History

Russia invades Ukraine. Latvia declares state of emergency along its border with Belarus over sharp climb in illegal border-crossing attempts.

Nato reinforces its presence in the Baltic states.

Latvia joins the eurozone.

Referendum on giving Russian joint official language status rejected by a large margin.

New citizenship law requires applicants to pass Latvian language test.

Latvia joins European Union and Nato.

Vaira Vike-Freiberga is elected president - the first woman president in eastern Europe.

Last Russian troops leave.

Referendum produces large majority in favour of independence. Parliament declares the full restoration of independence.

First major anti-Soviet demonstrations held by nationalist and environmental activists.

Soviet Army returns, heralding further waves of deportations and repression of resistance to Soviet rule.

Nazi Germany invades. Some 70,000 Latvian Jews are killed by Nazi death squads and Latvian paramilitary units.

Soviet Union annexes Latvia, along with neighbouring Estonia and Latvia. Mass deportations to Siberia and Central Asia.

Prime minister Karlis Ulmanis seizes power following succession of unstable governments.

Peace treaty with Soviet Russia.

Latvia fights to establish its independence against the Soviet Russian and German armies.

Following the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk between Russia and Germany in March and the Allied armistice with Germany in November, Latvian National Council proclaims independence.

Latvia is under Russian rule.