ARCHIVE // LV // 2017

Latvia

2017 Edition — sovereign

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Communications
Broadcast media [time series]
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 throughout the country; dozens of private broadcasters also operate radio stations (2007)
Internet country code [time series]
.lv
Internet users [time series]
total: 1,570,374 | percent of population: 79.9% (July 2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 110
Telecommunication systems (Telephone system) [time series]
general assessment: recent efforts focused on bringing competition to the telecommunications sector; the number of fixed lines is decreasing as mobile-cellular telephone service expands | domestic: number of telecommunications operators has grown rapidly since the fixed-line market opened to competition in 2003; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership roughly 150 per 100 persons | international: country code - 371; the Latvian network is now connected via fiber-optic cable to Estonia, Finland, and Sweden (2016)
Telephones - fixed lines [time series]
total subscriptions: 367,195 | subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 19 (July 2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 106
Telephones - mobile cellular [time series]
total: 2,650,273 | subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 135 (July 2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 145
Economy
Agricultural products (Agriculture - products) [time series]
grain, rapeseed, potatoes, vegetables; pork, poultry, milk, eggs; fish
Budget [time series]
revenues: $10.07 billion | expenditures: $10.06 billion (2016 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-) [time series]
0% of GDP (2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 42
Central bank discount rate [time series]
0% (31 December 2016 est.) | 0.05% (31 December 2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 155
Commercial bank prime lending rate [time series]
4.5% (31 December 2016 est.) | 4.5% (31 December 2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 151
Current account balance [time series]
$409 million (2016 est.) | $-212.4 million (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 47
Debt - external [time series]
$40.02 billion (31 March 2016 est.) | $38.19 billion (31 March 2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 70
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income (Distribution of family income - Gini index) [time series]
34.5 (2015) | 35.4 (2014) | country comparison to the world: 97
Economic overview (Economy - overview) [time series]
Latvia is a small, open economy with exports contributing more than half of GDP. Due to its geographical location, transit services are highly-developed, along with timber and wood-processing, agriculture and food products, and manufacturing of machinery and electronics industries. Corruption continues to be an impediment to attracting foreign direct investment and Latvia's low birth rate and decreasing population are major challenges to its long-term economic vitality. | Latvia's economy experienced GDP growth of more than 10% per year during 2006-07, but entered a severe recession in 2008 as a result of an unsustainable current account deficit and large debt exposure amid the slowing world economy. Triggered by the collapse of the second largest bank, GDP plunged 18% in 2009. The economy has yet to return to pre-crisis levels in real terms despite strong growth, especially in the export sector. Continued gains in competitiveness and investment will be key to maintaining economic growth, especially in light of unfavorable demographic trends. | The IMF, EU, and other international donors provided substantial financial assistance to Latvia as part of an agreement to defend the currency's peg to the euro in exchange for the government's commitment to stringent austerity measures. The IMF/EU program successfully concluded in December 2011, although, the austerity measures have imposed large social costs. The majority of companies, banks, and real estate have been privatized, although the state still holds sizable stakes in a few large enterprises, including 80% ownership of the Latvian national airline. Latvia officially joined the World Trade Organization in February 1999 and the EU in May 2004. Latvia also joined the euro zone in 2014 and the OECD in 2016.
Exchange rates [time series]
lati (LVL) per US dollar - | 0.9037 (2016 est.) | 0.9037 (2015 est.) | 0.9012 (2014 est.) | 0.7525 (2013 est.) | 0.55 (2012 est.)
Exports [time series]
$11.35 billion (2016 est.) | $11.45 billion (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 82
Exports - commodities [time series]
foodstuffs, wood and wood products, metals, machinery and equipment, textiles
Exports - partners [time series]
Lithuania 17.3%, Estonia 11.5%, Russia 11.4%, Germany 6.8%, Sweden 5.7%, UK 5.3%, Poland 5%, Denmark 4.4% (2016)
Fiscal year [time series]
calendar year
GDP (official exchange rate) [time series]
$27.69 billion (2016 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) (GDP (purchasing power parity)) [time series]
$50.61 billion (2016 est.) | $49.01 billion (2015 est.) | $47.21 billion (2014 est.) | note: data are in 2016 dollars | country comparison to the world: 109
GDP - composition, by end use [time series]
household consumption: 62% | government consumption: 17.5% | investment in fixed capital: 18.3% | investment in inventories: 1.6% | exports of goods and services: 58% | imports of goods and services: -57.4% (2016 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin [time series]
agriculture: 3.2% | industry: 21.9% | services: 74.9% (2016 est.)
Real GDP per capita (GDP - per capita (PPP)) [time series]
$25,700 (2016 est.) | $25,000 (2015 est.) | $24,200 (2014 est.) | note: data are in 2016 dollars | country comparison to the world: 74
Real GDP growth rate (GDP - real growth rate) [time series]
2% (2016 est.) | 2.7% (2015 est.) | 2.1% (2014 est.) | country comparison to the world: 135
Gross national saving [time series]
21.4% of GDP (2016 est.) | 21.3% of GDP (2015 est.) | 21.2% of GDP (2014 est.) | country comparison to the world: 80
Household income or consumption by percentage share [time series]
lowest 10%: 2.2% | highest 10%: 26.3% (2015)
Imports [time series]
$13.28 billion (2016 est.) | $13.71 billion (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 88
Imports - commodities [time series]
machinery and equipment, consumer goods, chemicals, fuels, vehicles
Imports - partners [time series]
Lithuania 16.9%, Germany 12.3%, Poland 10.4%, Estonia 7.9%, Russia 7.4%, Finland 4.3%, Netherlands 4.3% (2016)
Industrial production growth rate [time series]
-1% (2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 167
Industries [time series]
processed foods, processed wood products, textiles, processed metals, pharmaceuticals, railroad cars, synthetic fibers, electronics
Inflation rate (consumer prices) [time series]
0.1% (2016 est.) | 0.2% (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 56
Labor force [time series]
988,600 (2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 144
Labor force - by occupation [time series]
agriculture: 7.7% | industry: 24.1% | services: 68.1% (2016 est.)
Market value of publicly traded shares [time series]
$6.76 billion (31 December 2016 est.) | $6.799 billion (31 December 2015 est.) | $7.127 billion (31 December 2014 est.) | country comparison to the world: 79
Population below poverty line [time series]
25.5% (2015)
Public debt [time series]
40.1% of GDP (2016 est.) | 36.5% of GDP (2015 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 | country comparison to the world: 134
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold [time series]
$3.514 billion (31 December 2016 est.) | $3.446 billion (31 December 2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 101
Stock of broad money [time series]
$12.97 billion (31 December 2016 est.) | $12.53 billion (31 December 2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 100
Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad [time series]
$2.485 billion (31 December 2016 est.) | $2.482 billion (31 December 2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 78
Stock of direct foreign investment - at home [time series]
$15.36 billion (31 December 2016 est.) | $15.93 billion (31 December 2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 86
Stock of domestic credit [time series]
$15.11 billion (31 December 2016 est.) | $15.39 billion (31 December 2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 94
Stock of narrow money [time series]
$10.71 billion (31 December 2016 est.) | $10.3 billion (31 December 2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 82
Taxes and other revenues [time series]
36.4% of GDP (2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 52
Unemployment rate [time series]
9.6% (2016 est.) | 9.9% (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 128
Energy
Carbon dioxide emissions (Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy) [time series]
7.6 million Mt (2013 est.) | country comparison to the world: 113
Crude oil - exports [time series]
0 bbl/day (2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 152
Crude oil - imports [time series]
0 bbl/day (2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 149
Crude oil - production [time series]
0 bbl/day (2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 159
Crude oil - proved reserves [time series]
0 bbl (1 January 2017 es) | country comparison to the world: 156
Electricity - consumption [time series]
6.712 billion kWh (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 111
Electricity - exports [time series]
3.795 billion kWh (2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 38
Electricity - from fossil fuels [time series]
39.1% of total installed capacity (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 169
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants [time series]
54.1% of total installed capacity (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 35
Electricity - from nuclear fuels [time series]
0% of total installed capacity (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 127
Electricity - from other renewable sources [time series]
6.7% of total installed capacity (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 84
Electricity - imports [time series]
4.828 billion kWh (2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 41
Electricity - installed generating capacity [time series]
2.935 million kW (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 98
Electricity - production [time series]
5.342 billion kWh (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 119
Electricity access [time series]
electrification - total population: 100% (2016)
Natural gas - consumption [time series]
2.2 billion cu m (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 85
Natural gas - exports [time series]
0 cu m (2014 est.) | country comparison to the world: 136
Natural gas - imports [time series]
1.306 billion cu m (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 56
Natural gas - production [time series]
0 cu m (2014 est.) | country comparison to the world: 158
Natural gas - proved reserves [time series]
0 cu m (2014 est.) | country comparison to the world: 160
Refined petroleum products - consumption [time series]
37,680 bbl/day (2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 117
Refined petroleum products - exports [time series]
22,640 bbl/day (2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 69
Refined petroleum products - imports [time series]
54,060 bbl/day (2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 79
Refined petroleum products - production [time series]
0 bbl/day (2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 163
Geography
Area [time series]
total: 64,589 sq km | land: 62,249 sq km | water: 2,340 sq km | country comparison to the world: 125
Area [time series]
total: 64,589 sq km | land: 62,249 sq km | water: 2,340 sq km | country comparison to the world: 125
Area - comparative [time series]
slightly larger than West Virginia
Area - comparative [time series]
slightly larger than West Virginia
Climate [time series]
maritime; wet, moderate winters
Climate [time series]
maritime; wet, moderate winters
Coastline [time series]
498 km
Coastline [time series]
498 km
Elevation [time series]
mean elevation: 87 m | elevation extremes: lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m | highest point: Gaizina Kalns 312 m
Elevation [time series]
mean elevation: 87 m | elevation extremes: lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m | highest point: Gaizina Kalns 312 m
Environment - current issues [time series]
Latvia's environment has benefited from a shift to service industries after the country regained independence; improvements have occurred in drinking water quality, sewage treatment, household and hazardous waste management, as well as reduction of air pollution
International environmental agreements (Environment - international agreements) [time series]
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands | signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geographic coordinates [time series]
57 00 N, 25 00 E
Geographic coordinates [time series]
57 00 N, 25 00 E
Geography - note [time series]
most of the country is composed of fertile low-lying plains with some hills in the east
Irrigated land [time series]
12 sq km | 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 (2012)
Land boundaries [time series]
total: 1,370 km | border countries (4): Belarus 161 km, Estonia 333 km, Lithuania 544 km, Russia 332 km
Land boundaries [time series]
total: 1,370 km | border countries (4): Belarus 161 km, Estonia 333 km, Lithuania 544 km, Russia 332 km
Land use [time series]
agricultural land: 29.2% | arable land 18.6%; permanent crops 0.1%; permanent pasture 10.5% | forest: 54.1% | other: 16.7% (2011 est.)
Location [time series]
Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and Lithuania
Location [time series]
Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and Lithuania
Map references [time series]
Europe
Map references [time series]
Europe
Maritime claims [time series]
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
Maritime claims [time series]
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
Natural hazards [time series]
large percentage of agricultural fields can become waterlogged and require drainage
Natural resources [time series]
peat, limestone, dolomite, amber, hydropower, timber, arable land
Natural resources [time series]
peat, limestone, dolomite, amber, hydropower, timber, arable land
Population distribution (Population - distribution) [time series]
largest concentration of people is found in and around the port and capital city of Riga; small agglomerations are scattered throughout the country
Terrain [time series]
low plain
Terrain [time series]
low plain
Government
Administrative divisions [time series]
110 municipalities (novadi, singular - novads) and 9 cities | municipalities: Adazu Novads, Aglonas Novads, Aizkraukles Novads, Aizputes Novads, Aknistes Novads, Alojas Novads, Alsungas Novads, Aluksnes Novads, Amatas Novads, Apes Novads, Auces Novads, Babites Novads, Baldones Novads, Baltinavas Novads, Balvu Novads, Bauskas Novads, Beverinas Novads, Brocenu Novads, Burtnieku Novads, Carnikavas Novads, Cesu Novads, Cesvaines Novads, Ciblas Novads, Dagdas Novads, Daugavpils Novads, Dobeles Novads, Dundagas Novads, Durbes Novads, Engures Novads, Erglu Novads, Garkalnes Novads, Grobinas Novads, Gulbenes Novads, Iecavas Novads, Ikskiles Novads, Ilukstes Novads, Incukalna Novads, Jaunjelgavas Novads, Jaunpiebalgas Novads, Jaunpils Novads, Jekabpils Novads, Jelgavas Novads, Kandavas Novads, Karsavas Novads, Keguma Novads, Kekavas Novads, Kocenu Novads, Kokneses Novads, Kraslavas Novads, Krimuldas Novads, Krustpils Novads, Kuldigas Novads, Lielvardes Novads, Ligatnes Novads, Limbazu Novads, Livanu Novads, Lubanas Novads, Ludzas Novads, Madonas Novads, Malpils Novads, Marupes Novads, Mazsalacas Novads, Mersraga Novads, Nauksenu Novads, Neretas Novads, Nicas Novads, Ogres Novads, Olaines Novads, Ozolnieku Novads, Pargaujas Novads, Pavilostas Novads, Plavinu Novads, Preilu Novads, Priekules Novads, Priekulu Novads, Raunas Novads, Rezeknes Novads, Riebinu Novads, Rojas Novads, Ropazu Novads, Rucavas Novads, Rugaju Novads, Rujienas Novads, Rundales Novads, Salacgrivas Novads, Salas Novads, Salaspils Novads, Saldus Novads, Saulkrastu Novads, Sejas Novads, Siguldas Novads, Skriveru Novads, Skrundas Novads, Smiltenes Novads, Stopinu Novads, Strencu Novads, Talsu Novads, Tervetes Novads, Tukuma Novads, Vainodes Novads, Valkas Novads, Varaklanu Novads, Varkavas Novads, Vecpiebalgas Novads, Vecumnieku Novads, Ventspils Novads, Viesites Novads, Vilakas Novads, Vilanu Novads, Zilupes Novads | cities: Daugavpils, Jekabpils, Jelgava, Jurmala, Liepaja, Rezekne, Riga, Valmiera, Ventspils
Capital [time series]
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
Citizenship [time series]
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
Constitution [time series]
history: several previous (pre-1991 independence); note - following the restoration of independence in 1991, parts of the 1922 constitution were reintroduced 4 May 1990 and fully reintroduced 6 July 1993 | amendments: 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; amended several times, last in 2014 (2016)
Country name [time series]
conventional long form: Republic of Latvia | conventional short form: Latvia | local long form: Latvijas Republika | local short form: Latvija | former: Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic | etymology: the name "Latvia" originates from the ancient Latgalians, one of four eastern Baltic tribes that formed the ethnic core of the Latvian people (ca. 8th-12th centuries A.D.)
Diplomatic representation from the US [time series]
chief of mission: Ambassador Nancy Bikoff PETTIT (since 8 September 2015) | embassy: 1 Samnera Velsa St, Riga LV-1510 | mailing address: Embassy of the United States of America, 1 Samnera Velsa St, Riga, LV-1510, Latvia | telephone: [371] 6710-7000 | FAX: [371] 6710-7050
Diplomatic representation in the US [time series]
chief of mission: Ambassador Andris TEIKMANIS (since 16 September 2016) | chancery: 2306 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 | telephone: [1] (202) 328-2840 | FAX: [1] (202) 328-2860
Executive branch [time series]
chief of state: President Raimonds VEJONIS (since 8 July 2015) | head of government: Prime Minister Maris KUCINSKIS (since 11 February 2016); Deputy Prime Minister Arvils ASERADENS (since 11 February 2016) | cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers nominated by the prime minister, appointed by Parliament | elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by Parliament for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 3 June 2015 (next to be held in 2019); prime minister appointed by the president, confirmed by Parliament | election results: Raimonds VEJONIS elected president; Parliament vote - Raimonds VEJONIS 55 of 100
Flag (Flag description) [time series]
three horizontal bands of maroon (top), white (half-width), and maroon; the flag is one of the older banners in the world; a medieval chronicle mentions a red standard with a white stripe being used by Latvian tribes in about 1280
Government type [time series]
parliamentary republic
Independence [time series]
4 May 1990 (declared independence from the Soviet Union); 6 September 1991 (recognized by the Soviet Union)
International law organization participation [time series]
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
International organization participation [time series]
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, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Judicial branch [time series]
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the Senate with 27 judges and Supreme Court of Chambers with 22 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
Legal system [time series]
civil law system with traces of socialist legal traditions and practices
Legislative branch [time series]
description: unicameral Parliament or Saeima (100 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms) | elections: last held on 4 October 2014 (next to be held in October 2018) | election results: percent of vote by party - SC 23%, Unity 21.9%, ZZS 19.5%, NA 16.6%, NSL 6.9%, LRA 6.7%, other 5.4%; seats by party - SC 24, Unity 23, ZZS 21, NA 17, LRA 8, NSL 7
National anthem(s) (National anthem) [time series]
name: "Dievs, sveti Latviju!" (God Bless Latvia) | lyrics/music: Karlis BAUMANIS | note: adopted 1920, restored 1990; first performed in 1873 while Latvia was a part of Russia; banned during the Soviet occupation from 1940 to 1990
National holiday [time series]
Independence Day (Republic of Latvia Proclamation Day), 18 November (1918); note - 18 November 1918 was the date Latvia established its statehood and its concomitant independence from Soviet Russia; 4 May 1990 was the date it declared the restoration of Latvian statehood and its concomitant independence from the Soviet Union
National symbol(s) [time series]
white wagtail (bird); national colors: maroon, white
Political parties (Political parties and leaders) [time series]
Alliance of Regions or LRA [Martins BONDARS] | For Latvia from the Heart or NSL [Inguna SUDRABA] | Social Democratic Party "Harmony" or SC [Nils USAKOVS] | National Alliance "All For Latvia!"-"For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK" or NA [Gaidis BERZINS, Raivis DZINTARS] | Union of Greens and Farmers or ZZS [Augusts BRIGMANIS] | Unity [Andris PIEBALGS]
Political parties (Political pressure groups and leaders) [time series]
Latvian Employers' Confederation or LDDK [Vitalijs GAVRILOVS] | Farmers' Parliament or ZSA [Juris LAZDINS] | Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia or LBAS [Egils BALDZENS]
Suffrage [time series]
18 years of age; universal
Introduction
Background [time series]
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 it was annexed by the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US and many other countries. Latvia reestablished its independence in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status of the Russian minority (some 26% of the population) remains of concern to Moscow. Latvia acceded to both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004; it joined the euro zone in 2014 and the OECD in 2016. A dual citizenship law was adopted in 2013, easing naturalization for non-citizen children.
Background [time series]
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 it was annexed by the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US and many other countries. Latvia reestablished its independence in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status of the Russian minority (some 26% of the population) remains of concern to Moscow. Latvia acceded to both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004; it joined the euro zone in 2014 and the OECD in 2016. A dual citizenship law was adopted in 2013, easing naturalization for non-citizen children.
Military and Security
Military and security forces (Military branches) [time series]
National Armed Forces (Nacionalie Brunotie Speki): Land Forces (Latvijas Sauszemes Speki), Navy (Latvijas Juras Speki, includes Coast Guard (Latvijas Kara Flote)), Latvian Air Force (Latvijas Gaisa Speki), Latvian Home Guard (Latvijas Zemessardze) (2017)
Military expenditures [time series]
1.47% of GDP (2016) | 1.05% of GDP (2015) | 0.94% of GDP (2014) | 0.94% of GDP (2013) | 0.91% of GDP (2012) | country comparison to the world: 105
Military service age and obligation [time series]
18 years of age for voluntary male and female military service; no conscription; under current law, every citizen is entitled to serve in the armed forces for life (2016)
People and Society
Age structure [time series]
0-14 years: 15.15% (male 151,195/female 143,388) | 15-24 years: 9.45% (male 94,779/female 88,952) | 25-54 years: 41.75% (male 403,699/female 408,277) | 55-64 years: 14.1% (male 121,993/female 152,260) | 65 years and over: 19.55% (male 124,570/female 255,530) (2017 est.)
Birth rate [time series]
9.7 births/1,000 population (2017 est.) | country comparison to the world: 198
Death rate [time series]
14.5 deaths/1,000 population (2017 est.) | country comparison to the world: 4
Dependency ratios [time series]
total dependency ratio: 52.5 | youth dependency ratio: 23.1 | elderly dependency ratio: 29.4 | potential support ratio: 3.4 (2015 est.)
Drinking water source [time series]
urban: 99.8% of population | rural: 98.3% of population | total: 99.3% of population | urban: 0.2% of population | rural: 1.7% of population | total: 0.7% of population (2015 est.)
Education expenditure (Education expenditures) [time series]
4.9% of GDP (2013) | country comparison to the world: 77
Ethnic groups [time series]
Latvian 61.8%, Russian 25.6%, Belarusian 3.4%, Ukrainian 2.3%, Polish 2.1%, Lithuanian 1.2%, other 3.6% (2016 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate [time series]
0.7% (2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 52
HIV/AIDS - deaths [time series]
<500 (2016 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS [time series]
6,600 (2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 104
Health expenditure (Health expenditures) [time series]
5.9% of GDP (2014) | country comparison to the world: 106
Hospital bed density [time series]
5.9 beds/1,000 population (2011)
Infant mortality rate [time series]
total: 5.2 deaths/1,000 live births | male: 5.6 deaths/1,000 live births | female: 4.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.) | country comparison to the world: 175
Languages [time series]
Latvian (official) 56.3%, Russian 33.8%, other 0.6% (includes Polish, Ukrainian, and Belarusian), unspecified 9.4% | note: data represent language usually spoken at home (2011 est.)
Life expectancy at birth [time series]
total population: 74.7 years | male: 70.1 years | female: 79.5 years (2017 est.) | country comparison to the world: 121
Literacy [time series]
definition: age 15 and over can read and write | total population: 99.9% | male: 99.9% | female: 99.9% (2015 est.)
Major infectious diseases [time series]
degree of risk: intermediate | vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis (2016)
Major urban areas - population [time series]
RIGA (capital) 621,000 (2015)
Maternal mortality ratio [time series]
18 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 130
Median age [time series]
total: 43.6 years | male: 39.7 years | female: 46.9 years (2017 est.) | country comparison to the world: 17
Mother's mean age at first birth [time series]
27.2 years (2014 est.)
Nationality [time series]
noun: Latvian(s) | adjective: Latvian
Net migration rate [time series]
-6.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2017 est.) | country comparison to the world: 199
Obesity - adult prevalence rate [time series]
23.6% (2016) | country comparison to the world: 65
Physician density (Physicians density) [time series]
3.22 physicians/1,000 population (2014)
Population [time series]
1,944,643 (July 2017 est.) | country comparison to the world: 149
Population distribution [time series]
largest concentration of people is found in and around the port and capital city of Riga; small agglomerations are scattered throughout the country
Population growth rate [time series]
-1.08% (2017 est.) | country comparison to the world: 228
Religions [time series]
Lutheran 19.6%, Orthodox 15.3%, other Christian 1%, other 0.4%, unspecified 63.7% (2006)
Sanitation facility access [time series]
urban: 90.8% of population | rural: 81.5% of population | total: 87.8% of population | urban: 9.2% of population | rural: 18.5% of population | total: 12.2% of population (2015 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) [time series]
total: 16 years | male: 16 years | female: 17 years (2014)
Sex ratio [time series]
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female | 0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female | 15-24 years: 1.07 male(s)/female | 25-54 years: 0.98 male(s)/female | 55-64 years: 0.79 male(s)/female | 65 years and over: 0.48 male(s)/female | total population: 0.85 male(s)/female (2016 est.)
Total fertility rate [time series]
1.51 children born/woman (2017 est.) | country comparison to the world: 196
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) (Unemployment, youth ages 15-24) [time series]
total: 16.3% | male: 18% | female: 14.1% (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 28
Urbanization [time series]
urban population: 67.4% of total population (2017) | rate of urbanization: -0.56% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)
Transnational Issues
Disputes - international [time series]
Russia demands better Latvian treatment of ethnic Russians in Latvia; boundary demarcated with Latvia and Lithuania; the Latvian parliament has not ratified its 1998 maritime boundary treaty with Lithuania, primarily due to concerns over oil exploration rights; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Latvia has implemented the strict Schengen border rules with Russia
Illicit drugs [time series]
transshipment and destination point for cocaine, synthetic drugs, opiates, and cannabis from Southwest Asia, Western Europe, Latin America, and neighboring Baltic countries; despite improved legislation, vulnerable to money laundering due to nascent enforcement capabilities and comparatively weak regulation of offshore companies and the gaming industry; CIS organized crime (including counterfeiting, corruption, extortion, stolen cars, and prostitution) accounts for most laundered proceeds
Refugees and internally displaced persons [time series]
stateless persons: 242,736 (2016); note - individuals who were Latvian citizens prior to the 1940 Soviet occupation and their descendants were recognized as Latvian citizens when the country's independence was restored in 1991; citizens of the former Soviet Union residing in Latvia who have neither Latvian nor other citizenship are considered non-citizens (officially there is no statelessness in Latvia) and are entitled to non-citizen passports; children born after Latvian independence to stateless parents are entitled to Latvian citizenship upon their parents' request; non-citizens cannot vote or hold certain government jobs and are exempt from military service but can travel visa-free in the EU under the Schengen accord like Latvian citizens; non-citizens can obtain naturalization if they have been permanent residents of Latvia for at least five years, pass tests in Latvian language and history, and know the words of the Latvian national anthem
Transportation
Airports [time series]
42 (2013) | country comparison to the world: 101
Airports - with paved runways [time series]
total: 18 | over 3,047 m: 1 | 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 | 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 | 914 to 1,523 m: 3 | under 914 m: 7 (2017)
Airports - with unpaved runways [time series]
total: 24 | under 914 m: 24 (2013)
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix [time series]
YL (2016)
Heliports [time series]
1 (2013)
Merchant marine [time series]
total: 65 | by type: general cargo 15, oil tanker 8, other 42 (2017) | country comparison to the world: 103
National air transport system [time series]
number of registered air carriers: 3 | inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 47 | annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 2,527,368 | annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 2,277,996 mt-km (2015)
Pipelines [time series]
gas 928 km; refined products 415 km (2013)
Ports (Ports and terminals) [time series]
major seaport(s): Riga, Ventspils
Railways [time series]
total: 2,239 km | broad gauge: 2,206 km 1.520-m gauge | narrow gauge: 33 km 0.750-m gauge (2008) | country comparison to the world: 68
Roadways [time series]
total: 72,440 km | paved: 14,707 km | unpaved: 57,733 km (2013) | country comparison to the world: 65
Waterways [time series]
300 km (navigable year-round) (2010) | country comparison to the world: 92