History of latvia is a witness that its the largest of the three Baltic Republics. history latvia depicts that it has often been an important trading centre and strategic pawn in the Baltic region. Latvian tribes in Latvia History were self-governing until the end of the 13th century when conquered by the German Teutonic Knights. Latvia has been subjected to periodic invasions by the Poles and the Swedes until the 18th century when Russia, under Peter the Great, emerged as a major European power and occupied Latvian territory. The Bolshevik revolution of 1917 gave way to the end of Russian suzerainty. Germans too were thrown out, Latvians asserted their Independence for the first time in more than 600 years.

Recent Latvia History:

The present administration is headed by Indulis Emsis, who was appointed and approved by the Saiema (National Assembly) in early 2004. The government is a coalition of the Union of Farmers and Greens, the People's Party and the Latvia First Party. The President of the republic, who also chairs the Saiema, is Vaira Vike-Freiberga. She was elected to a second term in June 2003. A little less than a year later, Latvia also joined - along with nine other applicants, including its Baltic neighbors - the European Union. Under the current constitution, legislative power is vested in the elected 100-member Saiema (Supreme Council) which is elected for a four-year term by proportional representation. Executive power is held by the Prime Minister who heads an appointed Cabinet of Ministers. The Head of State, the President, is elected by - and chairs - the Saiema.