Officially the Republic of Latvia (Latvian: Latvijas Republika), is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by Estonia, to the south by Lithuania, to the east by the Russian Federation, and to the southeast by Belarus. The Latvian national coat of arms was formed after the proclamation of an independent Republic of Latvia on November 18, 1918, and was officially adopted on June 16, 1921. The sun in the upper part of the coat of arms symbolises Latvian national statehood. The three stars above the coat of arms embody the idea of the inclusion of historical districts (Vidzeme, Latgale and combined Courland-Semigalia (Kurzeme-Zemgale) into the united Latvia. Culturally historical regions are also chraacterised by older heraldic figures, which already appeared in the 17th century. Courland and Semigalia (Western Latvia) are symbolised by a red lion, which appears as early as 1569 in the coat of arms of the former Duke of Courland and Semigalia. The read lion is a Lion Rampant, depicted in profile standing erect with forepaws raised. The Lion is a common charge in heraldry. It traditionally symbolises bravery, valour, strength, and royalty, since traditionally, it is regarded as the king of beasts. Vidzeme and Latgale (Eastern Latvia) are symbolised by the legendary winged silver creature with an eagle's head, a griffin. a legendary creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. As the lion was traditionally considered the king of the beasts and the eagle was the king of the birds, the griffin was thought to be an especially powerful and majestic creature. Griffins are known for guarding treasure and priceless possessions. In heraldry, the griffin's amalgamation of lion and eagle gains in courage and boldness, and it is always drawn to powerful fierce monsters. It is used to denote strength and military courage and leadership.