Basic Country Data:

• Country ISO Code: LV

• Official Language: Latvian

• Language ISO Code: lv

• Current Official Currency: Euro

• Current Currency ISO Code: EUR

Latvian — Official Language

• Latvian is the official language of the Republic of Latvia, established by Article 4 of the Latvian Constitution and the State Language Law.

• It is the common language used in public communication, education, official names, signage, documents, and government administration.

• Language policy aims to preserve, protect, and develop the quality and use of Latvian as the foundation of national identity and social cohesion.

• Latvian became an official language of the European Union in 2004 when Latvia joined the EU.

• The language has been protected and promoted since Latvia’s independence in 1918, with specific legislation ensuring its use in all public sectors.

• Maintaining Latvian is considered essential for preserving the country’s culture and national identity.

Euro (EUR) — Current Official Currency

• ISO Code: EUR

• Singular Name: euro

• Plural Name: euros

• Monetary Subdivision: 1 euro = 100 cents

• Subdivision Name Singular: cent

• Subdivision Name Plural: cents

• Initial Production Date: 1999 (electronic), 2002 (physical)

• Initial Circulation Date in Latvia: January 1, 2007 (date of joining the Eurozone)

• Final Production Date: ongoing

• Final Circulation Date: currently in circulation

• Mint: production coordinated among Eurozone mints

• Issuing Bank: Bank of Latvia and European Central Bank

• Coin Denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents; 1 and 2 euros

• Banknote Denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 euros (500 euro note no longer issued since 2019)

• Designs / Symbols:

  • Coins feature the common European side and the national side with Latvian symbols and the 12 stars of the European Union.

  • Banknotes display European architectural motifs without portraits of real persons.

• Economic Historical Context:

  • Latvia adopted the euro in 2007, replacing the previous national currency, the Latvian lats.

  • The euro adoption facilitated economic integration with the European Union and monetary stability.

• Current Circulation Status: active and widely used throughout the country.

• Issuing Authority: Bank of Latvia and European Central Bank.

• Relevant Legislation: European Union treaties, European Central Bank regulations, and national legislation.

This report presents the status of Latvian as the official language of Latvia, its cultural and legal importance, and the use of the euro as the official currency since 2007, including characteristics of coins and banknotes and historical context.