Latvia

Like its neighbors Estonia (to the north) and Lithuania (south), Latvia has frequently found itself embroiled in grand geopolitical struggles. It emerged as an independent republic from the Soviet shadow in the 1990s, and it joined the European Union barely a decade later. Riga, the capital, mingles modern and medieval architecture, but its suburbs are dreary with Soviet concrete. Latvians embrace the long northern winters with skiing and ice sculpture. In spring and summer, citizens head for the rugged coasts and their long stretches of sand. Jūrmala, 24 miles from the capital, is a thriving resort town. The countryside is well-stocked with stately castles and manors.