Latvia gained independence in 1991 for the first time in its 800-year history, except for a brief period between the two World Wars. From World War II until 1991, Latvia was part of the Soviet Union.

As an emerging democracy, Latvia is working hard to become a full economic partner with its European neighbors, although it still faces many challenges.

Population: 2.3 million

Nationalities: Latvian 56%, Russian 30%, Byelorussian 4%, Ukrainian 3%, Polish 3%, other 4%

Major languages are Latvian, Lithuanian and Russian.

Religions: Lutheran, Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox and several other Protestant churches

Sources: Grollier World Atlas, CIA World Factbook

About Bethphage
Bethphage (BETH fuh jee) was established in 1913 to help people who were shunned, isolated and abandoned.

Bethphage is a leader in providing compassionate services to children and adults with disabilities.

Bethphage provides services to more than 2,100 children and adults with disabilities in 12 states in the United States, as well as in Great Britain and Latvia.