Riga is the capital of the Republic of Latvia and the geographical centre of the Baltic States. The city’s cross-roads location between Western Europe and huge Eastern markets has always been - and still is - one of Riga’s attractions for business activities. The city is situated on both banks of the river Daugava near the Gulf of Riga. Its territory covers approximately 307 square kilometres. The population totalled 815 000 in January 1998. Almost a million people live in the Riga region, which amounts to more than a third of Latvia’s total population. Like elsewhere around the Baltic sea, the climate in Riga is determined by prevailing air masses from the Atlantic ocean and the influence of the Baltic Sea itself. That is the reason why summers are slightly cooler and winters are milder than those of inland areas. The air humidity (80%) also is higher than in continental areas. Normally March is the driest mont and July the most rainy. Snow cover is usually sus tained for a short period, however, it can occasiona ly reach up to 20 centimetres. The windiest season is autumn. Average temperature is -4.9°C in January and +16.9°C in July. The air temperature is usually a little higher in the central part of the city. (fragment)