Riga, the oldest city in Latvia, has developed into an important economic, political and cultural centre since the Middle Ages. When the formation of an independent Latvian Republic occurred in 1918, Riga became the capital. Today more than half of Latvias population lives in Riga, as well as the countrys largest manufacturing concerns, as well as central government and administration boards. Amongst the 50 museums to be found in Riga the oldest and largest are the Museum of History and Shipping, the Museum of Natural Sciences, the ... (more)