Background

First inhabited in 2,500 B.C., today Latvia is home to over two million people. Snuggled on the shores of the Baltic Sea, Latvia lies immediately west of Russia and north of both Lithuania and Belarus.

Many Latvians believe that Riga, the capital city, is protected from natural disasters by “Big Christopher.” The tale of Big Christopher first appeared in Riga during the 16th century. Legend says that one day after returning home from carrying the Christ child across the deep waters of the river, Big Christopher (a humble giant) found a pile of gold which he used to build the city of Riga. For centuries he has been a symbol of the city. Riga’s inhabitants pay tribute to Big Christopher with flowers and lit candles, and they ask for his blessing before embarking on a long journey.

After a brief period of independence between the two World Wars, Latvia was annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940. Latvia reestablished its independence in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Today, Latvia continues the struggle to revamp its economy. In 2002, Latvia was invited to join NATO and the European Union.

Credits: The International Adoption Guidebook, © Mary M. Strickert