Latvia

The population of Latvia is approximately 1.8M (2024).

The capital of Latvia is Riga.

Latvia's GDP per capita is $23.4K (2024).

Life expectancy in Latvia is 76.43 years (2024).

Latvia covers 64,559 km² (24,926 sq mi).

Latvia is sparsely populated, averaging 28 people per km², below the global average of 60.

Latvia's population is shrinking at 0.9% per year — one of the few countries seeing sustained decline.

Yes — based on GDP per capita, Latvia falls in the high GDP-per-person tier at $23.4K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Latvia reports a low intentional homicide rate of 2.5 per 100,000 people, below the global average.

The official language of Latvia is Latvian.

Latvia uses the euro (€) as its sole official currency.

The best months to visit Latvia are June, July, August, September, based on climate data for the capital.

The current GDP per capita in Latvia is estimated at 23,388 USD. This figure ranks the nation 67th globally and 34th out of 46 countries in Europe. While it ranks 12th in the Northern Europe subregion, it is considered a high-income economy with a strong focus on exports.

The average life expectancy at birth in Latvia is approximately 76.4 years. This latest data places the country 93rd in the global rankings for longevity. Health outcomes have generally improved as the nation continues to integrate with broader European Union healthcare standards and social welfare systems.

Latvia maintains an exceptionally high adult literacy rate of 99.9%. This achievement ranks the country 6th globally, reflecting a robust and accessible national education system. High educational attainment is a cornerstone of the Latvian workforce, supporting its transition toward more technology-intensive and service-oriented economic sectors.

According to the latest available data, 92.7% of the Latvian population are internet users. This high rate of digital adoption ranks Latvia 45th globally, underscoring its sophisticated telecommunications infrastructure. The country is well-known for providing some of the fastest internet speeds in Europe across its urban and rural areas.

Latvia covers a total area of 64,559 km² (24,926 sq mi) and has a coastline of 498 km (309 mi). The terrain is mostly flat, with the highest point, Gaizinkalns, reaching only 312 m (1,024 ft). It shares land borders with Estonia, Lithuania, Russia, and Belarus.

The current unemployment rate in Latvia is 6.568%. This figure ranks the country 68th globally when ordered from the lowest unemployment rate to the highest. The labor market is influenced by a high level of urbanization and a workforce that is increasingly specialized in high-tech manufacturing and services.

The estimated 2026 population of Latvia is approximately 1.83 million people, based on the latest official 2024 data. This represents a decline from previous decades, largely due to low birth rates and emigration. The population is currently ranked global 150 of 215 countries in terms of total size.

Latvia has an estimated 2026 population density of 29.4 people per km² (76.1 per sq mi), placing it global 169 of 215 for density. This reflects the country's vast forests and rural areas, as a large portion of the population is concentrated in urban centers like Riga and Daugavpils.

The population of Latvia is currently decreasing at an annual growth rate of approximately -0.94%. This decline is driven by a natural decrease, where deaths outnumber births, and historical patterns of emigration to other European Union countries. Recent estimates show a daily net population change of approximately -48 people.

The latest official fertility rate in Latvia is 1.24 births per woman, which ranks the country global 193 of 215. This rate is significantly below the 2.1 replacement level needed for population stability. The low birth rate is a primary factor in the country's ongoing demographic contraction.

Approximately 68.5% of the Latvian population lives in urban areas, ranking the country global 96 of 215 for urbanization. The majority of these urban residents are located in Riga, the capital city, which serves as the nation's primary industrial, financial, and cultural center.

Latvia is currently ranked global 150 of 215 countries by population size. In a regional context, it ranks regional (Europe) 33 of 47 and subregional (Northern Europe) 8 of 12. These rankings highlight Latvia's status as one of the smaller nations within the European continent.