Latvia is wedged in between its two Baltic neighbours, Lithuania to the south and Estonia to the north. Although the cultural output of this country may seem small in quantity, it certainly isn't lacking in quality.

Internationally Latvia has yet to make itself culturally known to a wider audience, however, it has produced a number of gems that ought to serve as a good introduction to Latvia.

Garros-Evdokimov's The Headcrusher is a novel set in Latvia’s capital Riga and is one of the most entertaining books to come out of contemporary Latvia. For a more historical read, Andrejs Pumpurs offers an excellent epic poem called Bearslayer.

Film legend Sergei Eisenstein was born in Riga, but Latvia can also boast a successful range of modern filmmakers including Janis Streics, one of the country’s most successful directors. His film The Child of Man from 1991 has won several awards.

Skyforger is a Latvian folk-metal band and although the genre itself may be a bit of an acquired taste, this band is definitely worth a closer listen, especially if you have never experienced folk-metal before. For those more interested in traditional music, Ilgi opens up a beautiful musical landscape to Latvia.