2017 Edition

Background

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.

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.

Area

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

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

land

62,249 sq km

land

62,249 sq km

total

64,589 sq km

total

64,589 sq km

water

2,340 sq km

water

2,340 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly larger than West Virginia

slightly larger than West Virginia

Climate

maritime; wet, moderate winters

maritime; wet, moderate winters

Coastline

498 km

498 km

Elevation

87 m lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m highest point: Gaizina Kalns 312 m

87 m lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m highest point: Gaizina Kalns 312 m

elevation extremes

lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m

elevation extremes

lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m

highest point

Gaizina Kalns 312 m

highest point

Gaizina Kalns 312 m

mean elevation

87 m

mean elevation

87 m

Environment - current issues

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

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

Geographic coordinates

57 00 N, 25 00 E

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

12 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 (2012)

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

1,370 km Belarus 161 km, Estonia 333 km, Lithuania 544 km, Russia 332 km

1,370 km Belarus 161 km, Estonia 333 km, Lithuania 544 km, Russia 332 km

border countries (4)

Belarus 161 km, Estonia 333 km, Lithuania 544 km, Russia 332 km

border countries (4)

Belarus 161 km, Estonia 333 km, Lithuania 544 km, Russia 332 km

total

1,370 km

total

1,370 km

Land use

29.2% arable land 18.6%; permanent crops 0.1%; permanent pasture 10.5% 54.1% 16.7% (2011 est.)

agricultural land

29.2%

forest

54.1%

other

16.7% (2011 est.)

Location

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

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

Map references

Europe

Europe

Maritime claims

12 nm limits as agreed to by Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Russia 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

12 nm limits as agreed to by Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Russia 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

continental shelf

200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

continental shelf

200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone

limits as agreed to by Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Russia

exclusive economic zone

limits as agreed to by Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Russia

territorial sea

12 nm

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

large percentage of agricultural fields can become waterlogged and require drainage

Natural resources

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

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

Population - distribution

largest concentration of people is found in and around the port and capital city of Riga; small agglomerations are scattered throughout the country

Terrain

low plain

low plain

Age structure

15.15% (male 151,195/female 143,388) 9.45% (male 94,779/female 88,952) 41.75% (male 403,699/female 408,277) 14.1% (male 121,993/female 152,260) 19.55% (male 124,570/female 255,530) (2017 est.)

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

9.7 births/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Death rate

14.5 deaths/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Dependency ratios

52.5 23.1 29.4 3.4 (2015 est.)

elderly dependency ratio

29.4

potential support ratio

3.4 (2015 est.)

total dependency ratio

52.5

youth dependency ratio

23.1

Drinking water source

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.)

rural

1.7% of population

total

0.7% of population (2015 est.)

urban

0.2% of population

Education expenditures

4.9% of GDP (2013)

Ethnic groups

Latvian 61.8%, Russian 25.6%, Belarusian 3.4%, Ukrainian 2.3%, Polish 2.1%, Lithuanian 1.2%, other 3.6% (2016 est.)

Health expenditures

5.9% of GDP (2014)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.7% (2016 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

6,600 (2016 est.)

Hospital bed density

5.9 beds/1,000 population (2011)

Infant mortality rate

5.2 deaths/1,000 live births 5.6 deaths/1,000 live births 4.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

female

4.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

male

5.6 deaths/1,000 live births

total

5.2 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Latvian (official) 56.3%, Russian 33.8%, other 0.6% (includes Polish, Ukrainian, and Belarusian), unspecified 9.4% data represent language usually spoken at home (2011 est.)

note

data represent language usually spoken at home (2011 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

74.7 years 70.1 years 79.5 years (2017 est.)

female

79.5 years (2017 est.)

male

70.1 years

total population

74.7 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 99.9% 99.9% 99.9% (2015 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

99.9% (2015 est.)

male

99.9%

total population

99.9%

Major infectious diseases

intermediate tickborne encephalitis (2016)

degree of risk

intermediate

vectorborne diseases

tickborne encephalitis (2016)

Major urban areas - population

RIGA (capital) 621,000 (2015)

Maternal mortality ratio

18 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)

Median age

43.6 years 39.7 years 46.9 years (2017 est.)

female

46.9 years (2017 est.)

male

39.7 years

total

43.6 years

Mother's mean age at first birth

27.2 years (2014 est.)

Nationality

Latvian(s) Latvian

adjective

Latvian

noun

Latvian(s)

Net migration rate

-6.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

23.6% (2016)

Physicians density

3.22 physicians/1,000 population (2014)

Population

1,944,643 (July 2017 est.)

Population distribution

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

-1.08% (2017 est.)

Religions

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

Sanitation facility access

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.)

rural

18.5% of population

total

12.2% of population (2015 est.)

urban

9.2% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

16 years 16 years 17 years (2014)

female

17 years (2014)

male

16 years

total

16 years

Sex ratio

1.05 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 1.07 male(s)/female 0.98 male(s)/female 0.79 male(s)/female 0.48 male(s)/female 0.85 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

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

at birth

1.05 male(s)/female

total population

0.85 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

Total fertility rate

1.51 children born/woman (2017 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

16.3% 18% 14.1% (2015 est.)

female

14.1% (2015 est.)

male

18%

total

16.3%

Urbanization

67.4% of total population (2017) -0.56% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

rate of urbanization

-0.56% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

urban population

67.4% of total population (2017)

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)

Citizenship

no at least one parent must be a citizen of Latvia no 5 years

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

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 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)

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)

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

Country name

Republic of Latvia Latvia Latvijas Republika Latvija Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic 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.)

conventional long form

Republic of Latvia

conventional short form

Latvia

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.)

former

Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic

local long form

Latvijas Republika

local short form

Latvija

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Nancy Bikoff PETTIT (since 8 September 2015) 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 Nancy Bikoff PETTIT (since 8 September 2015)

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 TEIKMANIS (since 16 September 2016) 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 TEIKMANIS (since 16 September 2016)

FAX

[1] (202) 328-2860

telephone

[1] (202) 328-2840

Executive branch

President Raimonds VEJONIS (since 8 July 2015) Prime Minister Maris KUCINSKIS (since 11 February 2016); Deputy Prime Minister Arvils ASERADENS (since 11 February 2016) Cabinet of Ministers nominated by the prime minister, appointed by Parliament 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 Raimonds VEJONIS elected president; Parliament vote - Raimonds VEJONIS 55 of 100

cabinet

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

chief of state

President Raimonds VEJONIS (since 8 July 2015)

election results

Raimonds VEJONIS elected president; Parliament vote - Raimonds VEJONIS 55 of 100

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

head of government

Prime Minister Maris KUCINSKIS (since 11 February 2016); Deputy Prime Minister Arvils ASERADENS (since 11 February 2016)

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 republic

Independence

4 May 1990 (declared independence from the Soviet Union); 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, 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

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 directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms) last held on 4 October 2014 (next to be held in October 2018) 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

description

unicameral Parliament or Saeima (100 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms)

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

elections

last held on 4 October 2014 (next to be held in October 2018)

National anthem

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

lyrics/music

Karlis BAUMANIS

name

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

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

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)

white wagtail (bird); national colors: maroon, white

white wagtail (bird); national colors

maroon, white

Political parties and leaders

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 pressure groups and leaders

Latvian Employers' Confederation or LDDK [Vitalijs GAVRILOVS] Farmers' Parliament or ZSA [Juris LAZDINS] Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia or LBAS [Egils BALDZENS]

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

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

Budget

$10.07 billion $10.06 billion (2016 est.)

expenditures

$10.06 billion (2016 est.)

revenues

$10.07 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

0% of GDP (2016 est.)

Central bank discount rate

0% (31 December 2016 est.) 0.05% (31 December 2015 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

4.5% (31 December 2016 est.) 4.5% (31 December 2015 est.)

Current account balance

$409 million (2016 est.) $-212.4 million (2015 est.)

Debt - external

$40.02 billion (31 March 2016 est.) $38.19 billion (31 March 2015 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

34.5 (2015) 35.4 (2014)

Economy - overview

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

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

$11.35 billion (2016 est.) $11.45 billion (2015 est.)

Exports - commodities

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

Exports - partners

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

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

62% 17.5% 18.3% 1.6% 58% -57.4% (2016 est.)

exports of goods and services

58%

government consumption

17.5%

household consumption

62%

imports of goods and services

-57.4% (2016 est.)

investment in fixed capital

18.3%

investment in inventories

1.6%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

3.2% 21.9% 74.9% (2016 est.)

agriculture

3.2%

industry

21.9%

services

74.9% (2016 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$25,700 (2016 est.) $25,000 (2015 est.) $24,200 (2014 est.) data are in 2016 dollars

note

data are in 2016 dollars

GDP - real growth rate

2% (2016 est.) 2.7% (2015 est.) 2.1% (2014 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$27.69 billion (2016 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$50.61 billion (2016 est.) $49.01 billion (2015 est.) $47.21 billion (2014 est.) data are in 2016 dollars

note

data are in 2016 dollars

Gross national saving

21.4% of GDP (2016 est.) 21.3% of GDP (2015 est.) 21.2% of GDP (2014 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

2.2% 26.3% (2015)

highest 10%

26.3% (2015)

lowest 10%

2.2%

Imports

$13.28 billion (2016 est.) $13.71 billion (2015 est.)

Imports - commodities

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

Imports - partners

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

-1% (2016 est.)

Industries

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

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

0.1% (2016 est.) 0.2% (2015 est.)

Labor force

988,600 (2016 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

7.7% 24.1% 68.1% (2016 est.)

agriculture

7.7%

industry

24.1%

services

68.1% (2016 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$6.76 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $6.799 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $7.127 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

Population below poverty line

25.5% (2015)

Public debt

40.1% of GDP (2016 est.) 36.5% of GDP (2015 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

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

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$3.514 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $3.446 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of broad money

$12.97 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $12.53 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$2.485 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $2.482 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$15.36 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $15.93 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$15.11 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $15.39 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$10.71 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $10.3 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

36.4% of GDP (2016 est.)

Unemployment rate

9.6% (2016 est.) 9.9% (2015 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

7.6 million Mt (2013 est.)

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2016 est.)

Crude oil - imports

0 bbl/day (2016 est.)

Crude oil - production

0 bbl/day (2016 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2017 es)

Electricity - consumption

6.712 billion kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity - exports

3.795 billion kWh (2016 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

39.1% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

54.1% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

6.7% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - imports

4.828 billion kWh (2016 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

2.935 million kW (2015 est.)

Electricity - production

5.342 billion kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity access

100% (2016)

electrification - total population

100% (2016)

Natural gas - consumption

2.2 billion cu m (2015 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2014 est.)

Natural gas - imports

1.306 billion cu m (2015 est.)

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2014 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

0 cu m (2014 est.)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

37,680 bbl/day (2016 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

22,640 bbl/day (2016 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

54,060 bbl/day (2016 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

0 bbl/day (2016 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 users

1,570,374 79.9% (July 2016 est.)

percent of population

79.9% (July 2016 est.)

total

1,570,374

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 (2016)

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 (2016)

Telephones - fixed lines

367,195 19 (July 2016 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

19 (July 2016 est.)

total subscriptions

367,195

Telephones - mobile cellular

2,650,273 135 (July 2016 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

135 (July 2016 est.)

total

2,650,273

Airports

42 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

7 (2017)

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 (2017)

Airports - with unpaved runways

24 (2013)

total

24

under 914 m

24 (2013)

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

YL (2016)

Heliports

1 (2013)

Merchant marine

general cargo 15, oil tanker 8, other 42 (2017)

by type

general cargo 15, oil tanker 8, other 42 (2017)

total

65

National air transport system

2,527,368 2,277,996 mt-km (2015)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers

2,277,996 mt-km (2015)

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers

2,527,368

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers

47

number of registered air carriers

3

Pipelines

gas 928 km; refined products 415 km (2013)

Ports and terminals

Riga, Ventspils

major seaport(s)

Riga, Ventspils

Railways

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

broad gauge

2,206 km 1.520-m gauge

narrow gauge

33 km 0.750-m gauge (2008)

total

2,239 km

Roadways

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

paved

14,707 km

total

72,440 km

unpaved

57,733 km (2013)

Waterways

300 km (navigable year-round) (2010)

Military branches

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)

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

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)

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 (2016)

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 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

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

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