Independence was declared in 1918, following centuries of Swedish, Polish and Russian rule, when Latvia broke away from Russia in the aftermath of World War I.
Like the Channel Islands, Latvia was occupied by German forces during the Second World War.
Pictured: Riga old town, from the Latvia Travel website.
Independence day is marked each year in Latvia with a bank holiday and public celebrations. With a Latvian population living in Guernsey, a number of events are planned locally too.
Guernsey’s Honorary Consul of the Republic of Latvia, Lilite Kruze, has helped organise the events, including the lighting up of Castle Cornet.
That has been funded by Prime Paving Ltd with support from Guernsey Museums who made the arrangements.
Delighted to see this will be happening on Sunday to mark #LV100 – the centenary of the Latvia’s independence. Very appropriate given the importance of Latvian nationals in our community. @BaibaBraze
— Gavin St Pier (@gavinstpier) November 13, 2018
Deputy Gavin St Pier was among the local residents welcoming the decision to mark the Republic of Latvia’s centenary locally. He said it recognises the importance of Latvian nationals living in Guernsey.
Pictured top: Castle Cornet will be lit up tonight.
