Country Profile: Latvia

Latvia, located in Eastern Europe along the Baltic Sea, has a rich history marked by periods of foreign domination and a quest for independence, which it regained in 1991. The country has a population of approximately 1.9 million, with significant urban concentration in its capital, Riga. Latvia's economy is classified as a high-income, EU and eurozone member, facing challenges such as skilled labor shortages and a large informal sector. Governed as a parliamentary republic, Latvia is a member of NATO and the EU, reinforcing its commitment to regional security and cooperation.

Geography

Latvia is situated in Eastern Europe, bordered by the Baltic Sea, Estonia to the north, and Lithuania to the south. The country covers an area of approximately 64,589 square kilometers, characterized by low-lying plains and a maritime climate that produces wet, moderate winters. Major natural resources include timber, hydropower, and fertile land well-suited for agriculture.

64,589 sq km: Total area of Latvia.
498 km: Length of Latvia's coastline.
31.7%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023).
55.5%: Percentage of forest cover in Latvia (2023).
2,340 sq km: Area covered by water bodies in Latvia.

People and Society

Latvia's estimated population stands at around 1.9 million, with a diverse ethnic composition including Latvians (62.7%) and a significant Russian minority (24.5%). The official language is Latvian, and the country displays a mix of Lutheran, Roman Catholic, and Orthodox Christian affiliations. The population is aging, with a median age of 43.8 years and a significant elderly demographic.

1,888,439: Estimated population in 2025.
68.7%: Urban population percentage (2023).
7.24: Birth rate per 1,000 population (2025).
76.4 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).
22.5%: Percentage of the population below the national poverty line (2022).

Economy

Latvia's economy is classified as a high-income, EU member state, recovering from previous contractions with ongoing challenges, including a large informal sector and the need for digital transitions. The services sector dominates, followed by industry and agriculture. Latvia's GDP per capita is approximately $38,900 as of 2024.

$43.521 billion: GDP (official exchange rate) for 2024.
3.4%: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP for 2024.
954,900: Labor force (2024).
6.8%: Unemployment rate (2024).
4.1%: Contribution of agriculture to GDP (2024).

Government

Latvia functions as a parliamentary republic with a President and a Prime Minister. The country is divided into 36 municipalities and boasts a unicameral legislative structure with 100 members elected through proportional representation. Latvia has made strides in democratic governance since re-establishing its independence in 1991.

Edgars RINKEVICS: President since 2023.
Evika SILINA: Prime Minister since 2023.
100: Seats in the Saeima (Parliament).
18 years: Minimum voting age.
3: Percent of women in the legislative chamber.

Military and Security

Latvia maintains a National Armed Forces that includes land, naval, and air components, with a focus on defense against potential threats, particularly from Russia. Military expenditures have increased to 3.7% of GDP, reflecting heightened regional security concerns.

3.7%: Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2025).
9,000: Active-duty military personnel (2025).
140: Military deployments in Kosovo (KFOR/NATO) (2025).
Mandatory military service for males aged 18-24.

Energy

Latvia’s energy sector is diverse, with a significant reliance on hydroelectric power, which accounts for nearly 60% of total electricity generation capacity. The country is fully electrified, with modern energy consumption patterns.

100%: Electrification rate of the total population (2022).
3.428 million kW: Installed generating capacity (2023).
6.822 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023).
65.908 million Btu: Energy consumption per capita (2023).

Environment

Environmental concerns in Latvia include pollution of soil, water, and air. The country is engaged in various international environmental agreements, aiming to address these issues while managing its significant natural resources sustainably.

34.94 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022).
839,700 tons: Annual municipal solid waste generated (2024).
31.3%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022).

Transportation

Latvia features a well-developed transportation network with numerous airports, railways, and a merchant marine fleet. The infrastructure supports domestic and international trade, particularly through its ports.

55: Airports by 2025.
2,216 km: Total railway length (2020).
83: Total ships in the merchant marine fleet (2023).

Communications

Latvia has a high level of telecommunications access, with a significant percentage of the population using the internet and mobile services. The communication infrastructure includes various media outlets and a growing broadband internet network.

92%: Internet user rate (2023).
2.27 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024).
489,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	1,888,439	Estimated for 2025
Area	64,589 sq km	Total area
GDP (official exchange rate)	$43.521 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment rate	6.8%	Estimated for 2024
Birth rate	7.24 births/1,000 people	Estimated for 2025
Life expectancy at birth	76.4 years	Estimated for 2024
Military expenditure	3.7%	Of GDP for 2025
Electricity access	100%	Total population electrified (2022)
Energy consumption per capita	65.908 million Btu/person	Estimated for 2023
Urban population	68.7%	Of total population (2023)