When you think of Latvia, the first things that come to mind are Riga sprats and Jurmala. Can we fix this?

1. Polite and silent social phobes
Latvians are distinguished by the fact that they never try to penetrate your soul or violate your personal space. They will be extremely polite and, if possible, avoid interaction. Even in casual or formal conversation, a Latvian will not smile unnecessarily and will avoid eye contact. However, for them, this is the norm, and social distancing is an important aspect of communication.

However, if you establish closer contact, a Latvian can show their friendliness. It’s just that establishing this contact is essential, which in itself can be a challenging quest. However, making friends in Latvia is easier than in Estonia and Lithuania.

2. Very Patient
Latvians are known for their incredible patience and tendency to avoid conflict at all costs. They can remain silent for long periods of time without expressing their displeasure; only when someone repeats something undesirable for the fifth time do they quietly express their displeasure.

3. Polyglots
In Latvia, it’s common for residents, especially the younger generation, to know three or four languages. The basic language skills include Latvian, Russian, and English. Many begin studying German or French seriously in school. It’s rare to find someone in the country who can’t understand a foreigner. If this does happen, it’s likely the Latvian is simply playing a role and doesn’t understand you for personal reasons.

4. Relations with Baltic Neighbors
Residents of this region have somewhat unusual relationships with their closest neighbors in the Baltics. Of course, officially everything is kept within the bounds of diplomatic etiquette, but some tension can still be noticed in everyday life. Latvians are a bit envious of Estonians because they have a higher standard of living, while Lithuanians, in turn, are looked down upon.

5. They love to gossip
The country is small, and everyone knows each other through just a few handshakes. So, if, for example, rumors start spreading about someone, the avalanche is unstoppable. In short, it’s crucial to maintain a good reputation at all costs; otherwise, your chances of getting a decent job or making useful connections will be slim to none.