Liepaja - Definition and Overview

Liepāja (Polish Lipawa, German Libau, Russian Либава Libava or Лиепая Liyepaya, Yiddish ליבאַװע Libave; population 89,448 in 2000 census) is a city in Latvia, on the Baltic sea. Fishermen founded the city in 1253. It's name was first recorded in 1263, and it passed, along with Courland, to the control of Russia in 1795.

Liepaja has historical military importance. The Soviet seaport Karosta is now open for visitors, not only for people interested in the Soviet history, but also for the cathedral undergoing restoration. The city now hosts Latvia's largest naval flotilla.

Some parts of Liepaja have a "special economic zone" designation to attract investors.

Liepaja International Airport, one of the three international airports in Latvia, is located in Liepaja.

Notable natives

• Maris Verpakovskis
• The father of Oliver Kahn
• Morris Halle

External links

• www.liepaja.lv - official website
• Virtual Liepaja (http://www.virtualliepaja.lv/) - news in Latvian
• www.liepajniekiem.lv - news in Latvian
• http://dmoz.org/Regional/Europe/Latvia/Localities/Liepaja/