GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION

Valka is the centre of Valka district.It is located in the northern part of Latvia on the border with the Republic of Estonia.

The territory of the town is 14,2 sq. km, the greatest part of it is covered by meadows and forests. The centre with administrative and town service institutions, trading companies and living houses is situated close to the border with the town Valga, Estonia.

The population of Valka is 6500. The distance from Riga – 160 km.

Valka has been developing on the banks of the Pedele river. Since 1369 Valka is considered to be a village, in 1424 it became a small town, and only in 1584 it was granted the town rights.

During the wars of the 16th – 18th centuries Valka was destroyed several times. Only four inhabitants had remained alive after the Swedish – Polish war in 1627.

In the second half of the 19th century Valka became an importants railway junction, connecting Riga, Pskov, Tartu.

It promoted development of the town and increased the number of population.In 1849 Vidzeme Parish Teacher Seminary was founded in Valka by Janis Cimze.The Seminary greatly contributed to the development of culture and education in Latvia and Estonia.

After World War I the independent republics of Latvia and Estonia were founded.In 1920 the border between the two countries was set up, thus Valka was divided into two parts, leaving the railway station, the industrial centre and administration institutions to the Estonia part of the town. Only around 100 living – houses remained in Latvia, mostly in the southern part of the town. In 1922 Valka regained the town rights becoming the centre of the county.