For the uninitiated, Latvia, located in northeastern Europe, is one of the continent’s most beautiful countries. Riga, situated on the Daugava River, is a major seaport and a cultural and industrial center. The old town of Riga, a UNESCO World Heritage site, contains several medieval structures, including a 13th-century cathedral and guild halls from the 14th century. The city is the seat of the country's largest university and of the Latvian Academies of Art and Sciences, as well as several graduate programs in law and economics. It also has a multitude of cultural institutions, including an acclaimed opera, a symphony orchestra, several theaters, and museums.