Description

In 2018 Latvia commemorates the centennial of its independence and issues a series of four commemorative 2 Euro coins dedicated to the historic regions that make up the country.

The fourth coins of the series dedicated to the Semigallia, also spelled Semigalia, (Latvian: Zemgale). It is one of the four historical and cultural regions of Latvia recognised in the Constitution of the Latvian Republic. It lies in the middle of the southern part of Latvia.

Semigallia is recognized along with Selonia as one region, although sometimes Selonia is perceived as a separate fifth region. Also on the coat of arms of Latvia Semigallia is represented along with Courland (Kurzeme), due to the historical connection between the two regions. Semigallia borders other historical Baltic regions such as Vidzeme (southern part of former Swedish Livonia) to the northeast, Lithuanian Samogitia to the south, Courland to the west and Latgale to the east as well as Gulf of Riga to the north. The geography of Semigallia consists mostly of plains and some hills. The Lielupe is the most important river after the Daugava. The major town is Jelgava (German: Mitau), the former capital of the united Duchy of Courland and Semigallia.