LATGALE REGION - Geography and history
Turbulent past: international orientation
The oldest human settlements discovered in Latgale date back to the 3rd and 2nd millennium BC. In the 13th century AD this territory was inhabited by the ancient Latvian tribe, Latgallians, named in Henrik`s Livonian chronicle as Letthi or Letthigalli. The name of the Latvian State originates from the name of this tribe. In Livonian times (13th -16th centuries) Latgale was administratively linked to Vidzeme. Following the Armistice of Altmark in 1629, a special region Inflantia Polska was created which was ceded to the United Kingdom of Poland and Lithuania. As a result of the first division of the Polish State in 1772, this territory was incorporated into Russia. The First World War, the 1917 Russian Revolution and the Latvian struggle for independence in 1918-1920 presented the opportunity to unite Latgale with the other regions of Latvia. This union was completed in 1920 by the conclusion of a peace treaty with Russia.
The Region of Latgale is situated in the southeastern part of Latvia, and has a long external border with Russia, Belarus and Lithuania. The location of the region is strategically significant in relation to the Russian and Central European markets. Internationally important transport routes, which provide access to neighbouring countries, intersect the region. The entire region lies within 200 - 300 km of the capital, and there is an extensive network of local roads. The Daugava development axis that connects Latgale with the capital makes the southwestern part of Latgale easily accessible. However, frontier areas are not so accessible due to the less developed infrastructure of public transport in these areas.
The language used for everyday communication by half of the resident population of the Latgale region is Latvian or its Latgallian dialect. Russian, Polish and Belorussian are widespread, as for centuries historical events have been conducive to the immigration of non-nationals into Latgale.
The Region of Latgale encompasses 2 cities under state jurisdiction (Daugavpils and Rezekne) and 6 administrative districts (the districts of Balvi, Daugavpils, Kraslava, Ludza, Preili and Rezekne).
Agriculture and industry both weak
Latgale Region has an evenly spread population density and two big regional centres. Co-operation between the regional centres is good and in the future this might provide the impetus for the overall growth of the region.
Latgale is characterised by its heterogeneous ethnic composition and by the peaceful coexistence of various religious denominations (Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran, Old Believer and Judaist). In comparison with other regions, the percentage of Russian-speakers in this region is the highest in Latvia. Far from being an impediment to regional development, this ethnic and religious diversity provides an impetus for co-operation with other countries, even those with which Latgale has no common border (for example, Poland).
Its unpolluted environment, beautiful landscapes and numerous lakes distinguish Latgale from other regions of Latvia. The opportunities to fish and hunt here could lead to the development of tourism, especially rural tourism.
The region?s infrastructure is rather underdeveloped in terms of social provisions and services. Furthermore, the region's relief and poor soil hinder the development of agricultural production. During the Soviet era, a strong industrial infrastructure was created in the region?s towns, with large enterprises and huge production areas that are not adequately utilised yet, just some of the enterprises have restructured production or have found new markets for their products in both the East and the West.
Due to slow growth rates within the region, Latgale suffers from an exodus of its educated population to Riga and other regions of Latvia. Furthermore, the working-age population of the region finds it hard to compete successfully on the market for qualified labour because it lacks the necessary professional qualifications. The recent creation of new educational institutions in the region should improve the professional structure of the population, as well as help to keep the young people in the region. Besides, the creation of new jobs should improve social and economical situation in the region.
Latvia?s lake district
The region of Latgale covers an area of 14 547 km2 or 22.5% of the total territory of the country. It has 27% of the country?s agricultural land, which constitutes 46% of the overall territory of the region. 34% of the region is covered by forest, mainly pine and spruce forest, although broad-leafed trees are also widespread. Bogs and swamps occupy 5.5% of the region, and about one third of the country?s water bodies are located here.
The Lubana Plain, rather flat, secluded, loamy lowland with few hillocks and vast areas of swamp is located in the northern part of the region. The particularly undulating Latgale Upland, with its average elevation of roughly 200m, is in the centre of the region and the Augszeme Upland (average elevation 165m) is located in the southwestern part. The region has the highest concentration of lakes in Latvia and the Latgale Upland, with its more than 800 lakes that are larger than 1 ha, belongs to the East European lake zone. Lake Razna (82 km2) and Lake Lubans (57.6 km2), the two largest and most important lakes in Latvia for the fishing industry are situated in Latgale. Lake Lubans is also well known as a migration destination for European birds and for its good hunting. The Daugava, Latvia?s longest river, flows through Latgale.
The main mineral deposits situated in the region are dolomite, sand and gravel, sapropel and peat.
Daugavpils, Latvia?s second largest city by population, and Rezekne, the seventh, are situated in Latgale. Other towns in the region are the district centres Balvi, Kraslava, Ludza and Preili, and the minor towns of Vilaka, Ilukste, Subate, Dagda, Karsava, Zilupe, Livani and Vilani.
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