World · permanent entity record · LG

Latvia

Thirty-second orientation

Latvia at a glance

Capital: Riga; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Population: 1,847,785; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025
Area: 64,589 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Nationality / demonym: noun: Latvian(s); adjective: Latvian; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Government: parliamentary republic; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Languages: Latvian (official) 56.3%, Russian 33.8%, other 0.6% (includes Polish, Ukrainian, and Belarusian), unspecified 9.4% (2011 est.); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04

Independently structured milestones · not a complete national history

Latvia through time

1991-09-17
Admitted to the United Nations
Latvia became a member of the United Nations.
United Nations, Member States · source checked 2026-09-04

Source history · changed fields only

Changes since the final CIA profile

Field	Maintained Almanac value	Final CIA profile
Population	1,847,785World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025	total: 1,888,439 (2025 est.) male: 876,654 female: 1,011,785CIA World Factbook · as of 2026-01-20

A difference may reflect a newer observation, a revised estimate, or a different source definition. This table reports the values and dates; it does not manufacture a trend.

World Development Indicators · latest available observation

People, economy, and access

Observation years vary by measure. Each row identifies the series and year instead of presenting unlike dates as one current snapshot.

Gross domestic product: $48.6 billion; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Gross domestic product per person: $26,312; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Life expectancy at birth: 76.4 years; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Urban population: 68.6%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, World Urbanization Prospects. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Access to electricity: 100.0%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS. Underlying providers: World Bank ESMAP, Tracking SDG 7. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
People using the internet: 92.7%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS. Underlying providers: International Telecommunication Union. Source footnote: Source and notes: Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia, Retrieved 2026-09-08.

World Development Indicators data are provided under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). The linked indicator metadata identifies the underlying statistical providers.

Maintained profile

Capital: Riga; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The nation set and displayed federal short name follow the current State Department independent-states register, dated August 11, 2026.
Area: 64,589 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Final CIA source data preserved by a community mirror after the Factbook was retired; the mirror is not the issuing authority.
Population: 1,847,785; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.POP.TOTL. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Source footnote: Extrapolated assuming the same growth rate as previous 6 months. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Currency: euros (EUR); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Currency label extracted from the Factbook exchange-rate field.
Languages: Latvian (official) 56.3%, Russian 33.8%, other 0.6% (includes Polish, Ukrainian, and Belarusian), unspecified 9.4% (2011 est.); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Factbook language listing reproduced without inferring official status beyond the source wording.
Nationality / demonym: noun: Latvian(s); adjective: Latvian; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The source’s noun and adjective forms are retained. These are language labels, not evidence of any individual person’s citizenship.
Government: parliamentary republic; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
UN membership: 1991-09-17; United Nations, Member States · as of 2026-09-04
Continent: Europe; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Continental label standardized from the archived profile region “Europe.”
Coastline: 498 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Climate: maritime; wet, moderate winters; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Religions: Lutheran 36.2%, Roman Catholic 19.5%, Orthodox 19.1%, other Christian 1.6%, other 0.1%, unspecified/none 23.5% (2017 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Flag colors: maroon, white; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Colors extracted from the flag description in the preserved final CIA profile.
National symbol: white wagtail (bird); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Highest point: Gaizina Kalns · 1,024 ft (312 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Lowest point: Baltic Sea · 0 ft (0 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
NATO membership: Member; NATO, What is NATO? · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.
BRICS membership: Not a member; BRICS Brazil, About the BRICS · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.

Preserved public-domain record · not maintained current data

Final CIA World Factbook profile

This is the preserved historical baseline from the Factbook’s final public snapshot. It is presented as the CIA stated it, not as a current Standard American Almanac finding. Current, independently maintained facts appear above when available.

CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · profile updated 2026-01-20 · pinned source record · commit d81154954b8b

Introduction1 fields

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.; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Geography17 fields

Location: Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and Lithuania; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Geographic coordinates: 57 00 N, 25 00 E; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Map references: Europe; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Area: total : 64,589 sq km land: 62,249 sq km water: 2,340 sq km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Area - comparative: slightly larger than West Virginia; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Land boundaries: total: 1,370 km border countries (4): Belarus 161 km; Estonia 333 km; Lithuania 544 km; Russia 332 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Coastline: 498 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Climate: maritime; wet, moderate winters; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Terrain: low plain; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Elevation: highest point: Gaizina Kalns 312 m lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m mean elevation: 87 m; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Natural resources: peat, limestone, dolomite, amber, hydropower, timber, arable land; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Land use: agricultural land: 31.7% (2023 est.) arable land: 21.9% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 0.2% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 9.7% (2023 est.) forest: 55.5% (2023 est.) other: 12.8% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Irrigated land: 6 sq km (2016) 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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Natural hazards: large percentage of agricultural fields can become waterlogged and require drainage; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Geography - note: most of the country is composed of fertile low-lying plains with some hills in the east; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

People and Society33 fields

Population: total: 1,888,439 (2025 est.) male: 876,654 female: 1,011,785; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Nationality: noun: Latvian(s) adjective: Latvian; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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: data represent language usually spoken at home; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Religions: Lutheran 36.2%, Roman Catholic 19.5%, Orthodox 19.1%, other Christian 1.6%, other 0.1%, unspecified/none 23.5% (2017 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Median age: total: 43.8 years (2025 est.) male: 41.6 years female: 49.2 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Population growth rate: -1.27% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Birth rate: 7.24 births/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Death rate: 14.68 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Net migration rate: -5.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 68.7% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: -0.68% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Major urban areas - population: 621,000 RIGA (capital) (2023); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Mother's mean age at first birth: 27.3 years (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Maternal mortality ratio: 19 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.4 years (2024 est.) male: 72 years female: 81 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Total fertility rate: 1.25 children born/woman (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Gross reproduction rate: 0.61 (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Drinking water source: urban: 98.9% of population (2022 est.) rural: 98.9% of population (2022 est.) total: 98.9% of population (2022 est.) urban: 1.1% of population (2022 est.) rural: 1.1% of population (2022 est.) total: 1.1% of population (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Health expenditure: 9% of GDP (2021) 12.1% of national budget (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Physician density: 3.4 physicians/1,000 population (2022); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Hospital bed density: 5.3 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 23.6% (2016); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Tobacco use: total: 28.8% (2025 est.) male: 43.5% (2025 est.) female: 16.4% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 0.3% (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Currently married women (ages 15-49): 49.6% (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Education expenditure: 4.3% of GDP (2022 est.) 9.9% national budget (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 16 years (2023 est.) male: 15 years (2023 est.) female: 17 years (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Environment10 fields

Environmental issues: some soil, water, and air pollution; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Climate: maritime; wet, moderate winters; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Land use: agricultural land: 31.7% (2023 est.) arable land: 21.9% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 0.2% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 9.7% (2023 est.) forest: 55.5% (2023 est.) other: 12.8% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 68.7% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: -0.68% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Carbon dioxide 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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Particulate matter emissions: 15.6 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 839,700 tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 31.3% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Total water withdrawal: municipal: 91.945 million cubic meters (2022) industrial: 30.291 million cubic meters (2022) agricultural: 50.098 million cubic meters (2022); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Total renewable water resources: 34.94 billion cubic meters (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Government23 fields

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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Government type: parliamentary republic; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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"; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Legal system: civil law system with traces of socialist legal traditions and practices; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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/; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Independence: 18 November 1918 (from Soviet Russia); 4 May 1990 (declared from the Soviet Union); 6 September 1991 (recognized by the Soviet Union); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National holiday: Independence Day (Republic of Latvia Proclamation Day), 18 November (1918) 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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National symbol(s): white wagtail (bird); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National color(s): maroon, white; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Economy31 fields

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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $72.516 billion (2024 est.) $72.838 billion (2023 est.) $70.817 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Real GDP growth rate: -0.4% (2024 est.) 2.9% (2023 est.) 1.8% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Real GDP per capita: $38,900 (2024 est.) $38,800 (2023 est.) $37,700 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
GDP (official exchange rate): $43.521 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.3% (2024 est.) 8.9% (2023 est.) 17.3% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 4.1% (2024 est.) industry: 19.9% (2024 est.) services: 63.1% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Agricultural products: wheat, milk, rapeseed, barley, oats, potatoes, rye, beans, peas, chicken (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Industries: processed foods, processed wood products, textiles, processed metals, pharmaceuticals, railroad cars, synthetic fibers, electronics; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Industrial production growth rate: -4% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Labor force: 954,900 (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Unemployment rate: 6.8% (2024 est.) 6.5% (2023 est.) 6.9% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24): total: 12.5% (2024 est.) male: 13% (2024 est.) female: 11.9% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Population below poverty line: 22.5% (2022 est.) note: % of population with income below national poverty line; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 33.7 (2022 est.) note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Average household expenditures: on food: 19.6% of household expenditures (2023 est.) on alcohol and tobacco: 7.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.6% (2022 est.) highest 10%: 25.8% (2022 est.) note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Remittances: 3.1% of GDP (2024 est.) 2.9% of GDP (2023 est.) 3.4% of GDP (2022 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Budget: revenues: $14.58 billion (2023 est.) expenditures: $15.432 billion (2023 est.) note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Public debt: 36.3% of GDP (2017 est.) 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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Taxes and other revenues: 16.7% (of GDP) (2023 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Current account balance: -$923.266 million (2024 est.) -$1.663 billion (2023 est.) -$2.082 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exports: $28.117 billion (2024 est.) $28.294 billion (2023 est.) $29.364 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exports - partners: Lithuania 19%, Estonia 6%, Russia 6%, Germany 6%, Sweden 5% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exports - commodities: wood, wheat, broadcasting equipment, packaged medicine, natural gas (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Imports: $29.234 billion (2024 est.) $29.875 billion (2023 est.) $31.206 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Imports - partners: Lithuania 18%, Germany 11%, Poland 10%, Estonia 8%, Finland 5% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, cars, packaged medicine, broadcasting equipment, natural gas (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $5.141 billion (2024 est.) $4.957 billion (2023 est.) $4.46 billion (2022 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exchange rates: euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.924 (2024 est.) 0.925 (2023 est.) 0.95 (2022 est.) 0.845 (2021 est.) 0.876 (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Energy7 fields

Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Coal: consumption: 20,000 metric tons (2023 est.) exports: 12,000 metric tons (2023 est.) imports: 39,000 metric tons (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Petroleum: total petroleum production: 2,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 33,000 bbl/day (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Natural gas: consumption: 786.523 million cubic meters (2023 est.) imports: 786.523 million cubic meters (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Energy consumption per capita: 65.908 million Btu/person (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Communications6 fields

Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 142,000 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 8 (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 2.27 million (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 121 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Internet country code: .lv; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Internet users: percent of population: 92% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 489,000 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 26 (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Transportation6 fields

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: YL; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Airports: 55 (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Heliports: 5 (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Railways: total: 2,216 km (2020) 257 km electrified; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Merchant marine: total: 83 (2023) by type: container ship 2, general cargo 30, oil tanker 10, other 41; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Military and Security7 fields

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: the State Border Guard may become part of the armed forces during an emergency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military expenditures: 3.7% of GDP (2025 est.) 3.4% of GDP (2024 est.) 3% of GDP (2023 est.) 2.3% of GDP (2022 est.) 2.2% of GDP (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 9,000 active-duty military personnel (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the Latvian military's inventory consists of European and US armaments (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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) note 1: conscription was reintroduced in 2024 note 2: as of 2024, women comprised about 16.5% of the military's full-time personnel; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military deployments: 140 Kosovo (KFOR/NATO) (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Transnational Issues1 fields

Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees: 49,483 (2024 est.) stateless persons: 173,891 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

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Latvia at a glance

Latvia through time

Admitted to the United Nations

Changes since the final CIA profile

People, economy, and access

Maintained profile