a republic in NE Europe, on the Gulf of Riga and the Baltic Sea: ruled by Poland, Sweden, and Russia since the 13th century, Latvia was independent from 1919 until 1940 and was a Soviet republic (1940–91), gaining its independence after conflict with Soviet forces; it joined the EU in 2004. Latvia is mostly forested. Official language: Latvian. Religion: Christian majority. Currency: euro. Capital: Riga. Pop: 1 949 670 (2017 est). Area: 63 700 sq km (25 590 sq miles)