Illicit drugs:
world's third-largest illicit opium producer (estimated cultivation
in 2002 - 23,200 hectares, a 5% increase over 2001; estimated
potential production in 2002 - 180 metric tons, a 10% decrease from
2001); potential heroin producer; transshipment point for heroin and
methamphetamine produced in Burma; illicit producer of cannabis;
growing methamphetamine abuse problem
This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003
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@Latvia
Introduction Latvia
Background:
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 continues to revamp its economy for eventual
integration into various Western European political and economic
institutions and was invited to join NATO and the EU in 2002.
Geography Latvia
Location:
Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and
Lithuania
Geographic coordinates:
57 00 N, 25 00 E
Map references:
Europe