Country
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Latvia
Republic of Latvia
Latvijas Republika
Note: Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis (Unity) resigned on November 27, 2013, following the November 21 collapse of a supermarket roof in Riga. Dombrovskis explained that he resigned to accept “political and moral responsibility” for the 54 persons killed in the incident. His surprise departure left President Bērziņš little time to select a replacement before Latvia joins the eurozone on January 1.
Political Status: Absorption of independent state by the Soviet Union on August 5, 1940, repudiated by the Latvian Supreme Council on May 4, 1990; resumption of full sovereignty declared August 21, 1991, and accepted by USSR State Council on September 6.
Area: 24,938 sq. mi. (64,589 sq. km).
Population: 2,037,700 (2013E—UN); 2,178,443 (2013E—U.S. Census).
Major Urban Centers ...