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After a brief period of independence between the two World Wars, Latvia was annexed by the USSR in 1940. It reestablished its independence in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status of the Russian minority (some 30% of the population) remains of concern to Moscow. Latvia will join the EU in May of 2004 and NATO in the summer of 2004.
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Latvia was part of the USSR between 1940 and 1990. Notable events leading up to independence was the formation of the Popular Front in 1988 and opposition political parties in 1989. The country outlawed communism and became involved in the United Nations in 1991.
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Country
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Surface Area: 64,589 square km
Population: 2,306,306 (July 2004 est.)
Located in: Eastern Europe
Capital City: Riga
Head of State: Vaira VIKE-FREIBERGA
Prime Minister: Indulis EMSIS
Independent since: 21 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)
Currency: Latvian lat (LVL)
Flag (image): 
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