This country has one of the smallest populations in the European Union and the Baltic people are in decline. It is hard to understand why. Riga, the biggest capital of the Baltic countries has an electric nightlife. The happening bars and busy nightclubs seem incongruous with the old Art Nouveau architecture. Ironically, this is one of the best cities to see this striking form of German architecture, as it was not bombed during WW2.

Shoppers can go to the central market, in the old zeppelin hangars, for bargains, priced in Latvian Lats.

In the information age, it is a certainty that the best kept secret in Europe won’t remain that way for much longer. A beautiful countryside with medieval towns and other impressive buildings from days gone by, make it appear like a fairytale land.

Don’t be fooled by the history, all the bells and whistles of modern day pleasure are to be found. The increase in tourism to the spotless sandy beaches has seen spa resorts pop up with the obligatory range of luxury treatments.

Make sure and visit the living Ethnographic Open-Air Museum which reaches back to 1924. Artisans are hard at work, creating their masterpieces in public view.

Get out of the city for camping, hiking, bird watching, river rafting, spelunking – there is something for everyone. The only thing Latvia is not going to win prizes for is an exciting cuisine but they have borrowed some tasty dishes from other cultures.

Once under its neighbour Russia’s rule, Latvia is now a thriving country. Other neighbours include Estonia, Belarus and Lithuania.