Resurgent Riga
Stuart Stone
Both geographically and culturally, many cities today claim to be at the apex of where East meets West. Perhaps none however, meet this criteria as dramatically or with such passion as Riga. Stuart Stone reports
2008-11-14
The history of Latvia maps virtually seamlessly with that of the major events of the 20th century, yet many would probably have first overlooked this small outpost. From German rule, to independence in 1918 following World War One (a 90th anniversary celebration is planned for November 18th), to Soviet oppression post World War Two, and finally re-independence in 1991.
Resurgent on the Baltic Sea, where for 800 years its location had born the strategic wars for trade routes, for the last twenty years Riga has grown in stature as an independent state once more. Removing the shackles of communism and embracing the economic prosperity afforded to those who have had the vision to lead from the front. Perestroika may have effectively released them from their overseers, but the decisions they have made since, aligning not only with NATO but also the European Union in 2004 have created the foundations that have brought a confidence and a swagger to life in this Baltic haven.
Latvia’s population today is just over 2.2 million, and of that, Riga’s 700,000 plus inhabitants naturally account for a vast percentage of the countries GDP. The obvious focal point for international headquarters of multinationals for Baltic operations as well as Latvia’s small but well formed banking and telecommunications sector. Even as we head for turbulent times as a world economy, the Latvian governments’ policy has remained trusting in the entrepreneurial spirit and ensuring it is well rewarded. By keeping many industries deregulated they have protected against the skilled migration that many other Eastern European countries have suffered from. This will be a crucial factor in facilitating the next stages of growth for this new period of Riga’s history.
Reflecting eight hundred years of multi-ethnic, multi-cultural integration could leave a capital city the relatively small size of Riga unbalanced. This is far from the case. The strong sense of self you get from walking through this historic city bears the crossroads of the many nations that have called this place home. At once poetic and refreshingly modern, Riga embues the spirit of its youthful rebirth as well as embracing the elements that have made it a UNESCO world heritage site. Riga Cathedral sits in cityscape with Riga Castle and the highly modern Riga Radio Tower and Reval Hotel - the latter’s sky top bar providing a breathtaking view of the city with the perfect cocktail accompaniment - All of this intertwined by flourishing city parks and absorbing Art Nouveau streets such as Alberta and Elizabetes Lela.
Riga is one of those rarest of cities, one that is greater even than the sum of its parts. Many places across Europe can boast cultural landmarks, have witnessed revolutions and successfully breathe in the old influences and exhale new ideas. Very few however, accomplish it with such style. Riga is exactly what the new Europe is supposed to reflect. There is energy, vibrancy and ambition. There are few places that compare.
