LATVIA


Links

General information

General databases, linklists, research insititutes and other informational sources on Latvia

Title Description
All Latvian Links'  
Delfi  
Biznes Shans  
ZL Hotline  
Top  
Puls  
InfoLine  
Latviansonline  
Apollo  
Latvian Academic Network  
Welcome to Latvia  

Newsagencies and online-publications

Title Description
National News Agency LETA  
Business & Baltia online  
Lursoft (Server for Latvian Press)  
TVNET  

Newspapers

Title Description
Kommersant Baltic  
Diena.lv  
Rigas Laiks  
Neatkariga  
Chas  
Energetikas Vestnesis  
Kapitals  
Vesti Segodnia  

Research institutes

Title Description
Latvian Academy of Science  
The Latvian Institute  
Institute of Human Rights  
Stockholm School of Economics in Riga  
Riga Graduate School of Law  
University of Latvia  
EuroFaculty Riga Center  
Riga International School of Economics and Business Administration  
Institute of Foreign Economic Relations, Economy and Law of St Petersburg Riga office  
Banking Institution of Higher Education  
Latvian Business School  

Other Link Lists

Title Description
Aleksanteri Institute, Finnish Centre for Russian and East European Studies Under the sub-page of "information service".
Business.com The Business Search Engine.
Latvian Governments on the Internet  
The United States Agency for International Development Couple link lists.

Macro economics

Domestic Macro level

Title Description
The Latvian Institute Covers briefly all the facts on Latvia starting from Folk Songs and the National Bird all the way to the issues of macro economy.
Latvian development Agency The site covers several sectors of the Latvian economy, There are sector-overviews with some company profiles, and statistical data on social, economical and political aspects.
Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia All the basic country statistics free of charge. More in-depth statistics, analysis and reports are for sale.
Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Latvia Includes reports on the development of economy, starategies and action plans. Information on the structure of economy. In Latvian language more reports and publications are available, also covering the EU issues.
Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Latvia Information on Latvian fiscal policy, state budget, state aid policy, public procurements and internal audit. Includes also some of the speeches of ministers. Only the most important documents are available in English, the rest being only in Latvian.
Bank of Latvia Review of Latvian monetary system, including legislative framework for financial sector. Covers also monetary policy, Latvia's balance of payments, international reserves, interest rates and securities market along with statistics on finance sector and Latvian economy for the recent years. Annual reports are available since the year 1992, including a review of all the major macro economic issues and performance of the bank. Press releases.
The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs The focus is on political and social issues, including NATO and EU integration. Economic information covers current situations and overview of activities of OECD and WTO regarding Latvia.
The Parliament of Latvia Inforamtion on Parliamentary activities, structure and members. Consitution and other legislature. Also found committees, subcommittees, factions and delegations.
Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Latvia In English available only a structure and overviews of the activities of the ministry.
The Treasury of the Republic of Latvia At the moment of writing, only in Latvian.
Embassy of Latvia From the site can be found a number of international sources that provide reports, facts and forecasts of Latvian economy.

International Macro level

Title Description
The World Bank Economy overview, supported by statistics and country profile. Some of the statistics cover 1980s and even 1970s. Several reports and articles related to the development projects, undertaken or supported by the World Bank in Latvia.
The World Bank, office in Latvia Information and reports on the World Bank's projects in Latvia. Summary of Latvian economic development and relations with the World Bank and the EU.
International Monetary Fund Information on the activities and strategies of the fund. Several reports and statistical appendixes can be downloaded. They cover variety of the issues of national economy, and statistical appendixes are especially useful, if you are looking for the figures from the early 1990s.
Statistics Finland, International Business Statistics Main economic indicators of Europe and Pacific region. Publications for downloading and ordering. Provides tenths of economical news topics daily.
Bank of Finland, Institute for Economies in Transition (BOFIT) Extensive information on the economics of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia and Poland. Includes variety of reviews, and other economic information.
Direct link: http://www.bof.fi/bofit/
Aleksanteri Institute, Finnish Centre for Russian and East European Studies Among general information on institute itself, the sub-page of "information service" lists many sources (links and bibliography of literature) where you will find plenty of in-depth information related to Eastern Europe economies. The Database for Business and Public Administration offers you overviews of several economic and political issues. On this site you can also order several publications related to the studies of the transition economies in Eastern Europe.
The European Bank of Reconstruction and Development Information on the EBRD financing, procurement projects and general policies. On the site also available list of financed projects, with project summaries, reports and analysis of the each country's progress in the transition to a market economy. Among publications, comprehensive "Latvian investment profile", which covers the financial market, investment climate and all the major sectors of the economy.
European Investment Bank Information on the bank's financing policies and targets. Under publications section, are listed all EIB loans since 1990. Press releases provide additional information, related to projects financed by the bank.
EUROSTAT Statistics of economies of EU member and applicant countries. Most of the statistical information is presented in the form of reports, thus it might take some time to find the needed figures.
Links to all United Nation's statistic databases Concentration is on macro economics and social issues, but the sub-pages cover also education, science, technology, culture, environment, agriculture, industries, etc. Global perspective.
United Nations and United Nations in Latvia The home page of the United Nations serves as a gate to other divisions of the organization. A lot of information is found covering global issues of environment, human rights, prevention of crime and narcotics, women rights and economic and social development in general.
United Nations, Development Program Information on this site concentrates mainly on a Human Development issues, including human rights, poverty and other social and economic aspects of the country.
U.S. Department of State Under the link "Country Background Notes", are located short overview of the country's history, political condition and the economy.
U.S. Commercial Service Under the "Market Research" section is Country Commercial Guide, which covers all the aspects from economic trends and industries, to distribution channels and advertising. On the site are also available several market research reports, but they can be accessed only by the US exporters.
The United States Agency for International Development Information on organization's development missions, which are undertaken around the world. The site also includes overviews of the target countries. Available large list of development links to organization around the world.
The World Fact Book Here you can find all the background information on almost every country of the World.
Economist Intelligence Unit The site covers almost every country of the world. However, only some news articles and very short summaries are offered for free, while more extensive information is only for subscribers. Free trial offers are possible to get.

Employment

Title Description
Ministry of Welfare Here you will find policies and mission statement of the Latvian welfare ministry and its several branches.
Latvian development Agency The site covers several sectors of the Latvian economy, There are sector-overviews with some company profiles, and statistical data on social, economical and political aspects.
Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia Some basic employment statistics free of charge. More in-depth statistics, analysis and reports are for sale.
State Employment Service Provides very little information in English, but if you are very interested in statistical information you might find something useful there using Latvian version.
European Training Foundation Report on Employment and labour market in Latvia.
Academic Information Centre Provides an overview on Latvian labour market, concentrating on the labour force with higher education.

Micro economics

Domestic Micro level

Title Description
Latvian development Agency The site offers vast of information covering all the sectors of Latvian economy, including sector-overviews among with some company profiles, and statistical data on social, economic and political issues.
Latvian Exports and Imports Statistics Here you can find very detailed statistics on Latvian exports and imports by groups of products and by countries.
Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry In English information on activities and services of chamber. Publications generated by the chamber and covering several Latvian industries should be available in the near future.
List of several Latvian unions and Associations  
World Trade Centre  
Latvian Privatization Agency Complete information on privatisation process. Further links to the sources of information covering investment climate and other necessary information for foreign investors.
State Revenue Service Among the information on the institution itself, a lot of the tax and customs issues are covered, including laws and regulations affecting them. Annual reports since 1998 and strategy is also found.
European Integration Bureau The site of this state agency covers issues concerning Latvia's integration into the European Union. Information on the EU programmes in Latvia, a lot of publications, and a list of related institutions.
The State Real Estate Agency Covers mostly acquisition and lease of property. Main laws, but balance sheet and profit and loss account are also published on the web. Objects for sale and for rent are also listed, but at least at the moment of writing, only in Latvian language.
The Consumer Guide Information related to consumer protection and assistant.
NAIS - Latvian Legislation Database Commercial computerized legislation system offering its clients a set of different legal acts of the Republic of Latvia (laws, bills, regulations, decrees, etc.) and international conventions, agreements accepted in Latvia.
Latvian and Baltic Real Estate Market Reports Ober-Haus Real Estate Company, one of the leading real estate firms in the Baltics, reports on housing and commercial real estate prices in Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland.

International Micro level

Title Description
Kompass Latvia Information how to do business in Latvia, how to pay taxes, employ people, and buy land. Economy overview and several industry overviews. Company directories are for sale.
Finland's Promotion Agency The country profile, including short overview of macro level is provided for free, while other information has to be purchased.
Compiler, Trade Web Site This site covers Russian, Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian and Polish markets. It offers links to the news sources, economy related reports, and market overviews. The site focuses on international East-West trade, especially via Finland, and offers a lot of information on business opportunities, contacts and trade assist.
The International Co-operation Centre On of the most useful information source on this page is the "Latvia & Latvian Business" annual yearbook. However, only short summaries of each chapter are free of charge. The site includes also "Information System", which acts as a small portal to Latvian business world.
CorporateInformation The site provides market and economy overviews of several countries. Short, but detailed market overviews are supported by many links to the more in-depth analysis and related organizations. Information on listed public companies.
Global Review Summarizes Latvian macro economy development and provides industrial overviews.
Randburg General information about Latvia, including list of companies.
CountryWatch.com The site offers some of the basic economic and social information for free, while more in-depth reports have to be purchased.
United Nations Industrial Development Organization Information on development activities and services that are provided by the organization. Industrial statistics from all around the world and numerous publications, which can be ordered.
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Various information regarding different aspects of the economy. The reports usually cover Europe as a whole, instead of separate countries.
World Trade Organization Information on Latvian relationship with WTO and its position in global trade.
U.S. Department of Commerce, Central and Eastern Europe Business Information Center Provides several market research reports, and guides for exporters and investors in the main hand.
The U. S. Commercial Service Information on this web site is targeted for the U.S. exporters, but all the interested parties can find useful information on the site, and especially from the "Country Commercial Guide", which covers several aspects ranging from economic trends and industries, to distribution channels and advertising. On the site are also available several market research reports, but they can be accessed only by the U.S. export companies.
Canadian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Among general fact sheets and macro data, the site provides some market reports. The information is targeted for Canadian exporters.

Company Directories and Latvian Search Engines

Title Description
Lursoft Information from State enterprise register, including databases of registered enterprises, their managers, shareholders, fixed capital and annual accounts. Statistics, and legal information on founding and running a company. The largest full-text library of Latvian periodicals on the web (fee based).
Latvian Company and Business Directory Company information, search by parameters.
Search Engine "All Latvian Links"  
ZL Hotline Business directory and some news in English.

News Services

Title Description
News portal in Latvian, English and Russian by Latvian News Agency LETA Includes also Latvian Economic Bulletins, which describe the latest trends of Latvian economy.
Baltic News Service All the information that news agency can provide. Access needed.
The Baltic Times, On Line Some of the news articles are available for everyone, while archive and some more in-depth reports are for subscribers.
Digital Times News in Latvian and Russian.
The Baltic Review English language magazine covering business, law and economics in the Baltic States. This site is free of charge, but far from all articles are published on the Internet.
Economist Intelligence Unit Basic country data are provided for free, but more valuable reports and publications are only for sale.
Latvian News Agency LETA All the information that news agency can provide.

Industries

Food

Title Description
Latvian Development Agency Food sector overview.
Ministry of Agriculture In Latvian a lot of documents concerning the major issues of agriculture, forestry, fisheries and rural development, including statistics. English sites are under construction.
Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development Covers issues of environment protection, nature protection, regional development and spatial planning, tourism, building and housing development.
Agricultural Advisory and Training Centre Information on the centre's activities.
The Latvian Farmers' Federation Mainly contact information. In Latvian
Latvian State Institute of Agrarian Economic In English information on the institute itself and agricultural issues conserning EU integration. In Latvian language can be found a number of publications, statistical information and news concerning the industry.
Latvia University of Agriculture Information on university and its graduate and undergraduate programmes, including statistics of universtity. Covers also research projects undertaken by the university, and some of them are also published on the site.

Banking

Title Description
Bank of Latvia Review of Latvian monetary system, including legislative framework for the financial sector. Covers also monetary policy, Latvia's balance of payments, international reserves, interest rates and securities market along with statistics on finance sector and Latvian economy for the recent years. Annual reports are available since the year 1992, including review all the major macro economical issues and performance of the bank. Press releases.
European Central Bank Information generated by ECB and Monetary Financial Institutions is mostly about the issues of the EU, and information related directly to Latvia is difficult to find, unless one uses for example google.com search engine the with command "Latvia site:www.ecb.int"
Bank for International Settlements Provides information on worlds banking systems and the central banks of all the countries. Global perspective.
International Monetary Fund Information on the activities and strategies of the fund. Many of the reports and statistical appendixes can be downloaded. They cover variety issues of national economy, and statistical appendixes are especially useful, if you are looking for the figures from the early 1990s. Information on the site covers also fiscal and monetary situation of target country.
Financial and Capital Market Commission Information on the structure, functions and objectives of the institution. On the site also available laws and regulations related to financial and capital market. List and annual reports of credit and insurance institutions, securities market and pension fund participants.
Latvian Central Depository Information on services, which are securities custody, clearance and settlement. Information and statistics regarding securities and transactions. Annual report is also available.
Association of Latvian Commercial Banks Information on committees and activities, including conferences and other events arranged by the association. Statistics from the banking sector.
Transit Latvia Leading Latvian insurance companies by transit.lv
Riga Stock Exchange Trading information, listed securities, statistics and news releases. Rules and regulations for companies and investors.
The Baltic Stock Exchange Information on the co-operation of the Baltic Stock Exchanges, and especially on the Baltic List itself. Baltic exchanges monthly factbook.
Rietumu Bank Analytical reports on financial and stock markets in the Baltic States.

Energy

Title Description
Energy Regulation Council Information on electricity, gas, oil and heat sector in Latvia. Information covers energy generation, major suppliers, tariffs and prices. The site explains also the methodology according to what prices are set. Legal acts.
Energy Consumer Committee Summary of energy policies practiced in Latvia, including summaries of legislation and national administration structure.
US Department of Energy This report covers Latvian electricity, oil and gas sector, including issues of infrastrucure.
Energy Information Administration, USA Report covering Estonian energy sector and environmental issues related with energy sector.
U.S. Department of Commerce, Central and Eastern Europe Business Information Centre Overview of Latvian energy sector.
Latvian Gas Company homepage, currently only in Latvian.
Latvenergo Among general company information, the site provides all the needed information for the customers.
Latvian Privatisation Agency Complete information on privatisation process. Further links to the sources of information covering investment climate and other necessary information for foreign investors.
Agenda Baltic 21, Energy Sector  

Trade

Title Description
Latvian Trader's Association Contact information to several related unions, like food importers union, wholesalers union, etc. Association has over 1000 members.
International Conferences, RMS forum Information on annual trade conferences.
Kompass Latvia This section of Kompass Latvia covers briefly Latvian wholesale sector volume.
CorporateInformation - Industry Analysis: the Retail and Wholesale industry in Latvia This site provides short summary of Latvian grocery retailing.
US Department of Agriculture Retail food sector report from 1999. Includes market structure, volume and competition.
www.trade.lv A portal which brings several trades together.

Tourism

Title Description
Latvian Tourist Board All the information needed for foreign visitors.
www.tourism-latvia.net  
Welcome.lv Travel guide about Latvia and Riga.

Forest

Title Description
Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development Covers issues of environment protection, nature protection, regional development and spatial planning, tourism, building and housing development.
Ministry of Agriculture, Forest Advisory Board The site is still under construction.
Ministry of Agriculture, Forest Department Overview about the Latvian wood working industry, including business opportunities, privatisation and development plans.
Finnish Forest Research Institute Numerous publications and statistics regarding the research results of the forestry in the Baltic Sea region, including Latvia.

Engineering

Title Description
Latvian Development Industry Report on Latvian engineering industry. See also the sub-page "Engineering sector overview". There is also a list of companies involved in sector.
Association of Electrical and Electronics Industry Provides short summary of industry's production, and detailed seek for the companies producing needed article.
Latvian Council of Science About the research activities in Latvia. List of funded projects and detailed concept of the state on research development.
Latvian Science on the NET Contact information on organizations and people.

Transport and storage

Title Description
Ministry of transport of the Republic of Latvia Contacts and stucture of the ministry, while majority of reports and publishing are related to communication sector.
Transit Latvia, an Information System for Transport and Transit This site provides very detailed information on the Latvian transport sector, including legislation, infrastructure, companies and many other issues. Here you will find also vast amount of information regarding the national economy, trade policies and figures, financial institutions and taxation. There is a list of several unions and numerous contacts. Info how to set up your own business in Latvia. Commercial proposals' database.
Latvian Development Agency Among several industry overviews also transport sector is included. A lot of macro and micro data.
Latvian Road Administration Road networks, their maintenance, distances, and administration.
Association of International Truck Drivers of Latvia "Latvijas Auto" At the moment of writing the page is under construction.

Textile

Title Description
Kompass Latvia Short textile sector overview and ten largest companies.
Latvian Development Agency Among several industry overviews also textile sector is covered. A lot of macro and micro data.

Aspects

Stock Exchange

Title Description
Riga Stock Exchange Trading information, listed securities, statistics, history and news releases. Annual reports and other publications. Extensive information on listed companies. Rules and regulations for companies and investors.
The Baltic Stock Exchange Information on the co-operation of the Baltic Stock Exchanges, and especially on the Baltic List itself. Baltic exchanges monthly factbook.
Latvian Central Depository Information on services, which are securities custody, clearance and settlement. Information and statistics regarding securities and transactions. Annual report is also available.
Financial and Capital Market Commission Information on the structure, functions and objectives of the institution. On the site also available laws and regulations related to financial and capital market. List and annual reports of credit and insurance institutions, securities market and pension fund participants.
Bank of Latvia Review of Latvian monetary system, including legislative framework for financial sector. Covers also monetary policy, Latvia's balance of payments, international reserves, interest rates and securities market along with statistics on finance sector and Latvian economy for the recent years. Annual reports are available since the year 1992, including review all the major macro economical issues and performance of the bank. Press releases.
Association of Latvian Commercial Banks Information on committees and activities, including conferences and other events arranged by the association. Statistics from the banking sector.
Rietumu Bank Analytical reports on financial and stock markets in the Baltic States.

Politics

Constitution

Title Description
Constitution English version at http://www.saeima.lv/Likumdosana_eng/likumdosana_satversme.html

Division of Power

Title Description
Linklist of Latvian executive organs  

Administration

Presidential Institution

Title Description
President of State  

Government

Title Description
The Cabinet of Ministers  
Prime Minister's Office The English site can be found at
http://www.mk.gov.lv/index.php/en/?id=1254
The Ministry of Agriculture  
The Ministry of Culture  
The Ministry of Defense  
The Ministry of Economy  
The Ministry of Education and Science  
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs  
The Ministry of Environment  
The Ministry of Finance  
The Ministry of Interior  
The Ministry of Justice  
The Ministry of Welfare  
The Ministry of Transport  
Ministry of Special Assignment on Public Administration Reform  

Databases, linklists, research institutes and other informational sources on the ministries' fields

Title Description
Ministry of Economy's reports on the Development of Latvia  
The Newsletter of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs "Current Latvia"  
Special editions of "Current Latvia"  
Thematic Overview "Integration of Society in Latvia"  
Survey of the State Budget  

State Agencies

Title Description
The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs  
European Integration Bureau  
Translation and Terminology Centre  
Naturalization Board  
Civil Aviation Administration of Latvia  
The State Land Service  
The State Audit Office  
Latvian Environment Agency  
State Archives of Latvia  
Central Housing Privatisation Commission  
State Revenue Service  
Central Statistical Bureau  
State Civil Service Administration  
Latvian Development Agency  
State Information Network Agency  
Union of Local and Regional Governments of Latvia  
Latvian Privatization Agency  
Latvian Council of Science  
The State Administration School  

Court system

Title Description
Constitutional Court of Latvia  
Riga Regional Court  
Latvia Courts Portal  

Legislative bodies

Title Description
The Parliament This site provides information on the Parliaments structure and function, members of parliament, presidium, factions and committees.
Politika Latvija and policy.lv An Internet site with analytical information on Latvian politics.

Factions

Title Description
Parliamentary Groups  

Committees

Title Description
European Affairs Committee  
Defence and Internal Affairs Committee English site at http://www.saeima.lv/AIeK/index-eng.html
Foreign Affairs Committee  

Legislation

Title Description
Online database of Latvian Laws  
Skaidrite recha (Closer to Law)  
Riga Graduate School of Law See also juridica.lv

Party System

Elections

Title Description
Central Election Commission of Latvia  
Elections in Latvia  
The 8th Saeima Elections  

Political Parties

Title Description
Tautas Partija (People's Party)  
Tautas Saskanas Partija (The People's Harmony Party)  
Latvijas Cels (Latvian Way)  
Latvian Social Democratic Labour Party  
The Socialist Party of Latvia  
Latvian Farmers Union  
Kristigi Demokratiska Savieniba  
Tevzemei un Brivibai Fatherland and Freedom (LNNK)  
Latvijas Zala Partija  
Latvijas Pirma Partija (Latvia's First Party)
 
New Era  

Regions


Regional and municipal system

Title Description
The Union of Local and Regional Governments of Latvia  
The Naturalization Board of Latvia (Used for data on non-citizens in Riga)
Local and Regional Governments in Latvia -Brochure  

Regions, districts and towns

Title Description
Vidzeme region  
Cesis district  
Gulbene district  
Valmiera district  

 

Title Description
Kurzeme region  
Kuldiga district  
Liepaja district See also Liepaja Online
Ventspils district  

 

Title Description
Zemgale region  
Bauska district  
Dobele district  

 

Title Description
Latgale region  
Balvi district  
Jekabpils region  
Rezekne district  

Other Districts and Towns

Title Description
Riga See also: Tourism in Riga and Riga This Week
Jurmala  
Aizkraule  
Tukums  

Other issues

EU enlargement

Title Description
Latvia and the European Union Directory on Latvia's integration into the European Union by Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
EU referendum section by politika.lv  
EU Information Centre  
EU referendum Central Election Comission of Latvia provides information on Latvia's EU referendum.

NATO expansion

Title Description
ExpandNATO.org The e-gateway for supporters of further NATO enlargement.
Latvian Transatlantic Organisation (LATO)  
Latvia in NATO Directory on Latvia's future membership in NATO by Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.