Jelgava is a state city located in central Latvia, situated approximately 41 kilometres southwest of the capital, Riga. It serves as the largest town within the Semigallia region.
Historically, the city held significant administrative importance as the capital of the united Duchy of Courland and Semigallia from 1578 to 1795. Following this period, it functioned as the administrative center of the Courland Governorate until 1918.