|REconomy:|N 16% of the labour force is occupied in agriculture and forestry and 41% in industry and commerce.
Agriculture is highly mechanized and effective. Most important crops are grain, potatoes, sugarbeets, fruits and vegetables. There is also an extensive stockraising.
There is an extensive forestry with papermills.
Latvia have few minerals, but industry is well developed.
Electronics, tele communications and precision instruments are manufactured as well as railroad passenger cars.
There is also an extensive chemical industry and shipyards.
|RHistory:|N Many different tribes lived in Latvia when it was occupied by the German Order in the 13th century. The Order was dissolved in the 16th century and Latvia was divided between different countries.
In 1629 it came under Sweden and in 1710 it was occupied by Russia. in 1915 Latvia was occupied by Germany and after the war, in 1920, an independent republic was established.
In 1940 Latvia was occupied by the Soviet Union and in 1941 it was occupied by Germany. Reconquered by the Soviet Union in 1944 and made a part of the Soviet Union.
Latvia tried to establish independence in 1990, and succeeded in 1991.
