Latvia
Republic of Latvia
Europe Riga
Population
1.89M
Area
64,589 km²
GDP
$43.52B
GDP Per Capita
$38,900
Pop. Density
29/km²
Quick Facts
Currency
€euro(EUR)
Calling Code
+371
Timezone
UTC+02:00
Languages
Latvian
Driving Side
right
Demonym
Latvian
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.
Historical Trends
GDP (USD)
↑113.8% since 2006$20B (2006)$44B (2024)
Population
↓15.9% since 20062.2M (2006)1.9M (2024)
Life Expectancy at Birth
Latest: 75.7 years2006: 70.9 years2023: 75.7 years
Data source: World Bank Open Data
Geography17
Location
Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and Lithuania
Geographic coordinates
57 00 N, 25 00 E
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.)
Irrigated land
6 sq km (2016)
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
People & Society33
Population
total: 1,888,439 (2025 est.)
male: 876,654
female: 1,011,785
male: 876,654
female: 1,011,785
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.)
Languages
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.
major-language sample(s):
World Factbook, neaizstājams avots pamata informāciju. (Latvian)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Lutheran 36.2%, Roman Catholic 19.5%, Orthodox 19.1%, other Christian 1.6%, other 0.1%, unspecified/none 23.5% (2017 est.)
Age 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)
15-64 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: 56.2 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 23.3 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 33 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 3 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 23.3 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 33 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 3 (2025 est.)
Median age
total: 43.8 years (2025 est.)
male: 41.6 years
female: 49.2 years
male: 41.6 years
female: 49.2 years
Population growth rate
-1.27% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
7.24 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
14.68 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-5.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
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
Urbanization
urban population: 68.7% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: -0.68% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: -0.68% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
621,000 RIGA (capital) (2023)
Sex 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.)
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.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
27.3 years (2020 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
19 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate
total: 2.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
male: 5.1 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.3 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 5.1 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.3 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 76.4 years (2024 est.)
male: 72 years
female: 81 years
male: 72 years
female: 81 years
Total fertility rate
1.25 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.61 (2025 est.)
Drinking 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.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 9% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 12.1% of national budget (2022 est.)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 12.1% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
3.4 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Hospital bed density
5.3 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
23.6% (2016)
Alcohol 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.)
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.)
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.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
49.6% (2021 est.)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP): 4.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 9.9% national budget (2022 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 9.9% national budget (2022 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 16 years (2023 est.)
male: 15 years (2023 est.)
female: 17 years (2023 est.)
male: 15 years (2023 est.)
female: 17 years (2023 est.)
Government23
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.)
Government type
parliamentary republic
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
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
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
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
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
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
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission
Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Julia JACOBY (since December 2025)
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/
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)
National holiday
Independence Day (Republic of Latvia Proclamation Day), 18 November (1918)
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
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
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
Economy31
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.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $72.838 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $70.817 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2024: -0.4% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 2.9% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 1.8% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 2.9% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 1.8% (2022 est.)
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.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $38,800 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $37,700 (2022 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$43.521 billion (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024: 1.3% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 8.9% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 17.3% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 8.9% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 17.3% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 4.1% (2024 est.)
industry: 19.9% (2024 est.)
services: 63.1% (2024 est.)
industry: 19.9% (2024 est.)
services: 63.1% (2024 est.)
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.)
Agricultural products
wheat, milk, rapeseed, barley, oats, potatoes, rye, beans, peas, chicken (2023)
Industries
processed foods, processed wood products, textiles, processed metals, pharmaceuticals, railroad cars, synthetic fibers, electronics
Industrial production growth rate
-4% (2024 est.)
Labor force
954,900 (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2024: 6.8% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 6.5% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 6.9% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 6.5% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 6.9% (2022 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 12.5% (2024 est.)
male: 13% (2024 est.)
female: 11.9% (2024 est.)
male: 13% (2024 est.)
female: 11.9% (2024 est.)
Population below poverty line
22.5% (2022 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2022: 33.7 (2022 est.)
Average household expenditures
on food: 19.6% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 7.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on 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.)
highest 10%: 25.8% (2022 est.)
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.)
Remittances 2023: 2.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 3.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Budget
revenues: $14.58 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $15.432 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $15.432 billion (2023 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2017: 36.3% of GDP (2017 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
16.7% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
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.)
Current account balance 2023: -$1.663 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$2.082 billion (2022 est.)
Exports
Exports 2024: $28.117 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $28.294 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $29.364 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2023: $28.294 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $29.364 billion (2022 est.)
Exports - partners
Lithuania 19%, Estonia 6%, Russia 6%, Germany 6%, Sweden 5% (2023)
Exports - commodities
wood, wheat, broadcasting equipment, packaged medicine, natural gas (2023)
Imports
Imports 2024: $29.234 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $29.875 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $31.206 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2023: $29.875 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $31.206 billion (2022 est.)
Imports - partners
Lithuania 18%, Germany 11%, Poland 10%, Estonia 8%, Finland 5% (2023)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, packaged medicine, broadcasting equipment, natural gas (2023)
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.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $4.957 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $4.46 billion (2022 est.)
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.)
Energy7
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
Coal
consumption: 20,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 12,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 39,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 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.)
refined 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.)
imports: 786.523 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 65.908 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications6
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 142,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 8 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 8 (2023 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 2.27 million (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 121 (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 121 (2024 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
Internet users
percent of population: 92% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 489,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 26 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 26 (2023 est.)
Transportation6
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
YL
Airports
55 (2025)
Heliports
5 (2025)
Railways
total: 2,216 km (2020) 257 km electrified
Merchant marine
total: 83 (2023)
by type: container ship 2, general cargo 30, oil tanker 10, other 41
by 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
Military & Security7
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)
Ministry of Interior: State Police, State Border Guards, State Security Service (2025)
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.)
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.)
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 European and US armaments (2025)
Military service age and obligation
mandatory military service for all men 18-24; men and women 18-27 may volunteer for military service; service length 11 months in the Armed Forces or National Guard, or 5 years in the National Guard as a whole, with a minimum of 21 days of individual training and a maximum of 7 days of collective training each year (2026)
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)
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)
Transnational Issues1
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 49,483 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 173,891 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 173,891 (2024 est.)