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A strong economy and EU membership make Latvia of increasing relevance to New Zealand. To the extent that constraints of size and distance allow, each country is seeking to strengthen bilateral ties. Latvia's interest in agriculture and its similar profile as a small state with an international outlook also provide points for cooperation. Latvia's foreign policy priorities include EU and NATO membership and relations with Russia and the United States.
While there was extensive migration from Latvia in the 1940s only a few hundred Latvians settled in New Zealand. The photographer Andris Apse is possibly the best-known Latvian New Zealander. Latvia came to the attention of New Zealanders in December 2003 when a party of four Latvian climbers, led by Teodors Kirsis, died on Aoraki Mt. Cook. The commitment by the New Zealand authorities to handle this tragedy with efficiency and compassion was widely praised in Latvia, both in the media and by the authorities.
Land Area: 64,589 square kilometres
Population: 2.3 million (2009)
Capital City: Riga
Language: Latvian. Russian is widely understood
Political system: Parliamentary democracy
National government: Coalition government of the Latvian First/Latvian Way, the People's Party, the Union of Greens and Farmers, and the Union for Fatherland and Freedom
National legislature: Unicameral Parliament, the Saeima, of 100 members
Last election: December 2007 (Parliament) - June 2007 (President)
Next election due: October 2010 (Parliament) - June 2011 (President elected by Saeima)
Head of State: President Valdis Zatlers
Head of Government: Prime Minister Ivars Godmanis
GDP: US$22.9 billion
Real GDP growth: -2.3 %
Exports: US$8.26 billion
Imports: US$9.51 billion
Main exports: Wood and wood products, base metals, machinery and equipment , textiles, prepared foodstuffs
Current account deficit: US$1.722billion
Inflation: 1.4%
NZ Exports (FOB): NZ$2.208 million
Main Exports: wine, wool, machinery, medical instruments, fish and seafood
NZ Imports (CIF): NZ$2.01 million
Main Imports: plywood/veneer, telecommunications equipment, machinery
The Safetravel website provides a travel advisory for travellers to Latvia [external link].