DOCSLIB.ORG

Population: Demographic Situation, Languages and Religions

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Population: Demographic Situation, Languages and Religions Published on Eurydice (https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/national-policies/eurydice) Latvia is situated in the northern Europe on the east coast of the Baltic Sea and borders with the two other Baltic countries, Estonia and Lithuania, as well as with Russia and Belarus. The territory covers 64,600 sq. km, the length of its border on land is 1 862 km, and its sea boarder is 494 km long. At the beginning of 2019 population of Latvia accounted for 1 million 920 thousand people. The Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia has released a video [1] encapsulating some of the critical figures. Demographic situation Provisional data of the Central Statistical Bureau [2] show that 18 589 births were registered in 2019, which is 725 births fewer than in 2018. The number of children born in 2019 will be specified in May by adding children born abroad. During the last two years 463 children were born abroad (202 in 2018 and 261 in 2017). The age distribution of the population in percentage Males Years Years Years Years Years Years Females total 0-14 0-14 15-64 15-64 65+ 65+ total % % males females males females males females 2000 46.1 53.9 19.9 16.3 69.8 65.0 10.3 18.7 2005 45.9 54.1 16.7 13.5 71.5 65.7 11.8 20.8 2018 46.1 53.9 17.8 14.3 67.7 60.5 14.5 25.2 Source: Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia Rates of employment and unemployment Population, years 15-64 2000 2005 2018 Active population 67.2 69.1 77.7 ...employed 57.3 62.1 71.8 ...unemployed 9.8 7.0 5.9 Inactive population 32.8 30.9 22.3 Total 100 100 100 Source: Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia Immigration and migration flows Immigration Emigration Net migration 2000 6 483 22 911 -16 428 2005 6 691 17 643 -10 952 2018 10 909 15 814 -4 905 Source: Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia The overall decrease of population and birth rate has led to significant decline in number of pupils and students. This has started the process of closure and reorganisation [3] of especially rural schools. Today the larger part of Latvian population, i.e. slightly more than one and a half million inhabitants resides in city areas. The proportion of country and city dwellers has remained practically unchanged during the last ten years. Latvian cities and towns differ greatly in size. 15 cities have a population of over 10 000, the largest of these being Rīga [4], Daugavpils [5], and Liepāja [6]. However the smallest Latvian towns are Durbe [7], Subate [8] and Pāvilosta [9]. High population concentration in the capital is observed. It may be attributed to the lack of workplaces elsewhere in Latvia, especially in the countryside, and majority of students stay in the capital instead of returning to native town. The massive migration from Russia and other Soviet Socialist Republics (Belarus, Ukraine, etc.) during the Soviet years substantially changed the ethnic composition of Latvia. The total number of Latvians declined from 77% of all residents in 1935 to 52% in 1989. Even during the last years before the collapse of the Soviet Union there was large-scale immigration to Latvia. After the renewed independence of Latvia, the process of immigration was again regulated by state law, government regulations and state institutions; thus, immigration rapidly slowed down. 215,000 people emigrated from Latvia in the 1990s. The number of Latvians in the population decreased by 16,000 during this period, but the number of non-Latvians decreased by 199,000. During recent years, the number of immigrants augments each year while those emigrating are by 1000 more on the average. In 2005, long-term international immigration to Latvia changed compared with 2003 – from 1364 to 1886; up by 38%. After joining the European Union, an increasing emigration in comparison to the previous years was observed in 2004 and 2005 due to higher numbers of inhabitants moving to other European countries for work. Long-term emigration abroad increased vastly - from 2210 in 2003 to 25 200 in 2012. The average life expectancy for newborns in 2016 was 74.8 years. The average life expectancy of men is lower than that of women in all countries; however, in Latvia the difference is particularly large. During the last ten years, the average life expectancy of male newborns has been constantly at least 10 years less than that of female neonates (in 2016, 69.8 and 79.4, respectively). The situation is aggravated by such unfavourable factors as alcoholism and unnatural death. The average life expectancy also has territorial characteristics: in rural areas the life expectancy of both genders is lower than in urban areas - by three years for women and up to a year and a half for men. In part, these differences can be explained by the overall unfavourable social situation in countryside as well as the lower level and more complicated accessibility of medical assistance. To improve the life expectancy the national policy gets more focused on issues of health promotion and the quality of life. Latvians [10] (and Livs [11]) are the indigenous people of Latvia, but there are many other ethnic groups living in Latvia, of which Russian minority is the largest one. In the beginning of 2017, the ethnic distribution of Latvia’s population was 62 % Latvians, 25.4 % Russians, 3.3 % Belorussians, 2.2 % Ukrainians, 2.1 % Poles, 5% other ethnicities (Lithuanians, Jews, Roma, Germans, Estonians, Tatars, and others). Actually, the total number of national minorities is not particularly large in Latvia, and each minority group (except Russians) is relatively small. The most active ethnic communities in Latvia are Russians, Poles, Lithuanians, Jews and Roma. People of foreign descent mainly live in the seven major cities of Latvia: Rīga, Daugavpils, Jelgava, Jūrmala, Liepāja, Ventspils, and Rēzekne. Languages Latvian is the official language in Latvia, states the Constitution [12] (Satversme) and the Official Language Law [13] passed in 1989. The Latvian language [14] belongs to the Baltic group [15] of the Indo-European family of languages. Its closest and only living relative is Lithuanian. On the other hand, the recent gene research studies [16] reveal that genetically Latvians are closer relatives to Finns and Estonians. Latvia is divided into four historic regions – Kurzeme, Vidzeme, Zemgale and Latgale (though these regions are not used as sub-national governmental jurisdictions). Inhabitants of Latgale speak Latgalian language [17]. According to the Official Language Law (Section 3 and 4), the state ensures the development and use of the Latvian sign language [18] for communication with people with impaired hearing. The state ensures also the maintenance, protection and development of the Liv language [19] as the language of the indigenous (autochthon) population. The most common minority language is Russian, as there are many Russian-speaking people in Latvia, not only Russians, who constitute the second largest population group (after Latvians). The official language of instruction in public sector educational institutions is Latvian. However, ethnic minority education [20] is one of the core issues due to ethnic composition of population and education is provided in other languages as well, namely Russian, Estonian, Polish, Ukrainian, Lithuanian, Hebrew, Byelorussian and Roma. In March 2018 the Parliament approved amendments [21] to the Education Law and the Law on General Education under which education programmes of ethnic minorities will start gradual transition to Latvian-only upper-secondary education in the 2021/2022 school year. A new bilingual education model will be introduced in grades 1-6 of ethnic minority education programmes, ensuring that at least 50% of the education content is taught in Latvian, and in grades 7-9, ensuring that at least 80% of the education content, including foreign languages, is in Latvian, and the transition will start in 2020/2021. Starting from 2022/2023 school year all general education subjects in upper- secondary programmes (grades 10-12) will be taught only in the Latvian language (excluding foreign languages), while children of ethnic minorities will continue learning their language, literature and subjects related to culture and history in the respective ethnic minority language. Religions The Constitution of Latvia (Satversme) declares that the church is separated from the state, and everybody has the right to freedom of religion. Historically, since the Protestant Reformation movement in the 16th century, the Lutheran church has played a leading role in Latvia. The Reformation brought about great change in the Baltic Region of Europe, with impact on education and language. A rise in education and literacy was in part a result in the printing of books [22] in local languages. However, also Catholicism with the Jesuit order had an impact of spreading education. Today, there are around 25 religious confessions in Latvia, of which Evangelic Lutheran [23], Roman Catholic [24] [25]and Russian Orthodox [26] [27]are the largest ones. Churches and religious organizations are free to preach their doctrines and to perform rituals. The preaching of the doctrines of the churches and religious organizations and other ritual activities, as well as the places of worship may not be exploited for purposes contrary to the Constitution and laws. In Soviet times the churches were oppressed [28] in the Baltic states. Many priests were deported to Siberia and churches were declared state property. The teaching of religion was banned, persecuted and punished. Extensive atheist propaganda was developed by means of literature, press, radio, television, theatre and cinema. Together with the nation's movement of independence came a "spiritual renaissance". Many priests took an active part in the movement of national liberation.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Health Systems in Transition
    61575 Latvia HiT_2_WEB.pdf 1 03/03/2020 09:55 Vol. 21 No. 4 2019 Vol. Health Systems in Transition Vol. 21 No. 4 2019 Health Systems in Transition: in Transition: Health Systems C M Y CM MY CY CMY K Latvia Latvia Health system review Daiga Behmane Alina Dudele Anita Villerusa Janis Misins The Observatory is a partnership, hosted by WHO/Europe, which includes other international organizations (the European Commission, the World Bank); national and regional governments (Austria, Belgium, Finland, Kristine Klavina Ireland, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the Veneto Region of Italy); other health system organizations (the French National Union of Health Insurance Funds (UNCAM), the Dzintars Mozgis Health Foundation); and academia (the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and the Giada Scarpetti London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)). The Observatory has a secretariat in Brussels and it has hubs in London at LSE and LSHTM) and at the Berlin University of Technology. HiTs are in-depth profiles of health systems and policies, produced using a standardized approach that allows comparison across countries. They provide facts, figures and analysis and highlight reform initiatives in progress. Print ISSN 1817-6119 Web ISSN 1817-6127 61575 Latvia HiT_2_WEB.pdf 2 03/03/2020 09:55 Giada Scarpetti (Editor), and Ewout van Ginneken (Series editor) were responsible for this HiT Editorial Board Series editors Reinhard Busse, Berlin University of Technology, Germany Josep Figueras, European
    [Show full text]
  • From Tribe to Nation a Brief History of Latvia
    From Tribe to Nation A Brief History of Latvia 1 Cover photo: Popular People of Latvia are very proud of their history. It demonstration on is a history of the birth and development of the Dome Square, 1989 idea of an independent nation, and a consequent struggle to attain it, maintain it, and renew it. Above: A Zeppelin above Rīga in 1930 Albeit important, Latvian history is not entirely unique. The changes which swept through the ter- Below: Participants ritory of Latvia over the last two dozen centuries of the XXV Nationwide were tied to the ever changing map of Europe, Song and Dance and the shifting balance of power. From the Viking Celebration in 2013 conquests and German Crusades, to the recent World Wars, the territory of Latvia, strategically lo- cated on the Baltic Sea between the Scandinavian region and Russia, was very much part of these events, and shared their impact especially closely with its Baltic neighbours. What is unique and also attests to the importance of history in Latvia today, is how the growth and development of a nation, initially as a mere idea, permeated all these events through the centuries up to Latvian independence in 1918. In this brief history of Latvia you can read how Latvia grew from tribe to nation, how its history intertwined with changes throughout Europe, and how through them, or perhaps despite them, Lat- via came to be a country with such a proud and distinct national identity 2 1 3 Incredible Historical Landmarks Left: People of The Baltic Way – this was one of the most crea- Latvia united in the tive non-violent protest activities in history.
    [Show full text]
  • The Constitution of the Republic of Latvia
    Source: http://www.saeima.lv/Likumdosana_eng/likumdosana_satversme.html (accessed December 2008) THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF LATVIA The people of Latvia, in freely elected Constitutional Assembly, have adopted the following State Constitution: Chapter I General Provisions 1. Latvia is an independent democratic republic. 2. The sovereign power of the State of Latvia is vested in the people of Latvia. 3. The territory of the State of Latvia, within the borders established by international agreements, consists of Vidzeme, Latgale, Kurzeme and Zemgale. 4. The Latvian language is the official language in the Republic of Latvia. The national flag of Latvia shall be red with a band of white. [15 October 1998] Chapter II The Saeima1 5. The Saeima shall be composed of one hundred representatives of the people. 6. The Saeima shall be elected in general, equal and direct elections, and by secret ballot based on proportional representation. 7. In the division of Latvia into separate electoral districts, provision for the number of members of the Saeima to be elected from each district shall be proportional to the number of electors in each district. 8. All citizens of Latvia who enjoy full rights of citizenship and, who on election day have attained eighteen years of age shall be entitled to vote. 9. Any citizen of Latvia, who enjoys full rights of citizenship and, who is more than twenty-one years of age on the first day of elections may be elected to the Saeima. 10. The Saeima shall be elected for a term of four years. 11. Elections for the Saeima shall be held on the first Saturday in October.
    [Show full text]
  • Latvia 1988-2015: a Triumph of the Radical Nationalists
    The Baltic Centre of Historical and Socially Political Studies Victor Gushchin Latvia 1988-2015: a triumph of the radical nationalists Political support of the West for Latvian radical nationalism and neo-Nazismand the import of this ideology into Latvia after the West’s victory in the Cold War. Formation of a unipolar world led by the USA, revision of the 1945 Yalta and Potsdam treaties and the 1975 Helsinki Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe as main reasons for the evolution of the Republic of Latvia of May 4th, 1990,from elimination of universal suffrage to relapse of totalitarianism: establishment of the so-called «Latvian Latvia», Russophobia, suppression of ethnic minority rights, restriction of freedom of speech and assembly, revision of the outcome of World War Two and propaganda of neo-Nazism. Riga 2017 UDK 94(474.3) “19/20” Gu 885 The book Latvia 1988-2015: a triumph of the radical nationalists» is dedicated to Latvia’s most recent history. On May 4, 1990, the Supreme Soviet (Supreme Council) of the Latvian SSR adopted the Declaration on the Restoration of Independence of the Latvian Republic without holding a national referendum, thus violating the acting Constitution. Following this up on October 15, 1991, the Supreme Soviet deprived more than a third of its own electorate Latvia 1988 - 2015: of the right to automatic citizenship. As a result, one of the most fundamental principles of a triumph of the radical nationalists democracy, universal suffrage, was eliminated. Thereafter, the Latvian parliament, periodically re-elected in conditions where a signif- icant part of country’s inhabitants lack the right to participate in elections, has been adopting Book 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Latvia's Constitution of 1922, Reinstated in 1991, with Amendments Through 2016
    PDF generated: 26 Aug 2021, 16:36 constituteproject.org Latvia's Constitution of 1922, Reinstated in 1991, with Amendments through 2016 Subsequently amended This complete constitution has been generated from excerpts of texts from the repository of the Comparative Constitutions Project, and distributed on constituteproject.org. constituteproject.org PDF generated: 26 Aug 2021, 16:36 Table of contents Preamble . 3 Chapter I: General Provisions . 3 Chapter II: The Saeima . 4 Chapter III: The President . 8 Chapter IV: The Cabinet . 10 Chapter V: Legislation . 11 Chapter VI: Courts . 14 Chapter VII: The State Audit Office . 15 Chapter VIII: Fundamental Human Rights . 15 Latvia 1922 (reinst. 1991, rev. 2016) Page 2 constituteproject.org PDF generated: 26 Aug 2021, 16:36 • Preamble Preamble • Source of constitutional authority The people of Latvia, in freely elected Constitutional Assembly, have adopted the following State Constitution: • Reference to country's history • Right to self determination The State of Latvia, proclaimed on 18 November 1918, has been established by uniting historical Latvian lands and on the basis of the unwavering will of the Latvian nation to have its own State and its inalienable right of self-determination in order to guarantee the existence and development of the Latvian nation, its language and culture throughout the centuries, to ensure freedom and promote welfare of the people of Latvia and each individual. • Reference to country's history The people of Latvia won their State in the War of Liberation. They consolidated the system of government and adopted the Constitution in a freely elected Constitutional Assembly. • Reference to country's history The people of Latvia did not recognise the occupation regimes, resisted them and regained their freedom by restoring national independence on 4 May 1990 on the basis of continuity of the State.
    [Show full text]
  • Gunars Saliņš U.C.)
    i VOL. LVI, No 3, ISSUE 262 56. GADAGĀJUMS, RUDENS 2010 AUTUMN 2010 3. (262) NUMURS Jaunā Gaita is a Latvian quarterly S A T U R S devoted to literature, the arts, and the discussion of ideas. 1 Māris Melgalvs 2 DZEJA – Juris Helds Editor-In-Chief: Rolfs Ekmanis 5 Maija Meirāne. Mēs atnākam aizmirstībā Phone/Fax: 928-204-9247 6 Juris Helds. Ko darīt? [email protected] [email protected] 11 Laima Bikše. Meteorologs darbā. 12 Uldis Briedis. Dziesmotā revolūcija 1990 Associate Editor: Juris Žagariņš 24 Eva Eglāja-Kristsone. Latvija un trimda [email protected] 31 Almantas Samalavičius. Proza Lietuvā Contributing Editors: Voldemārs Avens, 33 Vija Celmiņa. Skolas tāfelītes #3 Vita Gaiķe, Anita Liepiņa, Juris Silenieks, 34 Uldis Grasis. Kružių kalnas Juris Šlesers, Biruta Sūrmane, Linda Treija, 36 Lāsma Ģibiete. Laupītājs Kaupēns Lilita Zaļkalne 41 Aigars Bikše. Kapitālisma krīze Business Manager: Ingrīda Bulmane 43 Gunārs Janaitis. Dziesmotā revolūcija 23 Markland Drive 44 Sigita Daugule. Baltā grāmata Toronto, ON M9C 1M8 Canada Phone: 416-621-0898 45 Uldis Bērziņš. Nešķindiniet zeltu! Fax: 416-621-9717 VĒSTURE [email protected] 46 Rolfs Ekmanis. Radio Brīvā Eiropa – II JG home page: MŪZIKA http://zagarins.net/JG 50 Helēna Gintere. Pianists Streļājevs MĀKSLA 52 Linda Treija. Vijas Celmiņas izstāde Subscription rates Canada 53 Linda Treija. Par Sigitu Dauguli 1 year Can $39.- 54 Linda Treija. Par Laimu Bikši 2 years Can $76.- 55 KIBERKAMBARIS – Imigrācija Single issues $10.- 56 DAŽOS VĀRDOS – vg,bs,mb,jk,re Other countries 65 Gunārs Janaitis. Dziesmotā revolūcija 1 year US $39.- 66 Sigita Daugule.
    [Show full text]
  • The Centenary of Latvia's Foreign Affairs
    THE CENTENARY OF LATVIA’S FOREIGN AFFAIRS IDEAS AND PERSONALITIES THE CENTENARY OF LATVIA’S FOREIGN AFFAIRS IDEAS AND PERSONALITIES THE CENTENARY OF LATVIA’S FOREIGN AFFAIRS IDEAS AND PERSONALITIES The upcoming centennial of Latvia’s statehood provides an important occasion to reflect on the country’s international achievements and offer a self-critical look at what remains to be done. This publication identifies main currents in Latvia’s foreign policy thinking and the most remarkable individuals that contributed to shaping them. A team of local and foreign experts reviews key ideational trends in Latvia’s foreign policy during the Interwar period and today, as well as assesses the trajectories of thinking during the periods of exile and regaining independence. Authors: Aldis Austers, Edijs Bošs, Raimonds Cerūzis, Mārtiņš Daugulis, Martyn Housden, Ivars Ījabs, Didzis Kļaviņš, Jordan T. Kuck, Andis Kudors, Andrejs Plakans, Diāna Potjomkina, Gunda Reire, Andris Sprūds, Valters Ščerbinskis, Jānis Taurēns Editors: Diāna Potjomkina, Andris Sprūds, Valters Ščerbinskis Scientific reviewers: Ainārs Lerhis, Toms Rostoks This project was made possible thanks to support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia and the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia The project was completed in cooperation with National Information Agency LETA The respective authors are accountable for the content of individual articles. The opinions expressed by the authors should not be construed as representing those of the Latvian Institute of International Affairs, project supporters or partners, other government institutions or entities. Cover design: Līga Rozentāle Layout: Oskars Stalidzāns Translations from Latvian: Alise Krapāne, Jurijs Saveļjevs, Pāvels Smišļājevs English language editor (select chapters): Dillon J.
    [Show full text]
  • Latvia's Constitution of 1922, Reinstated in 1991, with Amendments Through 2007
    PDF generated: 26 Aug 2021, 16:36 constituteproject.org Latvia's Constitution of 1922, Reinstated in 1991, with Amendments through 2007 This complete constitution has been generated from excerpts of texts from the repository of the Comparative Constitutions Project, and distributed on constituteproject.org. constituteproject.org PDF generated: 26 Aug 2021, 16:36 Table of contents Preamble . 3 Chapter I: General Provisions . 3 Chapter II: The Saeima . 3 Chapter III: The President . 7 Chapter IV: The Cabinet . 9 Chapter V: Legislation . 10 Chapter VI: Courts . 13 Chapter VII: The State Audit Office . 14 Chapter VIII: Fundamental Human Rights . 14 Latvia 1922 (reinst. 1991, rev. 2007) Page 2 constituteproject.org PDF generated: 26 Aug 2021, 16:36 • Source of constitutional authority • Preamble Preamble The people of Latvia, in freely elected Constitutional Assembly, have adopted the following State Constitution: Chapter I: General Provisions • Type of government envisioned Article 1 Latvia is an independent democratic republic. Article 2 The sovereign power of the State of Latvia is vested in the people of Latvia. • International law Article 3 The territory of the State of Latvia, within the borders established by international agreements, consists of Vidzeme, Latgale, Kurzeme and Zemgale. • National flag Article 4 • Official or national languages The Latvian language is the official language in the Republic of Latvia. The national flag of Latvia shall be red with a band of white. Chapter II: The Saeima • Structure of legislative chamber(s) Article 5 • Size of first chamber The Saeima shall be composed of one hundred representatives of the people. • Secret ballot Article 6 • First chamber selection The Saeima shall be elected in general, equal and direct elections, and by secret ballot based on proportional representation.
    [Show full text]
  • The Latvian Direct Democracy Tools in a Comparative European Context
    The Latvian direct democracy tools in a comparative European context OÑATI SOCIO-LEGAL SERIES VOLUME 10, ISSUE 4 (2020), 744-788: INVESTIGATIONS – INVESTIGACIONES – IKERLANAK DOI LINK: HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.35295/OSLS.IISL/0000-0000-0000-1075 RECEIVED 03 APRIL 2019, ACCEPTED 03 SEPTEMBER 2019 FABIO RATTO TRABUCCO∗ Abstract This article analyses and compares the legal tools of direct democracy in Latvia and other European countries. Based on comparison, the author draws concludes the shortcomings of the legal framework of direct democracy in the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia. The author analyses functioning of the direct democracy tools in Latvian practice and compares them with similar tools in other European countries, expressing his criticism towards Latvian legislation on the referendum and people’s initiative, finding that some mechanisms included in the Constitution are old- fashioned and ineffective. The article identifies actual shortcomings of the legal framework of the referendum and popular initiative both at the level of the Constitution and that of the law and makes suggestions for improvements of the mechanisms of direct democracy, particularly taking into account the experience of the other Baltic countries. Key words Latvia; national referendum; people’s initiative; parliamentary dissolution; recall referendum Resumen Este artículo analiza y compara las herramientas legales de la democracia directa en Letonia y en otros países europeos. Sobre la base de la comparación, el autor extrae conclusiones sobre las deficiencias del marco legal de la democracia directa letona. El autor analiza la legislación y la práctica letona sobre el referéndum y la iniciativa popular comparándola con las de otros países europeos, incluido el referéndum sobre la disolución del Parlamento, expresando críticas de que una serie de I wish to thank Profs.
    [Show full text]
  • Baltic Tribunal Against the Soviet Union in Copenhagen, July 25 Ahd 26, 1985
    PUBLISHED BY THENWORLD FEDERATION OF FREE LATVLANS Rockville, Maryland 20850 Edited by Ingrida Kalnins Cover Design by Teodors Liliensteins Photographs by Liutas Grinius Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 85 - 63678 TABLE OF CONTENTS * Preface .... ..... 1 by Olg'erts R. Pavlovskis, Ph.D. Chairman, Baltic World Conference * Introductory Remarks at the Baltic Tribunal . 2 by Olgerts R. Pavlovskis, Ph.D. Chairman, Baltic World Conference * The Indictment Against the Soviet Union . 3 Introduction .... 5 Indictment .... 6 -Conspiracy, aggression, and the illegal annexation of the Baltic States . 6 -Exploitation of the Baltic States . 7 -Deportation and systematic Russification of Estonians, Latvians, and Lithuanians with the purpose of eliminating their national identities, cultures, and languages . 8 -Violations of human rights . 9 Illegal actions of the Soviet Union . 9 -Soviet conspiracy against peace in Europe . 9 -Annexation of the Baltic States . 11 Intervention . 11 Occupation . 17 Annexation . 19 -Sovietization of the Baltic States . 24 Subjugation through terror . 25 Political subjugation . 27 Expropriation . 30 Colonization . 31 Economic exploitation . 38 TABLE OF CONTENTS Militarization . 45 Russification . 47 Genocide . 52 Violations of human rights 56 The Helsinki Agreement and the Baltic States 60 Summary . 62 References . .. 64 * The Panel of Judges Dr. Theodor Veiter, Chairman . 72 Per Ahlmark . 73 The Rev. Michael Bourdeaux . 74 Jean-Marie Daillet . 75 Sir James Fawcett . 76 * The Witnesses Kenneth Carter Benton Biography . 78 Testimony . .................................... 79 Rita Bruvere Biography . 83 Testimony . 84 Helena Celmina Biography . .. 92 Testimony . 94. Kestutis Jokubynas Biography . 100. Testimony . * . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 102 Imants Lesinskis Biography . 108 Testimony . : .. : : : : : : '. '. ., '. .. '. '. .. 1 0 9 Leila Miller Biography . 120 Testimony . .: . .. .. ., 121 TABLE OF CONTENTS Valdo Randpere Biography .
    [Show full text]
  • Exploring the Library of Latvian Socialists in San Francisco, California: Activities of the Early Latvian Political
    ZINāTNISKIE RAKSTI THE ROLE OF DIASPORA LATVIANS AND LATVIAN COMMUNITIES IN NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL POLITICS SINCE THE MID-19tH CENTURY EXPLORING THE LIBRARY OF LATVIAN SOCIALISTS IN SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA: ACTIVITIES OF THE EARLY LATVIAN POLITICAL EMIGRATION, 1905–19171* Elga Zālīte Doctor of history, Slavic and Eastern European Collections, International and Area Studies Group, Stanford University Libraries, United States. E-mail: [email protected] Using a unique collection of 380 books recently discovered in San Francisco, California, the article explores and highlights the political and cultural activ- ities of Latvian socialists in Northern California around 1905. The article analyzes the structure and contents of the San Francisco socialist library and shows how, in a process of describing three different identifying marks or ownership stamps, it is possible to trace the development of three separate Latvian socialist libraries. The article provides an overview of the historical evolution of the three Latvian socialist groups to whom the libraries belong- ed: the Lettish Socialist Labor Section in San Francisco, the Lettish Social- Democratic Group of San Francisco and the Lettish Branch of the Socialist Party in San Francisco. As part of the historical overview, the most impor- tant aspects of the Latvian political emigration to the United States before and after the 1905 Revolution are described. Using novel data from the ge- nealogy research website Ancestry.com, the article draws a concrete picture of individuals involved. The author has attempted to trace the attitudes of the Latvian immigrant groups in San Francisco and the decisions they made in relation to the wider socialist movement in the United States.
    [Show full text]
  • The Constitution of the Republic of Latvia
    Issuer: Constitutional Publication: Assembly Latvijas Vēstnesis, 43, Type: law 01.07.1993.; Latvijas Republikas Adoption: 15.02.1922. Saeimas un Ministru Kabineta Entry into force: 07.11.1922. Ziņotājs, 6, 31.03.1994.; Valdības Vēstnesis, 141, 30.06.1922. Text consolidated by Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) with amending laws of: 21 March 1933 [shall come into force from 21 March 1933]; 27 January 1994 [shall come into force from 26 February 1994]; 5 June 1996 [shall come into force from 26 June 1996]; 4 December 1997 [shall come into force from 31 December 1997]; 15 October 1998 [shall come into force from 6 November 1998]; 30 April 2002 [shall come into force from 24 May 2002]; 8 May 2003 [shall come into force from 5 June 2003]; 23 September 2004 [shall come into force from 21 October 2004]; 15 December 2005 [shall come into force from 17 January 2005]; 3 May 2007 [shall come into force from 31 May 2007]; 8 April 2009 [shall come into force from 2 November 2009]; 19 September 2013 [shall come into force from 18 October 2013]; 19 June 2014 [shall come into force from 22 July 2014]; 19 May 2016 [shall come into force from 14 June 2016]; 4 October 2018 [shall come into force from 1 January 2019]. If a whole or part of a section has been amended, the date of the amending law appears in square brackets at the end of the section. If a whole section, paragraph or clause has been deleted, the date of the deletion appears in square brackets beside the deleted section, paragraph or clause.
    [Show full text]