Riga, officially known as Riga State City, is the capital, primate city, and largest urban center of Latvia. It serves as the second-largest city in the Baltic region and houses approximately 588,911 inhabitants, representing one-third of the nation's total population. The surrounding metropolitan area extends beyond the city limits to an estimated population of 847,162.
Geographically, the city is situated on a flat and sandy plain at an elevation of 1–10 meters above sea level. It is located on the Gulf of Riga at the mouth of the Daugava river where it meets the Baltic Sea. The city covers a total territory of 307.17 km2 (118.60 sq mi).