Fact Check: "Latvia is a country in Northern Europe."
What We Know
Latvia is indeed recognized as a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, Russia to the east, and Belarus to the southeast, with a coastline along the Baltic Sea to the west (Latvia: Introduction, Latvia – Wikipedia). The capital city of Latvia is Riga, which is the largest city in the Baltic states (Latvia – Wikipedia). Latvia is a member of the European Union and has a parliamentary republic government system (LATVIA IN BRIEF, Latvia: Introduction).
Analysis
The claim that "Latvia is a country in Northern Europe" is supported by multiple reliable sources. The BBC describes Latvia as being situated in northeastern Europe, confirming its geographical classification. Furthermore, the Wikipedia entry on Latvia explicitly states that it lies in Northern Europe, reinforcing the accuracy of the claim.
The sources used are credible and well-regarded. The information from the U.S. Department of State in the document "LATVIA IN BRIEF" is particularly reliable as it is produced by a government entity that provides factual data about countries (LATVIA IN BRIEF). Wikipedia, while user-edited, is generally reliable for geographical and political information, especially when corroborated by other sources (Latvia – Wikipedia).
In summary, the geographical classification of Latvia as a Northern European country is consistent across various authoritative sources, including government publications and reputable news outlets.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Latvia is a country in Northern Europe is accurate. It is consistently supported by multiple credible sources that confirm its geographical location and status as a sovereign nation.