Latvia To Become Newest Eurozone Member

Latvia is due to become the newest member of the eurozone at the start of the New Year.

The country will become the 18th member of the eurozone at the stroke of midnight in Riga.

The euro will replace the country's current, the lat, though both currencies will be legal tender for the first 14 days of the new year before the lat is dropped.

Latvians are reported to have mixed feelings about the currency change, with polls this month showing just a quarter of the population is excited about starting to use euros.

The main concern is rising prices amid already severe austerity cuts.

Based on reporting by AFP and Euronews.com