Country Profile: Latvia

Latvia, located in Eastern Europe along the Baltic Sea, is bordered by Estonia and Lithuania. It has a diverse population of approximately 1.9 million people, with a significant Russian-speaking minority. The economy, classified as high-income, is recovering from previous contractions, facing challenges such as skilled-labor shortages and market access. Latvia operates as a parliamentary republic, having regained independence from Soviet rule in 1991 and now plays an active role in the EU and NATO.

Geography

Latvia features a maritime climate with moderate winters and is characterized by low-lying plains and fertile land. It shares land borders with four countries and has a coastline of nearly 500 km along the Baltic Sea. The nation possesses rich natural resources, including timber, peat, and arable land.

Area: 64,589 sq km, slightly larger than West Virginia
Land boundaries: 1,370 km with Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, and Russia
Forest cover: 55.5% of total land area (2023 est.)
Agricultural land: 31.7% of total land area (2023 est.)
Highest point: Gaizina Kalns at 312 m

People and Society

The population of Latvia is around 1.9 million, with a demographic diversity that includes a 24.5% Russian minority. The country has a relatively high median age of 43.8 years and a low population growth rate. The main language is Latvian, and the predominant religions are Lutheran and Roman Catholic.

Population (2025 est.): 1,888,439
Life expectancy: 76.4 years (2024 est.)
Urban population: 68.7% of total population (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 2.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.25 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Dependents ratio: 56.2% (2025 est.)

Economy

As a member of the EU and eurozone, Latvia has a high-income economy but is currently facing a challenging recovery. The economy is primarily driven by the services sector, which accounts for over 63% of GDP. Inflation and a large informal sector pose additional challenges.

GDP (2024 est.): $43.521 billion
GDP growth rate: 2.9% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate: 6.8% (2024 est.)
Labor force: 954,900 (2024 est.)
Exports: $28.117 billion (2024 est.)
Poverty rate: 22.5% below the national poverty line (2022 est.)

Government

Latvia is a parliamentary republic with a strong democratic tradition. Its capital, Riga, serves as the political and cultural center. Latvia's government is characterized by a unicameral legislature and an executive branch led by the president and prime minister, both elected by parliament.

Independence: 18 November 1918 (from Soviet Russia)
Current president: Edgars RINKEVICS (since 2023)
Parliament (Saeima): 100 members, elected for a 4-year term
Suffrage: Universal at age 18
Last parliamentary election: 1 October 2022

Military and Security

Latvia maintains a well-equipped military as a member of NATO, focusing on national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Mandatory military service includes all men aged 18-24, with voluntary enlistment for women. The military expenditures are increasing to meet security needs.

Active-duty personnel: Approximately 9,000 (2025)
Military expenditures: 3.7% of GDP (2025 est.)
Military service age: 18-24 years
NATO membership: Since 2004
Current deployments: 140 personnel in Kosovo (2025)

Energy

Latvia's energy sector is dominated by renewable sources, with hydroelectricity providing the majority of the installed capacity. The nation has achieved 100% electrification and continues to develop its energy infrastructure.

Electricity access: 100% of the population (2022 est.)
Installed capacity: 3.428 million kW (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita: 65.908 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Hydroelectricity source: 59.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Natural gas consumption: 786.523 million cubic meters (2023 est.)

Environment

Latvia faces environmental challenges, including some soil and air pollution, while managing significant forest and water resources. The country is a participant in multiple international environmental agreements to address climate change and biodiversity.

Total CO2 emissions: 6.427 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Forest cover: 55.5% of land area (2023 est.)
Urban population: 68.7% of total population (2023)
Waste recycling rate: 31.3% of municipal solid waste (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources: 34.94 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)

Transportation

Latvia has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, with multiple airports, railways, and a significant merchant marine fleet. The capital, Riga, hosts the largest airport, which serves as a key hub for international travel.

Airports: 55 (2025 est.)
Railway length: 2,216 km (2020)
Merchant marine: 83 vessels (2023)
Total ports: 5 (2024)
Telephones - mobile cellular: 2.27 million subscriptions (2024 est.)

Communications

Communications infrastructure is well-established, with high internet penetration and a robust mobile network. The majority of the population has access to modern telecommunications.

Internet users: 92% of the population (2023 est.)
Fixed broadband subscriptions: 489,000 (2023 est.)
Mobile cellular subscriptions: 2.27 million (2024 est.)
Telephones – fixed lines: 142,000 (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	1,888,439 (2025 est.)	Total population estimate for 2025
Area	64,589 sq km	Total area of the country
GDP	$43.521 billion (2024 est.)	Estimated GDP in current dollars
Energy consumption per capita	65.908 million Btu/person (2023 est.)	Energy consumption per person
Birth rate	7.24 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)	Birth rate estimate for 2025
Unemployment	6.8% (2024 est.)	Unemployment rate as a percentage of the labor force
Life expectancy	76.4 years (2024 est.)	Average life expectancy
Total fertility rate	1.25 children born/woman (2025 est.)	Average number of children born per woman
Literacy rate	Not specified	Data unavailable for literacy
Environmental waste recycling	31.3% (2022 est.)	Percentage of waste recycled