# Latvia

> sovereign state in northeastern Europe

**Wikidata**: [Q211](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q211)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latvia)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/latvia

## Summary
Latvia is a sovereign state located in northeastern Europe, recognized as a country bordering the Baltic Sea. Established on November 18, 1918, it operates as a parliamentary republic with Riga as its capital. Latvia is a member of key international organizations such as the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations.

## Key Facts
- **Founding Date**: November 18, 1918.
- **Capital**: Riga.
- **Government Type**: Parliamentary republic.
- **Area**: 64,593.79 km² (as of 2022) with a land area of 62,226.92 km² (2024).
- **Population**: 1,856,932 (as of 2025), with a demographic balance method.
- **Currency**: Euro (adopted January 1, 2014), replacing the Latvian lats.
- **Official Language**: Latvian.
- **Member Of**: European Union (since 2004), United Nations (since 1991), NATO (since 2004), and others.
- **Time Zone**: UTC+2 (standard time), UTC+3 (daylight saving time).
- **Driving Side**: Right.
- **Emergency Number**: 112.
- **Human Development Index (HDI)**: 0.863 (2021).
- **Gini Coefficient**: 34.5 (2019).
- **Unemployment Rate**: 9.4% (2017).
- **National Anthem**: "Dievs, svētī Latviju!".
- **Flag**: Flag of Latvia.
- **Coat of Arms**: Coat of arms of Latvia.
- **Borders**: Shares borders with Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, and Russia; maritime border with Sweden.
- **Highest Point**: Gaiziņkalns (311.94 m).
- **Lowest Point**: Baltic Sea (0 m).

## FAQs
- **What are Latvia's neighboring countries?** Latvia borders Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, and Russia, with a maritime boundary with Sweden.
- **When did Latvia adopt the euro?** Latvia transitioned to the euro on January 1, 2014, replacing the Latvian lats.
- **What are Latvia's key memberships?** Latvia is part of the EU, UN, NATO, OECD, and the Schengen Area, among others.
- **What is Latvia's population trend?** The population has been declining, from 1,989,500 in 2014 to 1,856,932 in 2025.
- **What is Latvia's government structure?** It is a parliamentary republic with a president and prime minister; the current president is Edgars Rinkēvičs (since 2023).
- **What are Latvia's official symbols?** The flag of Latvia, coat of arms, and the anthem "Dievs, svētī Latviju!".
- **What is Latvia's HDI ranking?** Latvia's HDI was 0.863 in 2021, indicating very high human development.

## Why It Matters
Latvia plays a significant role in Baltic and European geopolitics, serving as a bridge between Eastern and Western Europe. Its membership in key international organizations underscores its strategic importance. Latvia's transition from Soviet rule to a democratic, market-oriented economy exemplifies post-Cold War political and economic evolution. Its cultural heritage, including a rich tradition of folk music and festivals, contributes to European diversity. Latvia's natural landscapes, such as its forests and coastline along the Baltic Sea, offer ecological and tourism value.

## Notable For
- **Cultural Heritage**: UNESCO-recognized traditions like the Suiti cultural landscape and cross-crafting.
- **Economic Transition**: Successful adoption of the euro and integration into the EU economy.
- **Historical Resilience**: Maintained independence despite 20th-century occupations by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.
- **Environmental Features**: Home to over 30% forest cover and the Baltic Sea coastline.
- **Digital Infrastructure**: High internet penetration and e-governance initiatives.
- **Culinary Traditions**: Known for dishes like aukstā kāpostu zupa (sour soup) and rye bread.

## Body

### Geography and Climate
Latvia is situated in northeastern Europe, bordered by Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, Belarus and Russia to the east, and the Baltic Sea to the west. Its terrain is predominantly flat, with forests covering over 50% of its land area. The highest point, Gaiziņkalns, stands at 311.94 meters, while the Baltic Sea marks its lowest elevation at sea level. Latvia experiences a temperate climate with cold winters and warm summers.

### History
- **Founding**: Declared independence on November 18, 1918, after World War I.
- **Occupations**: Annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940, occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II, and reabsorbed into the USSR until regaining independence in 1991.
- **Modern Era**: Joined NATO and the EU in 2004, adopted the euro in 2014, and continues to strengthen ties with Western institutions.

### Government and Politics
- **Structure**: Parliamentary republic with a unicameral legislature (Saeima) and a president serving as head of state.
- **Current Leadership**: President Edgars Rinkēvičs (since 2023) and Prime Minister Evika Siliņa (since 2023).
- **Legal System**: Based on civil law, with the Constitutional Court overseeing constitutional matters.

### Economy
- **Currency**: Euro (EUR), adopted in 2014.
- **GDP**: $41,153,901,663 (2022), with a nominal GDP of $40,253,826,63 (2021).
- **Key Sectors**: Services dominate the economy, followed by industry and agriculture. Timber, textiles, and food processing are significant industries.
- **Trade**: Member of the EU single market and the World Trade Organization (since 1999).

### Demographics
- **Population**: 1,856,932 (2025), with a declining trend due to low birth rates and emigration.
- **Ethnic Groups**: Latvians (62.7%), Russians (24.8%), Belarusians (3.6%), Ukrainians (2.7%), and others.
- **Languages**: Latvian (official), Russian widely spoken, and recognized regional languages like Latgalian and Livonian.

### Culture
- **Heritage**: Rich folk traditions, including music, dance, and crafts. The Dainu un Deju Svētki (Song and Dance Festival) is a UNESCO-recognized Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
- **Cuisine**: Characterized by local ingredients like fish, potatoes, and dairy, with popular dishes such as skābeņu zupa (sorrel soup) and ķiploņi (dumplings).

### International Relations
- **Memberships**: EU, NATO, UN, OECD, Schengen Area, and the Council of Europe.
- **Diplomatic Ties**: Establishes relations with over 180 countries, emphasizing Baltic and Nordic cooperation.

### Infrastructure and Technology
- **Transport**: Well-developed road and rail networks, with Riga International Airport as a key hub.
- **Digital Infrastructure**: High internet penetration (over 90%) and e-governance services, including digital ID and online public services.

### Environment
- **Protected Areas**: Over 20% of Latvia's territory is protected, including national parks like Gauja and Kemeri.
- **Climate Commitments**: Committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

### Education and Research
- **System**: Compulsory education from age 7 to 16, with a network of universities, including the University of Latvia and Riga Technical University.
- **Research Focus**: Strengths in IT, biotechnology, and environmental sciences, with participation in EU research programs.

### Challenges
- **Demographic Decline**: Aging population and emigration of youth pose long-term economic and social challenges.
- **Energy Security**: Reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels through renewable energy development, particularly wind and biomass.
- **Regional Disparities**: Economic and social inequalities between Riga and rural areas require targeted development initiatives.

## References

1. [LSM.lv](https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/saeima-ar-61-balsi-apstiprina-karina-valdibu.a306979/)
2. [LSM.lv](https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/15.09.2023-saeima-ar-53-balsim-apstiprina-evikas-silinas-valdibu.a523967/)
3. [Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation](https://search.gleif.org/#/search/fulltextFilterId=LEIREC_FULLTEXT&simpleFilters%5Bentity.addresses.country%5D=LV)
4. Global LEI Index
5. [Source](https://www.workwithdata.com/place/latvia)
6. [Source](https://www.britannica.com/place/Latvia)
7. Constitution of Latvia
8. Limits of Oceans and Seas, 3rd edition
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. [Source](http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/latvija/zinas/saeima-ratifice-latvijas-pievienosanos-oecd.a188113/)
11. [Interpol](https://www.interpol.int/Member-countries/World)
12. [Source](https://www.interpol.int/Who-we-are/Member-countries/Europe/LATVIA)
13. [Nuclear Suppliers Group](http://www.nuclearsuppliersgroup.org/en/participants1)
14. [Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons](https://www.opcw.org/about-opcw/member-states/)
15. [Source](https://www.opcw.org/about-us/member-states/latvia)
16. [Movement Coordination Centre Europe](http://mcce-mil.com/wp-content/uploads/glance/MCCE-AT-A-Glance-September-2017.pdf)
17. [International Hydrographic Organization](https://www.iho.int/srv1/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=452&lang=en)
18. [Source](http://www.unesco.org/eri/cp/ListeMS_Indicators.asp)
19. [Source](http://www.upu.int/en/the-upu/member-countries.html)
20. [Source](https://www.upu.int/en/Universal-Postal-Union/About-UPU/Member-Countries?csid=-1&cid=173)
21. [Source](https://www.itu.int/online/mm/scripts/gensel8)
22. [Source](https://www.touteleurope.eu/les-pays-membres-de-l-espace-schengen.html)
23. [Source](https://www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program-requirements)
24. [Source](https://public.wmo.int/en/members/latvia)
25. [Source](https://www.who.int/choice/demography/by_country/en/)
26. [Source](https://www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/pdf/about-us/wco-members/list-of-members-with-membership-date.pdf)
27. [Source](https://holocaustremembrance.com/countries/latvia)
28. [Source](https://www.ncnk.org/sites/default/files/content/resources/publications/NCNK_Issue_Brief_DPRK_Diplomatic_Relations.pdf)
29. [Source](http://www.lgia.gov.lv/Aktualitates/2016/11_novembris/22-1.aspx)
30. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
31. [Source](https://unstats.un.org/unsd/methodology/m49/)
32. FIPS 10-4
33. [Virtual International Authority File](http://www.viaf.org/viaf/125422131/)
34. MusicBrainz
35. [Human Development Report. 2022](https://hdr.undp.org/data-center/human-development-index#/indicies/HDI)
36. Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia
37. [Iedzīvotāju skaits pēc tautības reģionos, pilsētās, novados, pagastos, apkaimēs un blīvi apdzīvotās teritorijās gada sākumā (pēc administratīvi teritoriālās reformas 2021. gadā) 2021 - 2022. Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia](https://data.stat.gov.lv/pxweb/lv/OSP_PUB/START__POP__IR__IRE/IRE071/)
38. [Iedzīvotāju skaits pēc tautības reģionos, pilsētās, novados, pagastos, apkaimēs un blīvi apdzīvotās teritorijās gada sākumā (pēc administratīvi teritoriālās reformas 2021. gadā). Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia](https://data.stat.gov.lv/pxweb/lv/OSP_PUB/START__POP__IR__IRE/IRE071/)
39. [Source](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI)
40. [Source](http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS)
41. [CVCE.eu](https://www.cvce.eu/en/obj/changes_in_the_distribution_of_seats_in_the_european_parliament-en-e6d28948-3fa8-4fe7-a552-1b062bc6fb47.html)
42. [European Council Decision (EU) 2023/2061 of 22 September 2023 establishing the composition of the European Parliament. European Council](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32023D2061)
43. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
44. [Source](https://www.ui.se/landguiden/lander-och-omraden/europa/lettland/)
45. World Bank Open Data
46. The World Factbook
47. The National Terminology Database for Irish
48. [Source](https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/freedom-world-2017)
49. [Source](http://chartsbin.com/view/edr)
50. [Reģionu, novadu, pilsētu un pagastu kopējā un sauszemes platība gada sākumā. Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia](https://data.stat.gov.lv/pxweb/lv/OSP_PUB/START__ENV__DR__DRT/DRT011/)