[Eng]라트비아 문화 영어에세이 Latvian History, Politics, Language and Economy

Ⅰ. 서론

Latvia, a small Baltic nation nestled between Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south, boasts a rich tapestry of history, politics, language, and economy that has shaped its national identity and cultural landscape. With a geographical location that has placed it at the crossroads of various European influences, Latvia’s journey through centuries of foreign dominion, independence struggles, and adaptation to contemporary global realities reflects a narrative that is both unique and universal. Historically, Latvia`s roots can be traced back to ancient tribes that inhabited the region, but it wasn’t until the 12th century that significant external influences began to emerge. The arrival of the German Crusaders marked the beginning of a long period of foreign rule, as Latvia fell under the control of various powers including the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Sweden, and the Russian Empire. Each of these periods left an indelible mark on the culture, politics, and s…