Baldone

an urban-type settlement in Riga Raion, Latvian SSR, located 33 km southeast of Riga and 16 km from the nearest railroad station of Ikshkile. In 1969 its population was 1,900. Knitted goods and plastic products are manufactured. Baldone is a mineral spa and mud-bath resort which has been famous since the 18th century. The observatory of the Academy of Sciences of the Latvian SSR is located nearby. Summers are moderately warm with average July temperatures of about 18° C, and winters are mild with average January temperatures of -5° C. Annual precipitation averages about 650 mm. The spa’s therapeutic resources are peat mud and mineral waters containing small amounts of hydrogen sulfide, which are used for baths. Persons with nontubercular ailments of the organs of motion, disorders of the nervous system, gynecological disorders, and certain cardiovascular ailments accompanied by poor circulation of the first degree are treated here. There are sanatoriums, a bathhouse, and a hydropathic clinic. The spa is open all year.