A mostly flat, boggy land sandwiched between its Baltic neighbours, Latvia still manages to offer a lot, including thousands of years of history – mostly involving occupation – and throw in the beautiful inland forests, the coastal resort towns, the 12,000 lakes or the magical capital, Riga and it becomes apparent why Latvia is becoming more popular with every day.

Home to a successful transitional economy that managed to survive the Russian financial crisis of 1998, Latvia has been growing steadily since declaring independence – for the second time – from the Soviet Union in 1991 (the first time being in 1918), and more foreign investors are looking to the country with each passing year for property opportunities. Having recently achieved EU and NATO membership, the Baltic state is certainly a country looking to reform and move forward from its history of occupation and stagnation in the Soviet era. The Latvian people are just another example of a populace emerging from Communist rule with their heads held high, and the strong national identity of everyday Latvians is something that should garner both respect and admiration. One particular legacy of note from the Soviet era is the minority of Russians that still call Latvia home, with nearly thirty percent of them residing in the country – though in the past there has been resentment harboured between the Latvian people and the people of their former occupier, these feelings have died down with time and the reserved, friendly native Latvians of the country have begun to concentrate on restructuring the nation, encouraging foreign investment and attracting tourism to build a healthy, happy Latvia for all comers to enjoy.

The standards of healthcare in Latvia are decent and treatment is free to British nationals, but medical facilities themselves are dilapidated and run-down from years of Soviet era neglect. It is highly advisable that full health insurance is taken out and if worst comes to worst that treatment is acquired elsewhere – most likely back at home.

Mobile phone coverage is decent, with operators covering larger towns well. Do not expect good – if any – coverage in rural regions. Landlines are widely available, though the actual quality of the technology is questionable – this is an area that is seeing investment for refurbishment, with new lines popping up around the country. Internet cafes are available, but only in Riga and a few other towns.

Normal banking hours in most areas are from 0900 to 1700 Mondays to Fridays, with some banks opening on Saturdays from 0900 to 1300. Normal business hours clock in from 0830 to 1730, Monday to Friday. Shopping hours are normally 0900 or 1000 to 1800 or 1900 Monday to Friday and 0900 or 1000 to 1600 or 1700 on Saturdays, though smaller shops may close 1400 to 1500 for a lunch break. Food shops are usually open from 0800 or 0900 to 2000 or 2100, though a few shops are starting to open for 24 hours.

A handshake is a customary greeting and the Latvian people are somewhat formal in everyday life – though they are exceptionally hospitable all the same – so local customs and the sense of national identity should be respected so not to cause offence.

A tip is normally included in the bill at restaurants and in taxi fares, though a giving a little extra for good service does not go amiss.