Latvia has a low standard of compulsory state funded healthcare. Many public health buildings need refurbishment, reconstruction and more advanced equipment. Healthcare is available to all citizens and registered long-term residents Private healthcare is also available in the country.
A long time ago, Latvia was ruled by great powers like Germany, Russia, Poland, or Sweden. As a consequence, it would be no surprise to find out that Latvian cuisine consists of potatoes, Pork, and sour kraut served with a generous sprinkling of dill.
The culture of Latvia is as colorful as its' past, having been influenced by various civilizations since ancient times. Local Latvian Pagan heritage has survived over millennia, with German missionary knights introduced Christianity to the territory of Latvia in the 13th century. These enduring Pagan customs combined with common Christian traditions and rituals are two distinct characteristics of Latvian culture today.