Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Latvia
Latvijas Republika
CapitalRiga
Population1,847,785
GDP$48.6bn
Area64,594 km²
RegionEurope & Central Asia
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:10 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
Several eastern Baltic tribes merged in medieval times to form the ethnic core of the Latvian people (ca. 8th-12th centuries A.D.). The region subsequently came under the control of Germans, Poles, Swedes, and finally Russians. A Latvian republic emerged following World War I, but the USSR annexed it in 1940 -- an action never recognized by the US and many other countries. Latvia reestablished its independence in 1991 after the breakup of the Soviet Union. Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status of the Russian minority (some 25% of the population) remains of concern to Moscow. Latvia joined both NATO and the EU in 2004; it joined the euro zone in 2014 and the OECD in 2016.
Reference: 2016, 2014, 2004, 1994Geography
Location
Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and Lithuania
Map references
Europe
Area
total: 64,589 sq km
land: 62,249 sq km
water: 2,340 sq km
land: 62,249 sq km
water: 2,340 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly larger than West Virginia
Land boundaries
total: 1,370 km
border countries: Belarus 161 km; Estonia 333 km; Lithuania 544 km; Russia 332 km
border countries: Belarus 161 km; Estonia 333 km; Lithuania 544 km; Russia 332 km
Coastline
498 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: limits as agreed to by Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Russia
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation
exclusive economic zone: limits as agreed to by Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Russia
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Climate
maritime; wet, moderate winters
Terrain
low plain
Elevation
highest point: Gaizina Kalns 312 m
lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 87 m
lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 87 m
Natural resources
peat, limestone, dolomite, amber, hydropower, timber, arable land
Land use
agricultural land: 31.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 21.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 9.7% (2023 est.)
forest: 55.5% (2023 est.)
other: 12.8% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 21.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 9.7% (2023 est.)
forest: 55.5% (2023 est.)
other: 12.8% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
6 sq km (2016)
note: note: land in Latvia is often too wet and in need of drainage not irrigation; approximately 16,000 sq km or 85% of agricultural land has been improved by drainage
Reference: 2016note: note: land in Latvia is often too wet and in need of drainage not irrigation; approximately 16,000 sq km or 85% of agricultural land has been improved by drainage
Population distribution
largest concentration of people is found in and around the port and capital city of Riga; small agglomerations are scattered throughout the country
Natural hazards
large percentage of agricultural fields can become waterlogged and require drainage
Geography - note
most of the country is composed of fertile low-lying plains with some hills in the east
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Latvian(s)
adjective: Latvian
adjective: Latvian
Ethnic groups
Latvian 62.7%, Russian 24.5%, Belarusian 3.1%, Ukrainian 2.2%, Polish 2%, Lithuanian 1.1%, other 1.8%, unspecified 2.6% (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Languages
Languages: Latvian (official) 56.3%, Russian 33.8%, other 0.6% (includes Polish, Ukrainian, and Belarusian), unspecified 9.4% (2011 est.)
major-language sample(s): World Factbook, neaizstājams avots pamata informāciju. (Latvian)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
note: note: data represent language usually spoken at home
Reference: 2011major-language sample(s): World Factbook, neaizstājams avots pamata informāciju. (Latvian)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
note: note: data represent language usually spoken at home
Religions
Lutheran 36.2%, Roman Catholic 19.5%, Orthodox 19.1%, other Christian 1.6%, other 0.1%, unspecified/none 23.5% (2017 est.)
Reference: 2017Age structure
0-14 years: 14.7% (male 136,482/female 128,492)
15-64 years: 63% (male 562,754/female 572,850)
65 years and over: 22.2% (2024 est.) (male 137,746/female 262,922)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 63% (male 562,754/female 572,850)
65 years and over: 22.2% (2024 est.) (male 137,746/female 262,922)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 55.6 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 23.5 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 32.1 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 3.1 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 23.5 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 32.1 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 3.1 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 45.5 years (2024 est.)
male: 41.6 years
female: 49.2 years
Reference: 2024male: 41.6 years
female: 49.2 years
Population growth rate
-1.14% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
8.3 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
14.7 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
largest concentration of people is found in and around the port and capital city of Riga; small agglomerations are scattered throughout the country
Major urban areas - population
621,000 RIGA (capital) (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.52 male(s)/female
total population: 0.87 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.52 male(s)/female
total population: 0.87 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
27.3 years (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Maternal mortality ratio
19 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
0.76 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 98.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 98.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 98.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 1.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 1.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 1.1% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 98.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 98.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 1.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 1.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 1.1% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 9% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 12.1% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 12.1% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
3.4 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Hospital bed density
5.3 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Obesity - adult prevalence rate
23.6% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 12.9 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 4.9 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 1.7 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 5.3 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 1 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 4.9 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 1.7 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 5.3 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 1 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 28.8% (2025 est.)
male: 43.5% (2025 est.)
female: 16.4% (2025 est.)
male: 43.5% (2025 est.)
female: 16.4% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
0.3% (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Currently married women (ages 15-49)
49.1% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 16 years (2023 est.)
male: 15 years (2023 est.)
female: 17 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 15 years (2023 est.)
female: 17 years (2023 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 49,483 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 173,891 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024stateless persons: 173,891 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of government | Evika Siliņa | — | 2023-09-15 | Current | Reported |
| Head of state | Edgars Rinkēvičs | — | 2023-07-08 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of Latvia
conventional short form: Latvia
local long form: Latvijas Republika
local short form: Latvija
former: Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic (while occupied by the USSR)
etymology: the name originates from the Latgalians, one of four eastern Baltic tribes that formed the ethnic core of the Latvian people (ca. 8th-12th centuries A.D.)
conventional short form: Latvia
local long form: Latvijas Republika
local short form: Latvija
former: Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic (while occupied by the USSR)
etymology: the name originates from the Latgalians, one of four eastern Baltic tribes that formed the ethnic core of the Latvian people (ca. 8th-12th centuries A.D.)
Capital
name: Riga
geographic coordinates: 56 57 N, 24 06 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
etymology: the name's origin is unclear; it may derive from the Old Lithuanian word ringa, meaning "bend" or "curve" and referring to the city's location on the Western Dvina River; alternatively, it may come from the Latvian word ridzina, meaning "stream"
geographic coordinates: 56 57 N, 24 06 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
etymology: the name's origin is unclear; it may derive from the Old Lithuanian word ringa, meaning "bend" or "curve" and referring to the city's location on the Western Dvina River; alternatively, it may come from the Latvian word ridzina, meaning "stream"
Administrative divisions
36 municipalities (novadi, singular - novads) and 7 state cities (valstpilsetu pasvaldibas, singular - valstspilsetas pasvaldiba)
municipalities: Adazi, Aizkraukle, Aluksne, Augsdaugava, Balvi, Bauska, Cesis, Dienvidkurzeme, Dobele, Gulbene, Jekabpils, Jelgava, Kekava, Kraslava, Kuldiga, Limbazi, Livani, Ludza, Madona, Marupe, Ogre, Olaine, Preili, Rezekne, Ropazi, Salaspils, Saldus, Saulkrasti, Sigulda, Smiltene, Talsi, Tukums, Valka, Valmiera, Varaklani, Ventspils
cities: Daugavpils, Jelgava, Jurmala, Liepaja, Rezekne, Riga, Ventspils
municipalities: Adazi, Aizkraukle, Aluksne, Augsdaugava, Balvi, Bauska, Cesis, Dienvidkurzeme, Dobele, Gulbene, Jekabpils, Jelgava, Kekava, Kraslava, Kuldiga, Limbazi, Livani, Ludza, Madona, Marupe, Ogre, Olaine, Preili, Rezekne, Ropazi, Salaspils, Saldus, Saulkrasti, Sigulda, Smiltene, Talsi, Tukums, Valka, Valmiera, Varaklani, Ventspils
cities: Daugavpils, Jelgava, Jurmala, Liepaja, Rezekne, Riga, Ventspils
Legal system
civil law system with traces of socialist legal traditions and practices
Constitution
history: several previous (pre-1991 independence); after independence was restored in 1991, parts of the 1922 constitution were reintroduced on 4 May 1990 and fully reintroduced on 6 July 1993
amendment process: proposed by two thirds of Parliament members or by petition of one tenth of qualified voters submitted through the president; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of Parliament in each of three readings; amendment of constitutional articles, including national sovereignty, language, the parliamentary electoral system, and constitutional amendment procedures, requires passage in a referendum by majority vote of at least one half of the electorate
Reference: 1993, 1991, 1990, 1922amendment process: proposed by two thirds of Parliament members or by petition of one tenth of qualified voters submitted through the president; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of Parliament in each of three readings; amendment of constitutional articles, including national sovereignty, language, the parliamentary electoral system, and constitutional amendment procedures, requires passage in a referendum by majority vote of at least one half of the electorate
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Latvia
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Latvia
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: President Edgars RINKEVICS (since 8 July 2023)
head of government: Prime Minister Evika SILINA (since 15 September 2023)
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers nominated by the prime minister, appointed by Parliament
election/appointment process: president indirectly elected by Parliament for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister appointed by the president, confirmed by Parliament
most recent election date: 31 May 2023
election results: 2023: Edgars RINKEVICS elected president in the third round; Parliament vote - Edgars RINKEVICS (Unity Party) 52, Uldis Pīlēns (independent) 25; Evika SILINA confirmed as prime minister 53-39
2019: Egils LEVITS elected president; Parliament vote - Egils LEVITS (independent) 61, Didzis SMITS (KPV LV) 24, Juris JANSONS (independent) 8; Krisjanis KARINS confirmed as prime minister 61-39
expected date of next election: 2027
Reference: 2027, 2023, 2019head of government: Prime Minister Evika SILINA (since 15 September 2023)
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers nominated by the prime minister, appointed by Parliament
election/appointment process: president indirectly elected by Parliament for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister appointed by the president, confirmed by Parliament
most recent election date: 31 May 2023
election results: 2023: Edgars RINKEVICS elected president in the third round; Parliament vote - Edgars RINKEVICS (Unity Party) 52, Uldis Pīlēns (independent) 25; Evika SILINA confirmed as prime minister 53-39
2019: Egils LEVITS elected president; Parliament vote - Egils LEVITS (independent) 61, Didzis SMITS (KPV LV) 24, Juris JANSONS (independent) 8; Krisjanis KARINS confirmed as prime minister 61-39
expected date of next election: 2027
Legislative branch
legislature name: Parliament (Saeima)
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 100 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 10/1/2022
parties elected and seats per party: New Unity (VIENOTIBA) (26); Union of Farmers and Greens (ZZS) (16); United List - Latvian Green Party, Latvian Regional Alliance, Liepāja Party (15); National Alliance of All for Latvia!" - "For Fatherland and Freedom / LNNK" (NA) (13); For Stability! (11); Progressives (10); Latvia First (9)
percentage of women in chamber: 31%
expected date of next election: October 2026
Reference: 2026, 2022legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 100 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 10/1/2022
parties elected and seats per party: New Unity (VIENOTIBA) (26); Union of Farmers and Greens (ZZS) (16); United List - Latvian Green Party, Latvian Regional Alliance, Liepāja Party (15); National Alliance of All for Latvia!" - "For Fatherland and Freedom / LNNK" (NA) (13); For Stability! (11); Progressives (10); Latvia First (9)
percentage of women in chamber: 31%
expected date of next election: October 2026
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the Senate with 36 judges); Constitutional Court (consists of 7 judges)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by chief justice and confirmed by the Saeima; judges serve until age 70, but term can be extended 2 years; Constitutional Court judges - 3 nominated by Saeima members, 2 by Cabinet ministers, and 2 by plenum of Supreme Court; all judges confirmed by Saeima majority vote; Constitutional Court president and vice president serve in their positions for 3 years; all judges serve 10-year terms; mandatory retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: district (city) and regional courts
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by chief justice and confirmed by the Saeima; judges serve until age 70, but term can be extended 2 years; Constitutional Court judges - 3 nominated by Saeima members, 2 by Cabinet ministers, and 2 by plenum of Supreme Court; all judges confirmed by Saeima majority vote; Constitutional Court president and vice president serve in their positions for 3 years; all judges serve 10-year terms; mandatory retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: district (city) and regional courts
Political parties
For Stability or S!
For Latvia's Development or LA
Harmony or S
Honor to Serve Riga! or GKR
Latvia First or LPV
National Alliance or NA
New Unity or JV
People. Land. Statehood. or TZV
The Progressives or PRO
Union of Greens and Farmers or ZZS
United List or AS
We for Talsi and Municipality or MTuN
For Latvia's Development or LA
Harmony or S
Honor to Serve Riga! or GKR
Latvia First or LPV
National Alliance or NA
New Unity or JV
People. Land. Statehood. or TZV
The Progressives or PRO
Union of Greens and Farmers or ZZS
United List or AS
We for Talsi and Municipality or MTuN
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Elita KUZMA (since 18 September 2024)
chancery: 2306 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 328-2840
FAX: [1] (202) 328-2860
email address and website: embassy.usa@mfa.gov.lv
https://www2.mfa.gov.lv/en/usa
Reference: 2024chancery: 2306 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 328-2840
FAX: [1] (202) 328-2860
email address and website: embassy.usa@mfa.gov.lv
https://www2.mfa.gov.lv/en/usa
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Christopher ROBINSON (since 21 February 2023)
embassy: 1 Samnera Velsa Street (former Remtes), Riga LV-1510
mailing address: 4520 Riga Place, Washington DC 20521-4520
telephone: [371] 6710-7000
FAX: [371] 6710-7050
email address and website: askconsular-riga@state.gov
https://lv.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2023embassy: 1 Samnera Velsa Street (former Remtes), Riga LV-1510
mailing address: 4520 Riga Place, Washington DC 20521-4520
telephone: [371] 6710-7000
FAX: [371] 6710-7050
email address and website: askconsular-riga@state.gov
https://lv.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
Australia Group, BA, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
18 November 1918 (from Soviet Russia); 4 May 1990 (declared from the Soviet Union); 6 September 1991 (recognized by the Soviet Union)
Reference: 1991, 1990, 1918National holiday
Independence Day (Republic of Latvia Proclamation Day), 18 November (1918)
note: note: 18 November 1918 was the date Latvia established its statehood and independence from Soviet Russia; 4 May 1990 was the date it declared the restoration of statehood and independence from the Soviet Union
Reference: 1990, 1918note: note: 18 November 1918 was the date Latvia established its statehood and independence from Soviet Russia; 4 May 1990 was the date it declared the restoration of statehood and independence from the Soviet Union
Flag
description: three horizontal bands of maroon (top), white (half-width), and maroon
history: the flag is one of the older banners in the world -- a medieval chronicle mentions Latvian tribes using a red standard with a white stripe around 1280
history: the flag is one of the older banners in the world -- a medieval chronicle mentions Latvian tribes using a red standard with a white stripe around 1280
National symbol(s)
white wagtail (bird)
National color(s)
maroon, white
National anthem(s)
title: "Dievs, sveti Latviju!" (God Bless Latvia)
lyrics/music: Karlis BAUMANIS
history: adopted 1920, restored 1990; first performed in 1873 when Latvia was part of Russia; banned during the Soviet occupation from 1940 to 1990
Reference: 1990, 1940, 1920lyrics/music: Karlis BAUMANIS
history: adopted 1920, restored 1990; first performed in 1873 when Latvia was part of Russia; banned during the Soviet occupation from 1940 to 1990
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 3 (all cultural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Center of Riga; Struve Geodetic Arc; Old town of Kuldīga
selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Center of Riga; Struve Geodetic Arc; Old town of Kuldīga
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latvia official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saeima | — | 100 | — |
Economy
Economic overview
high-income EU and eurozone member; weak recovery following economic contraction, with slight increase in private consumption and uncertain trade environment; challenges from skilled-labor shortages, capital market access, large informal sector, and green and digital transitions
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $72.516 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $72.838 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $70.817 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $72.838 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $70.817 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $38,900 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $38,800 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $37,700 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $38,800 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $37,700 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 4.1% (2024 est.)
industry: 19.9% (2024 est.)
services: 63.1% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 19.9% (2024 est.)
services: 63.1% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 62.7% (2023 est.)
government consumption: 20.2% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 24.7% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: -0.1% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 66.5% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -70.2% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2023government consumption: 20.2% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 24.7% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: -0.1% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 66.5% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -70.2% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
wheat, milk, rapeseed, barley, oats, potatoes, rye, beans, peas, chicken (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
processed foods, processed wood products, textiles, processed metals, pharmaceuticals, railroad cars, synthetic fibers, electronics
Industrial production growth rate
-4% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
954,900 (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 12.5% (2024 est.)
male: 13% (2024 est.)
female: 11.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 13% (2024 est.)
female: 11.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
22.5% (2022 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2022note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2022: 33.7 (2022 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2022note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Average household expenditures
on food: 19.6% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 7.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023on alcohol and tobacco: 7.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 2.6% (2022 est.)
highest 10%: 25.8% (2022 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2022highest 10%: 25.8% (2022 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 3.1% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 2.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 3.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 2.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 3.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $14.58 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $15.432 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2023expenditures: $15.432 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2017: 36.3% of GDP (2017 est.)
note: note: data cover general government debt, and includes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities, including sub-sectors of central government, state government, local government, and social security funds
Reference: 2017note: note: data cover general government debt, and includes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities, including sub-sectors of central government, state government, local government, and social security funds
Taxes and other revenues
16.7% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$923.266 million (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$1.663 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$2.082 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$1.663 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$2.082 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $28.117 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $28.294 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $29.364 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $28.294 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $29.364 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Lithuania 19%, Estonia 6%, Russia 6%, Germany 6%, Sweden 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
wood, wheat, broadcasting equipment, packaged medicine, natural gas (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $29.234 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $29.875 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $31.206 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $29.875 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $31.206 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Lithuania 18%, Germany 11%, Poland 10%, Estonia 8%, Finland 5% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, packaged medicine, broadcasting equipment, natural gas (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $5.141 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $4.957 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $4.46 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $4.957 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $4.46 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: euros (EUR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 0.924 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 0.925 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 0.95 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 0.845 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 0.876 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 0.924 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 0.925 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 0.95 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 0.845 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 0.876 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$923.266 million (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$1.663 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$2.082 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$1.663 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$2.082 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $28.117 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $28.294 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $29.364 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $28.294 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $29.364 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Lithuania 19%, Estonia 6%, Russia 6%, Germany 6%, Sweden 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
wood, wheat, broadcasting equipment, packaged medicine, natural gas (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $29.234 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $29.875 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $31.206 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $29.875 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $31.206 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Lithuania 18%, Germany 11%, Poland 10%, Estonia 8%, Finland 5% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, packaged medicine, broadcasting equipment, natural gas (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 3.428 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 6.822 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 3.271 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 4.075 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 342.238 million kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 6.822 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 3.271 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 4.075 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 342.238 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 22.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 3.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 4.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 59.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 10.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 3.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 4.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 59.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 10.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
consumption: 20,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 12,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 39,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023exports: 12,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 39,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 2,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 33,000 bbl/day (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023refined petroleum consumption: 33,000 bbl/day (2024 est.)
Natural gas
consumption: 786.523 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 786.523 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023imports: 786.523 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 65.908 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 142,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 8 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 8 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
19 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 9% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 12.1% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 12.1% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
3.4 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Hospital bed density
5.3 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Obesity - adult prevalence rate
23.6% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 28.8% (2025 est.)
male: 43.5% (2025 est.)
female: 16.4% (2025 est.)
male: 43.5% (2025 est.)
female: 16.4% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 16 years (2023 est.)
male: 15 years (2023 est.)
female: 17 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 15 years (2023 est.)
female: 17 years (2023 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
civil law system with traces of socialist legal traditions and practices
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the Senate with 36 judges); Constitutional Court (consists of 7 judges)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by chief justice and confirmed by the Saeima; judges serve until age 70, but term can be extended 2 years; Constitutional Court judges - 3 nominated by Saeima members, 2 by Cabinet ministers, and 2 by plenum of Supreme Court; all judges confirmed by Saeima majority vote; Constitutional Court president and vice president serve in their positions for 3 years; all judges serve 10-year terms; mandatory retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: district (city) and regional courts
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by chief justice and confirmed by the Saeima; judges serve until age 70, but term can be extended 2 years; Constitutional Court judges - 3 nominated by Saeima members, 2 by Cabinet ministers, and 2 by plenum of Supreme Court; all judges confirmed by Saeima majority vote; Constitutional Court president and vice president serve in their positions for 3 years; all judges serve 10-year terms; mandatory retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: district (city) and regional courts
Military & Security
Military and security forces
National Armed Forces (Nacionalie Brunotie Speki or NBS): Land Forces (Latvijas Sauszemes Speki), Naval Force (Latvijas Juras Speki, includes Coast Guard (Latvijas Kara Flote)), Air Force (Latvijas Gaisa Speki), National Guard (aka Land Guard or Zemessardze)
Ministry of Interior: State Police, State Border Guards, State Security Service (2025)
note: note: the State Border Guard may become part of the armed forces during an emergency
Ministry of Interior: State Police, State Border Guards, State Security Service (2025)
note: note: the State Border Guard may become part of the armed forces during an emergency
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2025: 3.7% of GDP (2025 est.)
Military Expenditures 2024: 3.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 2.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 2.2% of GDP (2021 est.)
Reference: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022Military Expenditures 2024: 3.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 2.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 2.2% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 9,000 active-duty military personnel (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the Latvian military's inventory consists of a mix of European and US weapons and equipment (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
18 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; 12 months mandatory military service for men 18-27 years of age (2024)
note: note 1: conscription was reintroduced in 2024
note 2: as of 2024, women comprised about 16.5% of the military's full-time personnel
Reference: 2024note: note 1: conscription was reintroduced in 2024
note 2: as of 2024, women comprised about 16.5% of the military's full-time personnel
Military deployments
140 Kosovo (KFOR/NATO) (2025)
Military - note
the National Armed Forces are responsible for the defense of the country’s sovereignty and territory; they also have some domestic security responsibilities, including coast guard functions, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance, and providing support to other internal security services; the Military Police provides protection to the president and other government officials, foreign dignitaries, and key facilities; Latvia’s primary external security focus is Russia
in 2004, Latvia joined NATO and the EU, both of which it depends on to play a decisive role in Latvia’s security policy; the Latvian military has participated in EU and NATO missions abroad and regularly conducts training and exercises with EU and NATO partner forces; Latvia also hosts NATO partner forces; since 2017, it has hosted a Canadian-led multinational NATO ground force battlegroup as part of the Alliance’s Enhanced Forward Presence initiative; in addition, NATO has provided air protection for Latvia since 2004 through its Baltics Air Policing mission
Latvia is a member of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force, a pool of high-readiness military forces from 10 Baltic and Scandinavian countries designed to respond to a wide range of contingencies in the North Atlantic, Baltic Sea, and High North regions (2025)
Reference: 2025, 2017, 2004in 2004, Latvia joined NATO and the EU, both of which it depends on to play a decisive role in Latvia’s security policy; the Latvian military has participated in EU and NATO missions abroad and regularly conducts training and exercises with EU and NATO partner forces; Latvia also hosts NATO partner forces; since 2017, it has hosted a Canadian-led multinational NATO ground force battlegroup as part of the Alliance’s Enhanced Forward Presence initiative; in addition, NATO has provided air protection for Latvia since 2004 through its Baltics Air Policing mission
Latvia is a member of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force, a pool of high-readiness military forces from 10 Baltic and Scandinavian countries designed to respond to a wide range of contingencies in the North Atlantic, Baltic Sea, and High North regions (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Elita KUZMA (since 18 September 2024)
chancery: 2306 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 328-2840
FAX: [1] (202) 328-2860
email address and website: embassy.usa@mfa.gov.lv
https://www2.mfa.gov.lv/en/usa
Reference: 2024chancery: 2306 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 328-2840
FAX: [1] (202) 328-2860
email address and website: embassy.usa@mfa.gov.lv
https://www2.mfa.gov.lv/en/usa
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Christopher ROBINSON (since 21 February 2023)
embassy: 1 Samnera Velsa Street (former Remtes), Riga LV-1510
mailing address: 4520 Riga Place, Washington DC 20521-4520
telephone: [371] 6710-7000
FAX: [371] 6710-7050
email address and website: askconsular-riga@state.gov
https://lv.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2023embassy: 1 Samnera Velsa Street (former Remtes), Riga LV-1510
mailing address: 4520 Riga Place, Washington DC 20521-4520
telephone: [371] 6710-7000
FAX: [371] 6710-7050
email address and website: askconsular-riga@state.gov
https://lv.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
Australia Group, BA, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) | member | 1991-09-10 |
| European Union (EU) | member | 2004-05-01 |
| NATO (NATO) | member | 2004-03-29 |
| OECD (OECD) | member | 2016-06-16 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1991-09-17 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | 1999-00-00 |
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
International organization participation
Australia Group, BA, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 49,483 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 173,891 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024stateless persons: 173,891 (2024 est.)
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
YL
Airports
55 (2025)
Heliports
5 (2025)
Railways
total: 2,216 km (2020) 257 km electrified
Reference: 2020Merchant marine
total: 83 (2023)
by type: container ship 2, general cargo 30, oil tanker 10, other 41
Reference: 2023by type: container ship 2, general cargo 30, oil tanker 10, other 41
Ports
total ports: 5 (2024)
large: 1
medium: 2
small: 0
very small: 2
ports with oil terminals: 3
key ports: Lielupe, Liepaja, Riga, Salacgriva, Ventspils
Reference: 2024large: 1
medium: 2
small: 0
very small: 2
ports with oil terminals: 3
key ports: Lielupe, Liepaja, Riga, Salacgriva, Ventspils
Environment
Environmental issues
some soil, water, and air pollution
International environmental agreements
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Reference: 2006signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
maritime; wet, moderate winters
Land use
agricultural land: 31.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 21.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 9.7% (2023 est.)
forest: 55.5% (2023 est.)
other: 12.8% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 21.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 9.7% (2023 est.)
forest: 55.5% (2023 est.)
other: 12.8% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 68.7% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: -0.68% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: -0.68% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 6.427 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 41,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 4.861 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 1.526 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 41,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 4.861 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 1.526 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
15.6 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 839,700 tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 31.3% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 31.3% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 91.945 million cubic meters (2022)
industrial: 30.291 million cubic meters (2022)
agricultural: 50.098 million cubic meters (2022)
Reference: 2022industrial: 30.291 million cubic meters (2022)
agricultural: 50.098 million cubic meters (2022)
Total renewable water resources
34.94 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 142,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 8 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 8 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
several national and regional commercial TV stations are foreign-owned, 2 national TV stations are publicly owned; system supplemented by privately owned regional and local TV stations; cable and satellite multi-channel TV services with domestic and foreign broadcasts available; publicly owned broadcaster operates 4 radio networks with dozens of stations; dozens of private broadcasters also operate radio stations
Internet country code
.lv
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1,959,537 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 1,942,248 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 1,927,174 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 1,913,822 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 1,900,449 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 1,884,490 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 1,879,383 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 1,883,710 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 1,866,124 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 1,847,785 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $27,117,105,060 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $29,391,059,767 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $33,247,935,477 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $33,099,503,951 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $33,379,927,435 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $38,183,326,785 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $38,003,198,509 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $42,779,550,937 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $44,001,275,013 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $48,618,869,160 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 239,422 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 220,471 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 181,952 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 186,182 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 184,708 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 183,414 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 183,282 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 175,523 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 166,868 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 161,014 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | -12,327 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -7,867 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -4,972 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -3,416 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | -3,147 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -280 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 22,027 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 7,966 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -2,225 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -7,330 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,847,785 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 1,835,935 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 1,845,096 | 2026 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 220,471 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 11.8% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 161,014 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -7,330 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees hosted | 664 | 2018 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Asylum seekers hosted | 45 | 2018 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 189 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 91 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.932 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 1.733 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 1.992 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 2.587 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 1.359 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 2.021 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 1.635 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Legal since 1992; + UN decl. sign. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | Yes Registered partnerships since 2024 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No Constitutional ban since 2006 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples, incl. stepchild adoption | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | Yes | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | Yes Legal change allowed but requires "full" transition and doctor's or court's approval. Sterilization required. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $48,618,869,160 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $26,312 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 2.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 3.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 6.6% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | High income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 76.4 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 1.2 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 68.6% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 92.7% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 62.6% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 67.2% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 129.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 99.9% | 2011 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 101.3% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 4.3% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 100.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 3,768 kWh/person | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 44.0% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 7.3% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 2.2 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 55.0% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 121.3 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 25.8 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 28,218 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 56.9465° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 24.1048° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 57.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 25.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00, UTC+03:00 | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | parliamentary republic, republic | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- Source: Eurostat (dataset/datacode: demo_pjan) Accessed September 19, 2026. Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics Database. Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 4.0 except where a dataset identifies a different source or licence. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:05:17