A group of Latvians have put their country up for sale on the internet. The Baltic state has been badly affected by the global credit crunch, and they want a Russian billionaire, Roman Abramovich, to buy it.

lthough an absurd idea, 630 people have signed the petition, which is written in Abramovich's native – Russian language.

“As you may already know, my native country Latvia has gone bankrupt. Please consider buying out the Republic of Latvia: we have hard-working and compliant people, an ecologically clean territory and a lot of space to park your yacht,” the petition said.

So far, Abramovich hasn't taken up the offer. And it’s unlikely the Chelsea-owning business tycoon ever will.

Earlier this year pranksters in Latvia posted a similar petition, calling on Sweden to occupy the debt-laden Baltic state.