Balvi

In today's world, Balvi continues to be a relevant topic that arouses interest and debate in society. With the advancement of technology and globalization, Balvi has taken a fundamental role in people's daily lives. From its impact on the economy to its influence on interpersonal relationships, Balvi has become a recurring topic of conversation in different areas. Throughout history, Balvi has evolved and adapted to political, social and cultural changes, generating a wide range of perspectives and opinions on the matter. In this article, we will explore different aspects related to Balvi, analyzing its importance and impact on today's society.

Balvi
Latgalian: Bolvi
Town
Bērzpils street in Balvi
Bērzpils street in Balvi
Flag of Balvi
Flag
Coat of arms of Balvi
Coat of arms
Balvi is located in Latvia
Balvi
Balvi
Location in Latvia
Coordinates: 57°8′N 27°15′E / 57.133°N 27.250°E / 57.133; 27.250
Country Latvia
MunicipalityBalvi Municipality
Town rights1928
Area
[1]
 • Total
5.07 km2 (1.96 sq mi)
 • Land5.01 km2 (1.93 sq mi)
 • Water0.06 km2 (0.02 sq mi)
Elevation
113 m (371 ft)
Population
 (2024)[2]
 • Total
5,584
 • Density1,100/km2 (2,900/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+2 (EET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+3 (EEST)
Postal code
LV-4501
Calling code+371 645
Number of municipal council members15
Websitewww.balvi.lv

Balvi (pronunciationⓘ, Latgalian: Bolvi, Polish Bołowsk) is a town in the Balvi Municipality in the Latgale region of Latvia. It was the administrative seat of the district of the same name since 1949; prior to the occupation of Latvia, it was part of Abrene County. The name derives from the stream Bolupīte and the adjacent lake.

History

The first mention of Balvi dates back to 1224. A small wooden church and manor were constructed on the estate of a Polish noblewoman Konstancija Hilsena at the site ca. 1765. When Latgale came under Russian rule in 1772, the estate was granted to the Yelagin family by Catherine II. In 1806, it was passed to the Horozhinsky family, and in 1876, the estate was purchased by the Baltic German Transehe-Roseneck family. The village was separated from the estate in 1915, and Balvi received town rights in 1928, ten years after Latvia proclaimed its independence.

Most of the town's Jews (around 21% of the population) perished in the Stahlecker phase of the Holocaust in August 1941. The retreating Germans set fire to Balvi in July 1944, and the town was rebuilt according to Soviet plans from 1945. Balvi was a center of the Singing Revolution and is vital to Latgalian culture today.[citation needed] The town library in particular is the focus of many cultural events.

Demographics of Balvi

Demographics in Balvi
Latvians
 
 75.26%
Russians
 
 23.27%
Belarusians
 
 1.16%
Ukrainians
 
 1.7%
Poles
 
 1.4%
Roma
 
 0.4%
Germans
 
 0.31%
Others
 
 3.48%

Notable people

References

  1. ^ "Reģionu, novadu, pilsētu un pagastu kopējā un sauszemes platība gada sākumā". Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  2. ^ "Iedzīvotāju skaits pēc tautības reģionos, pilsētās, novados, pagastos, apkaimēs un blīvi apdzīvotās teritorijās gada sākumā (pēc administratīvi teritoriālās reformas 2021. gadā)". Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia. Retrieved 19 June 2024.