Simon & Schuster - Latvia by Paul Brummell

[Globe Pequot Publishing] The new, sixth and thoroughly updated edition of Bradt's Latvia remains the only standalone guide to this fascinating, ever-changing Baltic nation. This small, enchantingly varied country will appeal to culture vultures, history buffs, outdoors enthusiasts and foodies alike. Connections to the US abound: Prime Minister Krišjanis Karinš was born in Delaware, while famous US-based Latvians include tailor Jacob Davies, credited with inventing jeans, and abstract Expressionist Mark Rothko. Latvia is best known internationally through its capital city Riga, whose centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site combining a medieval core providing testimony of its importance as a port of the Hanseatic League and an outer area containing the most extensive assemblage of Art Nouveau buildings in Europe. Latvia is larger than West Virginia yet, with a population of under two million, is one of Europe's most verdant countries. A low-lying landscape of forests, lakes and