2011 Edition

Background

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.). 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 30% of the population) remains of concern to Moscow. Latvia joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.

Area

64,589 sq km 62,249 sq km 2,340 sq km

total

64,589 sq km

water

2,340 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly larger than West Virginia

Climate

maritime; wet, moderate winters

Coastline

498 km

Elevation extremes

Baltic Sea 0 m Gaizina Kalns 312 m

highest point

Gaizina Kalns 312 m

lowest point

Baltic Sea 0 m

Environment - current issues

Latvia's environment has benefited from a shift to service industries after the country regained independence; the main environmental priorities are improvement of drinking water quality and sewage system, household, and hazardous waste management, as well as reduction of air pollution; in 2001, Latvia closed the EU accession negotiation chapter on environment committing to full enforcement of EU environmental directives by 2010

Environment - international agreements

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 none of the selected agreements

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

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)

0.25 cu km/yr (55%/33%/12%) 108 cu m/yr (2003)

per capita

108 cu m/yr (2003)

total

0.25 cu km/yr (55%/33%/12%)

Geographic coordinates

57 00 N, 25 00 E

Geography - note

most of the country is composed of fertile low-lying plains with some hills in the east

Irrigated land

8 sq km 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 (2008)

Land boundaries

1,382 km Belarus 171 km, Estonia 343 km, Lithuania 576 km, Russia 292 km

border countries

Belarus 171 km, Estonia 343 km, Lithuania 576 km, Russia 292 km

total

1,382 km

Land use

28.19% 0.45% 71.36% (2005)

arable land

28.19%

other

71.36% (2005)

permanent crops

0.45%

Location

Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and Lithuania

Map references

Europe

Maritime claims

12 nm 200 nm 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

continental shelf

200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone

200 nm

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

NA

Natural resources

peat, limestone, dolomite, amber, hydropower, timber, arable land

Terrain

low plain

Total renewable water resources

49.9 cu km (2005)

Age structure

13.5% (male 152,706/female 145,756) 69.5% (male 747,044/female 785,521) 16.9% (male 121,570/female 252,111) (2011 est.)

0-14 years

13.5% (male 152,706/female 145,756)

15-64 years

69.5% (male 747,044/female 785,521)

65 years and over

16.9% (male 121,570/female 252,111) (2011 est.)

Birth rate

9.96 births/1,000 population (2011 est.)

Death rate

13.6 deaths/1,000 population (July 2011 est.)

Drinking water source

urban: 100% of population rural: 96% of population total: 99% of population urban: 0% of population rural: 4% of population total: 1% of population (2008)

rural

4% of population

total

1% of population (2008)

urban

0% of population

Education expenditures

5% of GDP (2007)

Ethnic groups

Latvian 59.3%, Russian 27.8%, Belarusian 3.6%, Ukrainian 2.5%, Polish 2.4%, Lithuanian 1.3%, other 3.1% (2009)

Health expenditures

8.1% of GDP (2009)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.7% (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

fewer than 1,000 (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

8,600 (2009 est.)

Hospital bed density

6.42 beds/1,000 population (2009)

Infant mortality rate

8.42 deaths/1,000 live births 10.2 deaths/1,000 live births 6.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2011 est.)

female

6.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2011 est.)

total

8.42 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Latvian (official) 58.2%, Russian 37.5%, Lithuanian and other 4.3% (2000 census)

Life expectancy at birth

72.68 years 67.56 years 78.07 years (2011 est.)

female

78.07 years (2011 est.)

total population

72.68 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 99.7% 99.8% 99.7% (2000 census)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

99.7% (2000 census)

male

99.8%

total population

99.7%

Major cities - population

RIGA (capital) 711,000 (2009)

Major infectious diseases

intermediate bacterial diarrhea tickborne encephalitis (2009)

degree of risk

intermediate

food or waterborne diseases

bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases

tickborne encephalitis (2009)

Maternal mortality rate

20 deaths/100,000 live births (2008)

Median age

40.6 years 37.6 years 43.7 years (2011 est.)

female

43.7 years (2011 est.)

male

37.6 years

total

40.6 years

Nationality

Latvian(s) Latvian

adjective

Latvian

noun

Latvian(s)

Net migration rate

-2.33 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2011 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

15.6% (2006)

Physicians density

2.988 physicians/1,000 population (2009)

Population

2,204,708 (July 2011 est.)

Population growth rate

-0.597% (2011 est.)

Religions

Lutheran 19.6%, Orthodox 15.3%, other Christian 1%, other 0.4%, unspecified 63.7% (2006)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 82% of population rural: 71% of population total: 78% of population urban: 18% of population rural: 29% of population total: 22% of population (2008)

rural

29% of population

total

22% of population (2008)

urban

18% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

15 years 14 years 17 years (2008)

female

17 years (2008)

male

14 years

total

15 years

Sex ratio

1.054 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 0.95 male(s)/female 0.48 male(s)/female 0.86 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

15-64 years

0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.48 male(s)/female

at birth

1.054 male(s)/female

total population

0.86 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

under 15 years

1.05 male(s)/female

Total fertility rate

1.32 children born/woman (2011 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

33.8% 38.3% 27.9% (2009)

female

27.9% (2009)

total

33.8%

Urbanization

68% of total population (2010) -0.4% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

-0.4% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

68% of total population (2010)

Administrative divisions

109 municipalities (novadi, singular-novads) and 9 cities 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, Juanpiebalgas 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, 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 Daugavpils, Jekabpils, Jelgava, Jurmala, Liepaja, Rezekne, Riga, Valmiera, Ventspils

cities

Daugavpils, Jekabpils, Jelgava, Jurmala, Liepaja, Rezekne, Riga, Valmiera, Ventspils

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, Juanpiebalgas 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, 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

Capital

Riga 56 57 N, 24 06 E UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

daylight saving time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

geographic coordinates

56 57 N, 24 06 E

name

Riga

time difference

UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Constitution

15 February 1922; restored to force by the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Latvia adopted by the Supreme Council 21 August 1991; multiple amendments since

Country name

Republic of Latvia Latvia Latvijas Republika Latvija Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic

conventional long form

Republic of Latvia

conventional short form

Latvia

former

Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic

local long form

Latvijas Republika

local short form

Latvija

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Judith G. GARBER 7 Raina Boulevard, Riga LV-1510 American Embassy Riga, US Department of State, 4520 Riga Place, Washington, DC 20520-4520 [371] 670-36200 [371] 678-20047

chief of mission

Ambassador Judith G. GARBER

embassy

7 Raina Boulevard, Riga LV-1510

FAX

[371] 678-20047

mailing address

American Embassy Riga, US Department of State, 4520 Riga Place, Washington, DC 20520-4520

telephone

[371] 670-36200

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Andrejs PILDEGOVICS 2306 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 328-2840 [1] (202) 328-2860

chancery

2306 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008

chief of mission

Ambassador Andrejs PILDEGOVICS

FAX

[1] (202) 328-2860

telephone

[1] (202) 328-2840

Executive branch

President Andris BERZINS (since 8 July 2011) Prime Minister Valdis DOMBROVSKIS (since 12 March 2009) Cabinet of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and appointed by Parliament president elected by Parliament for a four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 2 June 2011 (next to be held in 2015); prime minister appointed by the president, confirmed by Parliament Andris BERZINS elected president; parliamentary vote - Andris BERZINS 53, Valdis ZATLERS 41

cabinet

Cabinet of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and appointed by Parliament

chief of state

President Andris BERZINS (since 8 July 2011)

election results

Andris BERZINS elected president; parliamentary vote - Andris BERZINS 53, Valdis ZATLERS 41

elections

president elected by Parliament for a four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 2 June 2011 (next to be held in 2015); prime minister appointed by the president, confirmed by Parliament

head of government

Prime Minister Valdis DOMBROVSKIS (since 12 March 2009)

Flag description

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

parliamentary democracy

Independence

4 May 1990 (declared); 6 September 1991 (recognized by the Soviet Union)

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

Australia Group, BA, BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch

Supreme Court (judges' appointments are confirmed by parliament); Constitutional Court (judges' appointments are confirmed by parliament)

Legal system

civil law system with traces of socialist legal traditions and practices

Legislative branch

unicameral Parliament or Saeima (100 seats; members elected by proportional representation from party lists by popular vote to serve four-year terms) last held on 17 September 2011 (next to be held in September 2015) percent of vote by party - SC 28.4%, Zatlers 20.8%, Unity 18.8%, National Alliance 13.9%, ZZS 12.2%; seats by party - SC 31, Zatlers 22, Unity 20, National Alliance 14, ZZS 13

election results

percent of vote by party - SC 28.4%, Zatlers 20.8%, Unity 18.8%, National Alliance 13.9%, ZZS 12.2%; seats by party - SC 31, Zatlers 22, Unity 20, National Alliance 14, ZZS 13

elections

last held on 17 September 2011 (next to be held in September 2015)

National anthem

"Dievs, sveti Latviju!" (God Bless Latvia) Karlis BAUMANIS adopted 1920, restored 1990; the song was first performed in 1873 while Latvia was a part of Russia; the anthem was banned during the Soviet occupation from 1940 to 1990

lyrics/music

Karlis BAUMANIS

name

"Dievs, sveti Latviju!" (God Bless Latvia)

National holiday

Independence Day, 18 November (1918); note - 18 November 1918 was the date Latvia declared independence from Soviet Russia and established its statehood; 4 May 1990 was the date it declared its independence from the Soviet Union

National symbol(s)

white wagtail (bird)

Political parties and leaders

All For Latvia! [Irnants PARADNIEKS, Raivis DZINTARS]; Civic Union [Sandra KALNIETE, Girts Valdis KRISTOVSKIS]; First Party of Latvia/Latvia's Way or LPP/LC [Ainars SLESERS]; For Human Rights in a United Latvia or PCTVL [Jakovs PLINERS, Tatjana ZDANOKA]; For the Fatherland and Freedom/Latvian National Independence Movement or TB/LNNK [Roberts ZILE, Maris GRINBLATS]; Harmony Center or SC [Nils USAKOVS, Janis URBANOVICS]; National Alliance (alliance of TB/LNNK, All For Latvia!) [Gaidis BERZINS, Raivis DZINTARS]; New Era Party or JL [Solvita ABOLTINA, Dzintars ZAKIS]; Society for Different Politics or SCP [Aigars STOKENBERGS; Artis PABRIKS]; The Union of Latvian Greens and Farmers Party or ZZS [Augusts BRIGMANIS]; Unity [Solvita ABOLTINA]; Zatlers' Reform Party [Valdis ZATLERS]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia [Peteris KRIGERS], Employers' Confederation of Latvia [Elina EGLE], Farmers' Parliament [Juris LAZDINS]

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal for Latvian citizens

Agriculture - products

grain, rapeseed, potatoes, vegetables; pork, poultry, milk, eggs; fish

Budget

$8.471 billion $10.31 billion (2010 est.)

expenditures

$10.31 billion (2010 est.)

revenues

$8.471 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-7.7% of GDP (2010 est.)

Central bank discount rate

4% (31 December 2009) 6% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

9.56% (31 December 2010 est.) 16.23% (31 December 2009 est.)

Current account balance

$871 million (2010 est.) $2.283 billion (2009 est.)

Debt - external

$42.07 billion (30 June 2011 est.) $39.55 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

35.7 (2008) 32 (1999)

Economy - overview

Latvia is a small, open economy with exports contributing significantly to its 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 electronic devices. The bulk of the country's economic activity, however, is in the services sector. Corruption continues to be an impediment to attracting FDI flows 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 softening world economy. GDP plunged 18% in 2009 - the three Baltic states had the world's worst declines that year. Thanks to strong export growth in 2009 and 2010, the economy experienced its first real quarterly GDP growth in over two years (2.9%) in the third quarter of 2010. 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. This agreement calls for reduction of Latvia's fiscal deficit to below 3% of GDP by 2012, in order to meet the Maastricht Treaty criteria for euro adoption. DOMBROVSKIS' government enacted major spending cuts to reduce the fiscal deficit to a maximum of 8.5% of GDP in 2010, and Latvia has approved a 2011 budget with a projected deficit of 5.4% of GDP. The majority of companies, banks, and real estate have been privatized, although the state still holds sizable stakes in a few large enterprises. Latvia officially joined the World Trade Organization in February, 1999. EU membership, a top foreign policy goal, came in May 2004. Latvia's current major financial policy goal, entrance into the euro zone, is targeted for 2014.

Electricity - consumption

6.836 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - exports

2.605 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports

1.654 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - production

5.114 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Exchange rates

lati (LVL) per US dollar - 0.5422 (2010) 0.5056 (2009) 0.4701 (2008) 0.5162 (2007) 0.5597 (2006)

Exports

$8.989 billion (2010 est.) $7.387 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities

food products, wood and wood products, metals, machinery and equipment, textiles

Exports - partners

Russia 15.2%, Lithuania 15.2%, Estonia 12.6%, Germany 8.2%, Sweden 5.9%, Poland 4.7% (2010)

GDP - composition by sector

4% 21.7% 74.4% (2010 est.)

agriculture

4%

industry

21.7%

services

74.4% (2010 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$14,700 (2010 est.) $14,600 (2009 est.) $17,700 (2008 est.) data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

-0.3% (2010 est.) -18% (2009 est.) -4.2% (2008 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$24.05 billion (2010 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$32.51 billion (2010 est.) $32.62 billion (2009 est.) $39.76 billion (2008 est.) data are in 2010 US dollars

Household income or consumption by percentage share

2.7% 27.6% (2008)

highest 10%

27.6% (2008)

lowest 10%

2.7%

Imports

$10.54 billion (2010 est.) $9.209 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities

machinery and equipment, consumer goods, chemicals, fuels, vehicles

Imports - partners

Lithuania 16.3%, Germany 11.4%, Russia 10%, Poland 7.5%, Estonia 7%, Finland 4.8% (2010)

Industrial production growth rate

14.3% (2010 est.)

Industries

processed foods, processed wood products, textiles, processed metals, pharmaceuticals, railroad cars, synthetic fibers, electronics

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

-1.1% (2010 est.) 3.5% (2009 est.)

Investment (gross fixed)

18% of GDP (2010 est.)

Labor force

1.178 million (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

12.1% 25.8% 61.8% (2005 est.)

agriculture

12.1%

industry

25.8%

services

61.8% (2005 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$1.252 billion (31 December 2010) $1.824 billion (31 December 2009) $1.609 billion (31 December 2008)

Natural gas - consumption

1.56 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2009 est.)

Natural gas - imports

1.56 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2009 est.)

Oil - consumption

41,000 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Oil - exports

3,457 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - imports

37,520 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - production

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2011 est.)

Population below poverty line

NA%

Public debt

44.7% of GDP (2010 est.) 36.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$7.17 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $6.907 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of broad money

$12.28 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $11.85 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$1.011 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $996.8 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$11.97 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $11.63 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$26.03 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $28.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$7.186 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $6.092 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

35.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

Unemployment rate

18.4% (2010 est.) 17.1% (2009 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 are 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

.lv

Internet hosts

289,478 (2010)

Internet users

1.504 million (2009)

Telephone system

recent efforts focused on bringing competition to the telecommunications sector; the number of fixed lines is decreasing as mobile-cellular telephone service expands number of telecommunications operators has grown rapidly since the fixed-line market opened to competition in 2003; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership exceeds 125 per 100 persons country code - 371; the Latvian network is now connected via fiber optic cable to Estonia, Finland, and Sweden (2008)

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 exceeds 125 per 100 persons

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

international

country code - 371; the Latvian network is now connected via fiber optic cable to Estonia, Finland, and Sweden (2008)

Telephones - main lines in use

532,100 (2010)

Telephones - mobile cellular

2.306 million (2010)

Airports

42 (2010)

Airports - with paved runways

7 (2010)

1,524 to 2,437 m

5

2,438 to 3,047 m

3

914 to 1,523 m

3

over 3,047 m

1

total

19

under 914 m

7 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways

23 (2010)

total

23

under 914 m

23 (2010)

Merchant marine

cargo 3, chemical tanker 1, passenger/cargo 5, petroleum tanker 3, roll on/roll off 1 4 (Estonia 4) 90 (Antigua and Barbuda 16, Belize 10, Cambodia 1, Comoros 1, Cook Islands 1, Dominica 1, Georgia 1, Liberia 9, Malta 11, Marshall Islands 18, Panama 4, Saint Kitts and Nevis 2, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 15) (2010)

foreign-owned

4 (Estonia 4)

registered in other countries

90 (Antigua and Barbuda 16, Belize 10, Cambodia 1, Comoros 1, Cook Islands 1, Dominica 1, Georgia 1, Liberia 9, Malta 11, Marshall Islands 18, Panama 4, Saint Kitts and Nevis 2, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 15) (2010)

total

13

Pipelines

gas 948 km; refined products 415 km (2010)

Ports and terminals

Riga, Ventspils

Railways

2,239 km 2,206 km 1.520-m gauge 33 km 0.750-m gauge (2010)

narrow gauge

33 km 0.750-m gauge (2010)

total

2,239 km

Roadways

73,074 km 14,459 km 58,615 km (2010)

total

73,074 km

unpaved

58,615 km (2010)

Waterways

300 km (navigable year round) (2010)

Manpower available for military service

546,090 540,810 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

540,810 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

546,090

Manpower fit for military service

401,691 447,638 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

447,638 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

401,691

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

10,482 9,858 (2010 est.)

female

9,858 (2010 est.)

male

10,482

Military branches

National Armed Forces (Nacionalo Brunoto Speku): Land Forces, Navy (Latvijas Juras Speki; includes Coast Guard (Latvijas Kara Flotes)), Latvian Air Force (Latvijas Gaisa Speki), Latvian Home Guard (Latvijas Zemessardze) (2011)

National Armed Forces (Nacionalo Brunoto Speku)

Land Forces, Navy (Latvijas Juras Speki; includes Coast Guard (Latvijas Kara Flotes)), Latvian Air Force (Latvijas Gaisa Speki), Latvian Home Guard (Latvijas Zemessardze) (2011)

Military expenditures

1.2% of GDP (2005 est.)

Military service age and obligation

18 years of age for voluntary male and female military service; conscription abolished January 2007; under current law, every citizen is entitled to serve in the armed forces for life (2009)

Disputes - international

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

transshipment and destination point for cocaine, synthetic drugs, opiates, and cannabis from Southwest Asia, Western Europe, Latin America, and neighboring Balkan 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