Latvia is a small country which appears to be a terrorism magnet. Latvia is located in Eastern Europe bordering the Baltic sea, between Estonia and Lithuania. Latvia currently has a population of 2,348,784 people. It is a total of 64,589 square kilometers. One thousand square kilometers is water and 63,589 is land. Latvia is slightly larger than the state of West Virginia. Despite Latvia being small and innocent it has been terrorized by the Soviet Russia and the Soviet Union. It has also been affected by the September 11 attack in 2001 and is supporting any anti-terrorism plan they come across.
Latvia has had a complicated history. Latvia had a brief period of independence between the two world wars but was annexed by the USSR in 1940. Latvia reestablished its independence in 1992 closely following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Latvians independence day is celebrated on November 18th because crucial event in history.
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English: Population of the USSR/former USSR, 1961â...
English: Postage stamp issued by the Soviet Union ...Even though the last Russian troops left in 1994, status of the Russian minority (some 30%) remains of concern to Moscow. Currently Latvia has a very strong military. It consists of ground forces, navy, air and air defense forces, border guard and national guard. All Latvians have to be at least 18 years old to join the military. Currently there are 592,562 men available and 465,788 fit for military.
Recently Latvia received a nasty reality check when a popular department store was bombed. They then realized that they too are not immune from public terrorism. Latvia is a terrorist magnet due to its complicated background. Latvia's background plays a big role in its modern society, Latvia's diplomatic premises in Russia are regularly attacked with eggs and sometimes even firebombs. Latvia's request for additional security had been denied several times. Other nations are refusing to help Latvia...