,Jaunā Sloboda | LV | Rēzekne Municipality | 56.4996 | 27.13678 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | ||
864201 | Gardene | Dobele Vtoroye,Gardene | LV | Dobele Municipality | Auru pagasts | 56.64849 | 23.21882 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
454855 | Tīnūži | Myza Tinuzhi,Tinuzhi,Tinuzi,Tinuzi Muiza,Tīnūzi Muiža,Tīnūži | LV | Ogre | Tīnūžu pagasts | 56.86613 | 24.56626 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
456354 | Rabova | Rabova,Rjabova | LV | Ludza Municipality | Zaļesjes pagasts | 56.37555 | 28.11889 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
456764 | Peši | Peshutsiems,Pesi,Pesuciems,Peši,Pešuciems | LV | South Kurzeme Municipality | Rucavas pagasts | 56.21334 | 21.13626 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
456123 | Robežnieki | Robeznieki,Robežnieki | LV | Balvi Municipality | Vecumu pagasts | 57.24398 | 27.85349 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
458673 | Ķoņi | LV | Valmiera | 57.93581 | 25.35198 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |||
457513 | Mazuri | LV | Ludza Municipality | 56.75195 | 27.3981 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |||
455970 | Runtes | LV | Cēsis Municipality | Taurenes pagasts | 57.12311 | 25.74568 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | ||
456760 | Pēterlauki | LV | Jelgava Municipality | Platones pagasts | 56.54345 | 23.7244 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | ||
461498 | Ceļa Onckuļi | Anchkuna,Anckuli,Anckuļi,Cela Onckuli,Ceļa Onckuļi,Ontskuli | LV | Līvāni | Sutru pagasts | 56.3033 | 26.45605 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
457811 | Lapatnīki | Khutora Lopa-Tinskiye,Lapatinski,Lapatniki,Lapatnīki,Lopatinski | LV | Ludza Municipality | Mērdzenes pagasts | 56.71502 | 27.78131 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
458487 | Kūdums | LV | Cēsis Municipality | 57.3781 | 25.12024 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |||
455205 | Straupciems | Straupciems,Strauptsiems,Strauptsiyems | LV | Mārupe | Salas pagasts | 56.91672 | 23.65926 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
455376 | Soldoni | Soldoni,Soldonie | LV | Ludza Municipality | Malnavas pagasts | 56.77466 | 27.65666 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
460381 | Degušava | Dagasheve,Daguseva,Daguševa,Degusava,Degushava,Degusova,Degušava,Degušova | LV | Ludza Municipality | 56.82888 | 27.83129 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | ||
864217 | Damradi | Dambradi,Dambrati,Dambraty,Dambrādi,Dambrāti,Damradi | LV | Olaine | Olaines pagasts | 56.74464 | 23.82575 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
457999 | Lielā Medišova | Bol’shoye Medishevo,Bol’shoye Medishevo,Liel-Medisheva,Liela Medisova,Lielmediseva,Lielmedishevo,Lielmediševa,Lielā Medišova,Лиелмедишево | LV | Ludza Municipality | Blontu pagasts | 56.61114 | 27.81576 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
454449 | Vēciņi | LV | Alūksne Municipality | Jaunlaicenes pagasts | 57.55071 | 26.88568 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | ||
454629 | Vācu Kalni | Vacu Kalni,Vacukalni,Vācu Kalni,Vācukalni | LV | Ludza Municipality | Līdumnieku pagasts | 56.53285 | 28.04459 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
459643 | Gusti | Gici,Gitsi,Gusta,Gusti,Ģici | LV | Cēsis Municipality | Vaives pagasts | 57.18333 | 25.55 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
456432 | Vecpūņas | Puni,Punumuiza,Pūni,Pūņumuiža,Vecpunas,Vecpūņas | LV | Talsi Municipality | Valdgales pagasts | 57.34768 | 22.51023 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
454558 | Valpene | LV | Talsi Municipality | 57.42739 | 22.38842 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |||
460448 | Dampadruva | Dampadruva,Dampjadruva | LV | Balvi Municipality | Vīksnas pagasts | 57.25529 | 27.32489 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
460397 | Debenieki | LV | Bauska Municipality | 56.65 | 24.56667 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |||
453928 | Zeļļi | Zelevci,Zelevtsy,Zelli,Zeļļi | LV | Krāslava Municipality | Dagdas pagasts | 56.05749 | 27.52979 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
456900 | Pāliņi | Palini,Paulinava,Pauļinava,Pāliņi | LV | Balvi Municipality | Bērzpils pagasts | 56.8668 | 27.0941 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
456575 | Dagdas Sloboda | Dagdas Sloboda,Pogulanka,Pogulanovka,Poguļanka,Poguļanovka | LV | Krāslava Municipality | Andrupenes pagasts | 56.11753 | 27.47565 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
460241 | Druvas | Druva,Druvas,Malnieki,Mālnieki | LV | Līvāni | Rožupes pagasts | 56.36047 | 26.39061 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
456601 | Ploski | LV | Ludza Municipality | 56.37751 | 28.07333 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |||
461542 | Almāle | LV | Kuldīga Municipality | 56.98063 | 21.63508 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |||
457507 | Mazvirbi | Dzeizkalni,Mazvirbi,Mazvirbi Muizas Centrs,Mazvirbi Muižas Centrs | LV | Talsi Municipality | Abavas pagasts | 57.065 | 22.57193 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
12006729 | Lizdiki | Lizdiki | LV | Rēzekne Municipality | 56.66878 | 27.28809 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | ||
456599 | Kaļķis | Kalkis,Kalntsiyems,Kaļķis,Plostciems,Plostmuiza,Plostmuiža | LV | Jelgava Municipality | Kalnciema pagasts | 56.83714 | 23.55533 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
461378 | Artjomovka | Artemovka,Artjomovka,Артёмовка | LV | Krāslava Municipality | Andzeļu pagasts | 56.13351 | 27.52959 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
459680 | Grundzāle | Grundzale,Grundzales,Grundzales Muiza,Grundzāle,Grundzāles,Grundzāles Muiža,Myza Grundzales | LV | Smiltene Municipality | Grundzāles pagasts | 57.45915 | 26.26651 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
12013380 | Kruķi | Kruki,Kruķi | LV | Rēzekne Municipality | 56.60792 | 27.35496 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | ||
459200 | Jūrmalciems | Jurmalciems,Jūrmalciems,Yurmaltsiems,Yurmaltsiyem | LV | South Kurzeme Municipality | Nīcas pagasts | 56.30021 | 20.99539 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
460487 | Cūkusala | LV | Balvi Municipality | Rugāju pagasts | 57.03357 | 27.26581 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | ||
457545 | Mazozoli | Mazozoli,Mazozolmuiza,Mazozolmuiža,Myza Mazozoly,Ozolipusmuiza Centrs,Ozolipusmuiža Centrs | LV | Ogre | Mazozolu pagasts | 56.92524 | 25.47031 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
455329 | Sprindži | LV | Preiļu novads | 56.30163 | 26.73841 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |||
457223 | Muņi | Muni,Munuciems,Munyutsiyems,Muņi,Muņuciems | LV | Talsi Municipality | Dundagas pagasts | 57.57745 | 22.39366 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
12007398 | Ratinieki | Ratinieki | LV | Rēzekne Municipality | 56.49673 | 27.28551 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | ||
454080 | Viškeri | Vishkeri,Viskeri,Viškeri | LV | Rēzekne Municipality | 0980260 | 56.34078 | 27.2093 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
460004 | Ērģeme | Ehrgeme,Ergeme,Ergenies Muiza,Haergmaee,Härgmäe,Ērģeme,Ērģenies Muiža,Эргеме | LV | Valka | Ērģemes pagasts | 57.80727 | 25.82439 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
455488 | Skuteļi | LV | Preiļu novads | Saunas pagasts | 56.3949 | 26.69249 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | ||
459169 | Kaive | Kaive,Kaives Muiza,Kaives Muiža,Kayve,Myza Kaives | LV | Tukums Municipality | Sēmes pagasts | 57.06037 | 23.02823 | 140 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
460716 | Buliši | Buli,Bulisi,Buliši,Buļi | LV | Ludza Municipality | Ņukšu pagasts | 56.45433 | 27.78583 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
455583 | Skandīne | Skandina,Skandine,Skandīne,Skangina,Skanģina | LV | Balvi Municipality | Medņevas pagasts | 57.14925 | 27.61585 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
459765 | Goruškas | Goruskas,Goruski,Goruškas,Goruški | LV | Rēzekne Municipality | Audriņu pagasts | 56.62887 | 27.23869 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
459177 | Kaijciems | LV | Cēsis Municipality | 57.39528 | 24.87556 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |||
454203 | Vigāle | Saldenieki,Soldenieki,Vigale,Vigāle | LV | Kuldīga Municipality | Kurmāles pagasts | 56.8834 | 21.82087 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
460510 | Cīruļi | Ciruli,Cīruļi,Ziemelnieki | LV | Saldus Rajons | Zvārdes pagasts | 56.46202 | 22.40098 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
455143 | Struņķukrogs | Strunki,Strunki Krogs,Strunkukrogs,Strunti,Struntikrogs,Struņķi,Struņķi Krogs,Struņķukrogs | LV | Kuldīga Municipality | Padures pagasts | 57.05989 | 21.81277 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
457676 | Mālpils | Malpils,Malpils Muiza,Malpils Muiža,Myza Malpil,Myza Malpils,Mālpils,Vecpils | LV | Sigulda Municipality | Mālpils novads | 57.0101 | 24.95783 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
453992 | Zaļaci | Zalaci,Zaļaci,Zaļači | LV | Jēkabpils Municipality | Variešu pagasts | 56.57856 | 26.04424 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
457238 | Muižnieki | LV | Ventspils Rajons | Tārgales pagasts | 57.48202 | 21.76477 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | ||
459884 | Gandziras | Gandzinas,Gandziras | LV | Saldus Rajons | Zirņu pagasts | 56.73333 | 22.18333 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
455052 | Susāji | LV | Balvi Municipality | Susāju pagasts | 57.17314 | 27.59463 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | ||
455289 | Staļģene | Staldenes,Stalgene,Stalgenes Muiza,Staļģene,Staļģenes Muiža | LV | Jelgava Municipality | Jaunsvirlaukas pagasts | 56.57074 | 23.95675 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |
457377 | Meža Trūpi | LV | Preiļu novads | 56.43241 | 26.71892 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place | |||
458030 | Lielbērze | Lielberze,Lielberzes Muiza,Lielbērze,Lielbērzes Muiža,Liyelberze | LV | Dobele Municipality | Auru pagasts | 56.64441 | 23.24056 | 0 | Europe/Riga | populated place |
**Exploring Latvia's Geographical Diversity**
Nestled in the Baltic region of Northern Europe, Latvia is a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant urban centers. As a geographer delving into the geographical intricacies of this Baltic gem, obtaining data on its cities, regions, and geographical coordinates unveils a fascinating tapestry of diversity and historical significance.
Unveiling Latvia's Urban Landscape**
Latvia's urban centers serve as dynamic hubs of culture, commerce, and innovation. From the historic charm of Riga, the capital city known for its UNESCO-listed Old Town and vibrant cultural scene, to the picturesque port city of Liepāja on the Baltic coast, Latvia's cities offer a blend of historical significance and modern amenities. Obtaining data on Latvia's cities involves mapping their geographical coordinates, understanding their population dynamics, and analyzing their urban infrastructure.
Mapping Latvia's Regional Identity**
Beyond its urban centers, Latvia boasts a diverse range of regions and landscapes, each with its own unique geographical features and cultural heritage. From the dense forests of Gauja National Park to the pristine beaches of Jūrmala on the Gulf of Riga, Latvia's regions offer a wealth of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Obtaining data on Latvia's regions and departments entails delineating their administrative boundaries, studying their environmental characteristics, and analyzing their economic activities.
Tracing Latitude and Longitude Across Latvia**
The geographical coordinates of Latvia serve as essential markers for navigating its diverse terrain, from the rolling hills of Vidzeme to the expansive plains of Latgale. Situated along the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea, Latvia experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasonal variations. Obtaining accurate latitude and longitude data for Latvia's cities and landmarks is crucial for understanding their spatial distribution, environmental context, and cultural significance.
Embracing Latvia's Geographical Heritage**
In conclusion, Latvia's geographical landscape is a testament to its rich cultural history, environmental diversity, and strategic location in the Baltic region. As geographers, let us continue to explore and document the wonders of this Baltic nation. By obtaining data on its cities, regions, and geographical coordinates, we can contribute to a deeper understanding of Latvia's historical legacy, environmental resilience, and socio-economic development.
Download data files for Latvia's cities in CSV, SQL, XML and JSON formats
Geospatial Data and Regional Development in Latvia
Latvia, located in the heart of the Baltic region, is a country known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse landscape. From the Baltic Sea coast to its inland forests and rivers, Latvia’s geography plays a key role in shaping its economy, urbanization, and natural resource management. For geographers, urban planners, and policymakers, understanding the spatial distribution of Latvia’s cities, regions, and departments is essential to ensuring sustainable development, efficient infrastructure planning, and the optimal use of resources.
Access to geographic data, including the precise coordinates of cities and towns, as well as information on their regional classifications, allows for a more comprehensive approach to urban development and resource management. Geographic data available in formats such as CSV, SQL, JSON, and XML is crucial for integrating this information into planning tools and systems that can help Latvia address challenges related to urbanization, environmental conservation, and economic growth.
Latvia’s Administrative Structure and Geographic Distribution
Latvia is divided into 7 regions, each with its own distinct characteristics. The regions, including Riga, Kurzeme, Vidzeme, Zemgale, Latgale, and others, are further subdivided into municipalities, each consisting of cities, towns, and villages. Riga, the capital city, is by far the largest urban area in Latvia and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the country.
Each region of Latvia offers unique geographic features that shape its economic activities. For example, Riga, located on the Gulf of Riga, is the key port city of Latvia and the hub of industry and commerce. The region of Kurzeme, with its expansive coastal areas and agricultural landscapes, contributes heavily to the nation’s agricultural output. Meanwhile, Latgale in the eastern part of Latvia, which is more rural and less industrialized, faces different challenges related to infrastructure development and regional connectivity.
Understanding the geographical distribution of Latvia’s cities, towns, and villages is crucial for managing resources, improving infrastructure, and promoting balanced development across the country. Access to accurate data on cities and their regions allows for better planning and more effective allocation of resources, whether for transportation, healthcare, or education.
Latitude and Longitude: Mapping Latvia’s Cities and Regions
Latitude and longitude coordinates provide a precise way to map and analyze the spatial distribution of cities, towns, and other key features in Latvia. With a country that is relatively small in size but rich in diverse landscapes, the ability to pinpoint the exact geographic location of each urban area is essential for a variety of planning and development purposes.
For instance, the city of Riga is centrally located and plays a central role in the economy of Latvia. By understanding the latitude and longitude of Riga, planners can design effective transportation systems that connect the capital to other key cities such as Liepaja, Daugavpils, and Ventspils. These coordinates are also essential for mapping regional trade routes and ensuring the efficient movement of goods and people across the country.
Latitude and longitude data is equally vital for mapping natural resources such as forests, rivers, and mineral deposits. This geographic information can be used to identify areas that need environmental protection, inform conservation strategies, and guide land-use decisions, ensuring that Latvia’s natural resources are managed sustainably and preserved for future generations.
The Importance of Accessible Data Formats for Geographic Analysis
To maximize the impact of geographic data, it must be available in formats that are compatible with various systems and platforms. By offering data in formats like CSV, SQL, JSON, and XML, Latvia ensures that its geographic information is accessible to a wide range of users, including urban planners, environmentalists, researchers, and government agencies.
- **CSV (Comma-Separated Values)** is one of the most straightforward formats for organizing and analyzing data. Geographic data about Latvia’s cities, regions, and departments can be stored in CSV files, making it easy to conduct basic analysis using spreadsheet software. These files can include details about population size, infrastructure, geographic coordinates, and more, helping urban planners and researchers identify trends and make informed decisions.
- **SQL (Structured Query Language)** is ideal for managing larger datasets stored in relational databases. Geographic data on Latvia’s cities, towns, and natural resources can be stored in SQL databases, enabling more advanced queries and spatial analysis. SQL is particularly useful for tracking changes in land use, monitoring urban growth, and performing statistical analysis on regional economic trends.
- **JSON (JavaScript Object Notation)** is a lightweight, flexible format commonly used in web applications and APIs. Geographic data about Latvia’s cities and regions can be easily integrated into interactive mapping tools, real-time tracking systems, or mobile apps using JSON. This allows users to access and visualize the data in dynamic ways, facilitating decision-making and engagement with the data.
- **XML (Extensible Markup Language)** is used to structure hierarchical data and is ideal for organizing complex geographic information. In Latvia, XML can be used to represent the relationships between cities, municipalities, and regions, making it easier to share and exchange data between various systems. XML ensures that geographic data is both structured and accessible, allowing for seamless integration across platforms and systems.
Urbanization and Infrastructure Challenges in Latvia
Like many countries, Latvia is experiencing urbanization, particularly in its capital city, Riga, and surrounding metropolitan areas. As the urban population grows, the demand for housing, transportation, and public services increases. Geographic data is critical for managing this growth, ensuring that infrastructure can keep pace with the rising population.
For instance, by analyzing geographic data on the locations of residential areas, public transit systems, and key infrastructure like schools and hospitals, planners can optimize the layout of new developments and ensure that resources are distributed efficiently. Urbanization also presents challenges related to traffic congestion, pollution, and access to services, all of which can be mitigated with the help of detailed geographic analysis.
In rural areas, such as those in the regions of Zemgale or Latgale, geographic data can help address challenges related to access to infrastructure, transportation, and basic services. By mapping these areas, government officials can identify where to invest in roads, electricity, water supply, and healthcare to improve the quality of life in underserved regions.
Environmental Sustainability and Natural Resource Management
Latvia is rich in natural resources, including vast forests, rivers, and agricultural land. With its commitment to environmental sustainability, the country faces the challenge of balancing economic growth with conservation. Geographic data is essential for managing natural resources, protecting ecosystems, and planning for sustainable development.
For example, Latvia’s forests cover about half of its land area, and sustainable forestry practices are critical to maintaining biodiversity and supporting the economy. Geographic data helps monitor forest health, track deforestation rates, and plan conservation areas to preserve wildlife habitats. Similarly, geographic data on water bodies, including the Daugava River and the Baltic Sea coastline, is vital for managing water resources, preventing pollution, and promoting sustainable fishing practices.
By using geographic data to identify areas at risk of environmental degradation, Latvia can implement targeted conservation efforts to protect its natural landscapes. Data on soil types, land use, and climate conditions also helps guide agricultural practices that minimize environmental impact while maximizing productivity.
Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation
Although Latvia is relatively less vulnerable to natural disasters compared to other parts of the world, the country still faces challenges from flooding, severe weather events, and the impacts of climate change. Geographic data is crucial for disaster risk management, helping authorities assess vulnerable areas and develop strategies for minimizing risks.
By mapping flood-prone areas, particularly along rivers and in low-lying regions, Latvia can implement flood protection measures, such as dikes, drainage systems, and early warning systems. Geographic data also plays a role in climate change adaptation by identifying areas most at risk from rising sea levels, temperature changes, and extreme weather events. With accurate geographic data, Latvia can plan for climate resilience, ensuring that its infrastructure and communities are prepared for future environmental challenges.
Conclusion
Geographic data on Latvia’s cities, regions, and departments—including precise latitude and longitude coordinates—is essential for effective urban planning, resource management, environmental conservation, and disaster preparedness. By making this data available in formats such as CSV, SQL, JSON, and XML, Latvia can ensure that it is accessible to all stakeholders involved in the country’s development. With detailed geographic data, Latvia can address its urbanization challenges, manage its natural resources sustainably, and prepare for the impacts of climate change, all while promoting balanced and resilient growth for the future.