2013 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 28% 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)

0.42 cu km/yr (42%/45%/13%) 177.9 cu m/yr (2007)

per capita

177.9 cu m/yr (2007)

total

0.42 cu km/yr (42%/45%/13%)

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

8.3 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 (2007)

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

17.96% 0.11% 81.93% (2011)

arable land

17.96%

other

81.93% (2011)

permanent crops

0.11%

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

35.45 cu km (2011)

Age structure

14% (male 155,549/female 148,811) 11.9% (male 131,766/female 126,419) 44.6% (male 481,365/female 489,405) 12.6% (male 120,212/female 153,390) 17.1% (male 120,788/female 250,738) (2013 est.)

0-14 years

14% (male 155,549/female 148,811)

15-24 years

11.9% (male 131,766/female 126,419)

25-54 years

44.6% (male 481,365/female 489,405)

55-64 years

12.6% (male 120,212/female 153,390)

65 years and over

17.1% (male 120,788/female 250,738) (2013 est.)

Birth rate

9.91 births/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

67.8% percent of women aged 18-49 (1995)

Death rate

13.6 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Dependency ratios

50.2 % 22.3 % 27.9 % 3.6 (2013)

elderly dependency ratio

27.9 %

potential support ratio

3.6 (2013)

total dependency ratio

50.2 %

youth dependency ratio

22.3 %

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 (2010 est.)

rural

4% of population

total

1% of population (2010 est.)

urban

0% of population

Education expenditures

5% of GDP (2010)

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

6.7% of GDP (2010)

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

5.3 beds/1,000 population (2010)

Infant mortality rate

8.08 deaths/1,000 live births 9.8 deaths/1,000 live births 6.26 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

female

6.26 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

total

8.08 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

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

Life expectancy at birth

73.19 years 68.13 years 78.53 years (2013 est.)

female

78.53 years (2013 est.)

total population

73.19 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 99.8% 99.8% 99.8% (2011 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

99.8% (2011 est.)

male

99.8%

total population

99.8%

Major infectious diseases

intermediate tickborne encephalitis (2013)

degree of risk

intermediate

vectorborne diseases

tickborne encephalitis (2013)

Major urban areas - population

RIGA (capital) 711,000 (2009)

Maternal mortality rate

34 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)

Median age

41.2 years 38.2 years 44.1 years (2013 est.)

female

44.1 years (2013 est.)

male

38.2 years

total

41.2 years

Mother's mean age at first birth

26.4 (2010 est.)

Nationality

Latvian(s) Latvian

adjective

Latvian

noun

Latvian(s)

Net migration rate

-2.36 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

24.9% (2008)

Physicians density

2.9 physicians/1,000 population (2010)

Population

2,178,443 (July 2013 est.)

Population growth rate

-0.61% (2013 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 (2000 est.)

rural

29% of population

total

22% of population (2000 est.)

urban

18% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

14 years 14 years 15 years (2011)

female

15 years (2011)

male

14 years

total

14 years

Sex ratio

1.05 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 0.98 male(s)/female 0.78 male(s)/female 0.48 male(s)/female 0.86 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

0-14 years

1.05 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.04 male(s)/female

25-54 years

0.98 male(s)/female

55-64 years

0.78 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.48 male(s)/female

at birth

1.05 male(s)/female

total population

0.86 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

Total fertility rate

1.34 children born/woman (2013 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

29.1% 29.6% 28.6% (2011)

female

28.6% (2011)

total

29.1%

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

110 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, 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 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, 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

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

several previous (preindependence); note - at independence, parts of the 1922 constitution were reinforced and fully reinforced 6 July 1993; amended several times, last in 2009 (2009)

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 Mark A. PEKALA (since 10 July 2012) 1 Samnera Velsa St, Riga LV-1510 Embassy of the United States of America, 1 Samnera Velsa St, Riga, LV-1510, Latvia [371] 6710-7000 [371] 6710-7050

chief of mission

Ambassador Mark A. PEKALA (since 10 July 2012)

embassy

1 Samnera Velsa St, Riga LV-1510

FAX

[371] 6710-7050

mailing address

Embassy of the United States of America, 1 Samnera Velsa St, Riga, LV-1510, Latvia

telephone

[371] 6710-7000

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Andris RAZANS (since 27 July 2012) 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 Andris RAZANS (since 27 July 2012)

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, CD, CE, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), 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, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch

Supreme Court (consists of the Senate with 27 judges and Supreme Court of Chambers with 22 judges); Constitutional Court (consists of 7 judges) 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 district (city) and regional courts

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

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 October 2014) percent of vote by party - SC 28.4%, Reform 20.8%, Unity 18.8%, National Alliance 13.9%, ZZS 12.2%, other 5.9%; seats by party - SC 31, Unity 20, Reform 16, National Alliance 14, ZZS 13, unaffiliated 6

election results

percent of vote by party - SC 28.4%, Reform 20.8%, Unity 18.8%, National Alliance 13.9%, ZZS 12.2%, other 5.9%; seats by party - SC 31, Unity 20, Reform 16, National Alliance 14, ZZS 13, unaffiliated 6

elections

last held on 17 September 2011 (next to be held in October 2014)

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

Union of Greens and Farmers or ZZS [Raimonds VEJONIS] Harmony Center or SC [Nils USAKOVS] National Alliance "All For Latvia!"-"For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK" or NA [Gaidis BERZINS, Raivis DZINTARS] Unity [Solvita ABOLTINA] Reform Party or RP [Valdis ZATLERS]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia [Peteris KRIGERS] Employers' Confederation of Latvia [Vitalijs GAVRILOVS] 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

$9.999 billion $9.981 billion (2012 est.)

expenditures

$9.981 billion (2012 est.)

revenues

$9.999 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

0.1% of GDP (2012 est.)

Central bank discount rate

3.5% (31 December 2011 est.) 3.5% (31 December 2010 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

5.52% (31 December 2012 est.) 6.39% (31 December 2011 est.)

Current account balance

$-473.4 million (2012 est.) $-628.2 million (2011 est.)

Debt - external

$39.43 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $38.07 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

35.2 (2010) 32 (1999)

Economy - overview

Latvia is a small, open economy with exports contributing nearly a third 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 softening world economy. Triggered by the collapse of the second largest bank, GDP plunged 18% in 2009. The economy has not returned to pre-crisis levels despite strong growth, especially in the export sector in 2011-12. 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. The government of Prime Minister Valdis DOMBROVSKIS remained committed to fiscal prudence and reducing the fiscal deficit from 7.7% of GDP in 2010, to 2.7% of GDP in 2012. The majority of companies, banks, and real estate have been privatized, although the state still holds sizable stakes in a few large enterprises, including 99.8% ownership of the Latvian national airline. Latvia officially joined the World Trade Organization in February 1999 and the EU in May 2004. Latvia intends to join the euro zone in 2014.

Exchange rates

lati (LVL) per US dollar - 0.55 (2012 est.) 0.5 (2011 est.) 0.53 (2010 est.) 0.51 (2009) 0.47 (2008)

Exports

$12.23 billion (2012 est.) $11.5 billion (2011 est.)

Exports - commodities

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

Exports - partners

Russia 18.2%, Lithuania 14.9%, Estonia 12.1%, Germany 7.5%, Poland 5.6%, Sweden 4.8% (2012)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

62.4% 15.3% 23.5% 2.8% 61.6% -65.5% (2012 est.)

exports of goods and services

61.6%

government consumption

15.3%

household consumption

62.4%

imports of goods and services

-65.5%

investment in fixed capital

23.5%

investment in inventories

2.8%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

5% 25.7% 69.3% (2012 est.)

agriculture

5%

industry

25.7%

services

69.3% (2012 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$18,100 (2012 est.) $16,800 (2011 est.) $15,600 (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

5.6% (2012 est.) 5.5% (2011 est.) -0.9% (2010 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$28 billion (2012 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$36.87 billion (2012 est.) $34.92 billion (2011 est.) $33.11 billion (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

Gross national saving

24.6% of GDP (2012 est.) 22.7% of GDP (2011 est.) 22.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

2.7% 27.6% (2008)

highest 10%

27.6% (2008)

lowest 10%

2.7%

Imports

$15.15 billion (2012 est.) $14.74 billion (2011 est.)

Imports - commodities

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

Imports - partners

Lithuania 19.1%, Germany 11.6%, Russia 9.2%, Poland 8.2%, Estonia 7.6%, Italy 4.6%, Finland 4.4% (2012)

Industrial production growth rate

8.8% (2012 est.)

Industries

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

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

2.3% (2012 est.) 4.4% (2011 est.)

Labor force

1.031 million (2012 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

8.8% 24% 67.2% (2010 est.)

agriculture

8.8%

industry

24%

services

67.2% (2010 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$1.076 billion (31 December 2011) $1.252 billion (31 December 2010) $1.824 billion (31 December 2009)

Population below poverty line

NA%

Public debt

40.7% of GDP (2012 est.) 41.9% of GDP (2011 est.) 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

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$7.523 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $6.383 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of broad money

$12.09 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $12.12 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$1.992 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $1.844 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$14.14 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $13.07 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$18.39 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $20.65 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$9.099 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $8.01 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

35.7% of GDP (2012 est.)

Unemployment rate

11.4% (2012 est.) 12.8% (2011 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

8.475 million Mt (2011 est.)

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - imports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - production

1,000 bbl/day (2012 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2013 es)

Electricity - consumption

6.56 billion kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - exports

2.764 billion kWh (2011 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

27.2% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

70.9% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

1.9% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - imports

4.009 billion kWh (2011 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

2.166 million kW (2010 est.)

Electricity - production

6.412 billion kWh (2010 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

1.52 billion cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - imports

1.58 billion cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

0 cu m (1 January 2013 es)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

31,340 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

6,146 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

35,930 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

0 bbl/day (2010 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 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

359,604 (2012)

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 roughly 150 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 roughly 150 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

501,000 (2012)

Telephones - mobile cellular

2.31 million (2012)

Airports

42 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

7 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

4

2,438 to 3,047 m

3

914 to 1,523 m

3

over 3,047 m

1

total

18

under 914 m

7 (2013)

Airports - with unpaved runways

24 (2013)

total

24

Heliports

1 (2013)

Merchant marine

cargo 3, chemical tanker 1, passenger/cargo 4, petroleum tanker 2, roll on/roll off 1 3 (Estonia 3) 79 (Antigua and Barbuda 16, Belize 9, Comoros 2, Dominica 2, Georgia 1, Liberia 5, Malta 8, Marshall Islands 19, Russia 2, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 15) (2010)

foreign-owned

3 (Estonia 3)

registered in other countries

79 (Antigua and Barbuda 16, Belize 9, Comoros 2, Dominica 2, Georgia 1, Liberia 5, Malta 8, Marshall Islands 19, Russia 2, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 15) (2010)

total

11

Pipelines

gas 928 km; refined products 415 km (2013)

Ports and terminals

Riga, Ventspils

Railways

2,239 km 2,206 km 1.520-m gauge 33 km 0.750-m gauge (2008)

narrow gauge

33 km 0.750-m gauge (2008)

total

2,239 km

Roadways

72,440 km 14,707 km 57,733 km (2013)

total

72,440 km

unpaved

57,733 km (2013)

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

Military expenditures

1.1% of GDP (2005 est.)

Military service age and obligation

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 (2012)

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

Refugees and internally displaced persons

280,759 (2012); 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

stateless persons

280,759 (2012); 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