Ventspils
Ventspils is a city in northwestern Latvia, on the coast of the Baltic Sea. It is named after the Venta river, which passes through the city. Ventspils's population was estimated in 2004 to be about 39,600.
Ventspils is an important ice-free port. Large amounts of oil and other mineral resources from Russia are loaded aboard ships at Ventspils. The revenue from port services has made Ventspils the wealthiest city in Latvia.
The city has a university college, Venstpils Augstskola, and a basketball team that has won Latvian championship for last several years.
Ventspils was first mentioned in chronicles in 1290. Called Windau at that time, it was a part of the Hanseatic League.
Ventspils Airport, one of the three in Latvia, is located in the city.
See also
