Primary Education: Latvian education is compulsory and free for children between ages 5 and 18. The first 9 years are spent panatskola primary schools that provide a basic academic education.
Latvia has over 12,500 rivers that stretch for 38,000 kilometres, as well as 2,256 lakes that are bigger than 1 ha, with a collective area of 1,000 sq. km.
Though Latvia celebrates Christmas on December 25, this holiday is closely linked with pagan winter solstice celebrations. Latvians mark the 12 days up until Christmas with gifts. If you're in Riga during the month of December, you can purchase traditional decorations and sample Latvian Christmastime foods at the Riga Christmas Market.