The Livs in Latvia and the Law

Abstract

While Europe is crowded with national, ethnic, linguistic and religious minorities, only a handful of indigenous peoples still live on the continent. Among them are the Sami of Finland, Norway, Russia and Sweden; the Circassians, Inuit, Komi and Nenets of Russia; and the Crimean Tatars, Karaites and Krymchaks of Ukraine. These groups are considered indigenous on the basis of self-identification, original or early settlement on the territories where they live, and long histories and cultures which differ significantly from the majority of populations. The Livs of Latvia also belong to the list.