Latvia
Republic of Latvia
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: -0.63%
Situated in Northern Europe, Latvia has a population of approximately 1.83 millionāa modestly sized nation in population terms. The country extends across 64,559 kmĀ², translating to a density of 28 people per kmĀ². Its capital is Riga, and Latvian is the official language, while the euro serves as the national currency.
Population
1,829,000
Area
64,559 kmĀ²
Density
28/kmĀ²
World Rank
#149
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
The population is currently contracting at a rate of -0% per year, pointing to deep structural challenges such as low birth rates and emigration. Deaths (14.9 per thousand) now equal or exceed births (7.7 per thousand), resulting in natural population decline. The population skews older, with 21.7% aged 65 or above and 15.4% under 15, signaling rising dependency ratios.
General Information
- Capital
- Riga
- Region
- Europe
- Subregion
- Northern Europe
- Continent
- Europe
- Languages
- Latvian
- Currencies
- euro (ā¬)
- Calling Code
- +371
- Top-Level Domain
- .lv
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+02:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 1,829,000
- Land Area
- 64,559 kmĀ²
- Population Density
- 28 per kmĀ²
- Annual Growth Rate
- -0.63%
- Annual Growth
- -11,523 people
- Daily Growth
- -32 people
- World Population Share
- 0.02%
- Coordinates
- 57.00Ā°, 25.00Ā°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
With a GDP per capita of roughly $23.4k, Latvia sits comfortably in the high-income bracket by World Bank standards. Unemployment sits at 6.6%, roughly in line with the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 34.0 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
75.7 years
GDP per Capita
$23,409
Birth Rate
7.7 per 1,000
Death Rate
14.9 per 1,000
Urban Population
68.5%
Fertility Rate
1.36 births/woman
Infant Mortality
2.5 per 1,000
Unemployment
6.6%
Literacy Rate
99.9%
Internet Users
92.7%
Under 15
15.4%
Over 65
21.7%
Health Spending
7.3% GDP
Gini Index
34.0
Age Distribution
0-14 years
282K
15-64 years
1.1M
65+ years
398K
Urbanization
Urbanization is well advanced, with roughly 68.5% of the population residing in towns and cities, above the global mean of 56%. Riga serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net emigration of 7330.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
1.3M
68.5%
576,501
31.5%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 75.7 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality is remarkably low at 2.5 per thousand live births, indicative of high-quality maternal and neonatal care. Near-universal literacy (99.9%) provides a strong foundation for workforce development and civic participation.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Latvia
Latvia has 1 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
If current trends persist, Latvia's population will continue to shrink, intensifying labor shortages and increasing the burden on pension and healthcare systems. With 21.7% of the population already over 65, the aging challenge is likely to deepen in the decades ahead. As a United Nations member state, Latvia participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 1,829,000 |
| 2030 | 1,785,591 |
| 2035 | 1,737,220 |
| 2040 | 1,694,338 |
| 2045 | 1,656,021 |
| 2050 | 1,621,518 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Latvia.
Largest Cities in Latvia
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Latvia by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Latvia?
The population of Latvia is approximately 1.8 million as of 2026, making it #149 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Latvia?
The capital of Latvia is Riga.
What languages are spoken in Latvia?
The main languages spoken in Latvia are Latvian.
How big is Latvia?
Latvia covers an area of 64,559 kmĀ² with a population density of 28 people per kmĀ².
Is Latvia growing or shrinking?
Latvia's population is declining at a rate of -0.63% per year.
What is the life expectancy in Latvia?
The average life expectancy in Latvia is 75.7 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Latvia?
The GDP per capita of Latvia is $23,409.