| |
| | Latvia (04/06) |
 | | Terrain: Fertile low-lying plains predominate in central Latvia, highlands in Vidzeme and Latgale to the east, and hilly moraine in the western Kurzeme region. |
 | | Forty-one percent of Latvia's population is ethnically non-Latvian, yet almost three-fourths of all residents are citizens of Latvia Naturalization criteria include a conversational knowledge of Latvian, a loyalty oath, renunciation of former citizenship, a 5-year residency requirement, and a basic knowledge of the Latvian history. |
 | | Latvia's defense concept is based upon four basic pillars--collective defense as a member of NATO, professionalization of the armed forces, support and coordination with civil society, and international military cooperation. |
| www.state.gov /r/pa/ei/bgn/5378.htm (4596 words) |
|