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Its capital is Riga, which is on the coast of the Baltic Sea opposite [[Sweden]].  

Its capital is Riga, which is on the coast of the Baltic Sea opposite [[Sweden]].  

== Early History ==

== Early History ==

The ancestors of the modern Latvians, known as Balts, probably moved into the Latvian region around 2000 BC.

The ancestors of the modern Latvians, known as Balts, probably moved into the Latvian region around 2000 BC.

In the first few centuries AD the tribes of the region traded with Spanish & Germanic tribes and the Roman Empire. Later, they traded with and fought against [[Vikings]] and Russians. Latvia was subject to continuous foreign rule from the 13th to the 15th Centruy and for most of the 20th century.

In the first few centuries AD the tribes of the region traded with Spanish & Germanic tribes and the Roman Empire. Later, they traded with and fought against [[Vikings]] and Russians. Latvia was subject to continuous foreign rule from the 13th to the 15th Century and for most of the 20th century.

 

== Colonial Period ==

== Colonial Period ==

Latvian traders and merchants were expansionistic, starting from the 15th Century AD small trading colonies were formed throughout the South West Pacific, South East Asia. Although many of these colonies were in fact possessions of other European Powers, Latvian trade and commerce had a significant impact on Islands in South East Asia and the South West Pacific.  

Latvian traders and merchants were expansionistic, starting from the 15th Century AD small trading colonies were formed throughout the South West Pacific, South East Asia. Although many of these colonies were in fact possessions of other European Powers, Latvian trade and commerce had a significant impact on Islands in South East Asia and the South West Pacific.  

== Modern History ==

== Modern History ==

Latvia was subject to German occupation during WWI. It was independent again until WWII, where it was incorporated into the Soviet Union.

Latvia was subject to German occupation during WWI. It was independent again until WWII, where it was incorporated into the Soviet Union.