Liepāja
Liepāja (pronounced [liepaːja] ⓘ) is a state city in western Latvia, located on the Baltic Sea. It is the largest city in the Kurzeme Region and the third-largest in the country after Riga and Daugavpils. It is an important ice-free port.
Liepāja | |
|---|---|
State city | |
Aerial view | |
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Flag Coat of arms | |
| Anthem: Pilsētā, kurā piedzimst vējš "The City where the Wind is Born" | |
Liepāja Location of Liepāja in Latvia Liepāja Liepāja (Europe) | |
| Coordinates: 56°30′42″N 21°00′50″E | |
| Country | Latvia |
| Town rights | 1625 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Gunārs Ansiņš (Liepājas partija) |
| Area | |
| • State city | 68.02 km2 (26.26 sq mi) |
| • Land | 51.33 km2 (19.82 sq mi) |
| • Water | 16.69 km2 (6.44 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 14 m (46 ft) |
| Population (2023) | |
| • State city | 67,088 |
| • Density | 990/km2 (2,600/sq mi) |
| • Metro | 100,724 (with South Kurzeme Municipality) |
| GDP | |
| • State city | €1.052 billion (2021) |
| • Per capita | €15,700 (2021) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+3 (EEST) |
| Postal code | LV-34(01-13); LV-3414; LV-34(16–17) |
| Calling code | +371 634 |
| Number of city council members | 15 |
| Climate | Cfb |
| Website | www |
In the 19th and early 20th century, it was a favourite place for sea-bathers and travellers, with the town boasting a fine park, many pretty gardens and a theatre. Liepāja is however known throughout Latvia as "City where the wind is born", likely because of the constant sea breeze. A song of the same name (Latvian: "Pilsētā, kurā piedzimst vējš") was composed by Imants Kalniņš and has become the anthem of the city. Its reputation as the windiest city in Latvia was strengthened with the construction of the largest wind farm in the nation (33 Enercon wind turbines) nearby.
Liepāja is chosen as the European Capital of Culture in 2027.