Latvia
Region
🌍 Europe
Population
👥 1
Currency
💱 Euro
Languages
🗣️ Latvian
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Latvia, a gem of the Baltic region, beckons travelers with its enchanting blend of medieval charm and unspoiled nature. Best known for its captivating coastline, lush forests, and vibrant capital city, Riga, Latvia offers a diverse range of experiences. First-time visitors can expect to be charmed by the cobblestone streets of Riga's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and by the tranquility of its expansive national parks. The country's landscape is characterized by its vast forests, numerous lakes, and a picturesque, sandy Baltic Sea coast. From exploring historic castles to hiking through ancient woodlands, Latvia promises an authentic and enriching European adventure, often at a more relaxed pace and budget than its Western European neighbors. Its rich cultural heritage, influenced by centuries of different rulers, is evident in its architecture, traditions, and cuisine.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Republic of Latvia
Continent
Europe
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Latvian
Independence
November 18, 1918 (from Russia)
Top-Level Domain
.lv
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+371
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+02:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Riga
ISO Alpha-2
LV
ISO Alpha-3
LVA
UN Code
428
Geographic Coordinates
57,25
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
64,559#125 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
1,832,100#150 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
30.17
Highest Point (m)
312 (Gaiziņkalns)
Lowest Point (m)
0 (Baltic Sea)
Land Use
Agricultural land, forests, and urban areas.
Irrigated Land
Small percentage of agricultural land is irrigated.
Coastline Length
Approximately 498 kilometers
Climate
Temperate; four seasons; influenced by the Baltic Sea.
Natural Resources
Peat, limestone, timber, arable land, hydropower.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Russia
Major Rivers
Daugava (Western Dvina), Gauja, Venta.
Major Lakes
Lake Lubāns, Lake Rāzna, Lake Engure.
Government Type
Parliamentary republic
Administrative Divisions
110 municipalities and 36 former municipalities incorporated into them, and 9 cities.
Legal System
Civil law system based on the Napoleonic code.
Chief of State
President Edgars Rinkēvičs
Head of Government
Prime Minister Evika Siliņa
Cabinet
Council of Ministers
Elections
Elections for the Saeima (parliament) are held every four years.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court
Legislative Branch
Saeima (unicameral parliament)
Major Political Parties
New Unity, Greens and Farmers Union, Progressives, National Alliance, Harmony Centre (historical).
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Euro
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
48.62#101 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
85.25#111 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
26,311.97#63 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
4.01
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
18.68
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
64.25
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3.75#74 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
948,428
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
6.57#67 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (1994)Checked September 29, 2026
7.45
Budget
Latvia's budget includes revenues and expenditures managed by the government.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
30.42#82 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
32.65#80 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Latvia's foreign reserves are managed by the Bank of Latvia.
Currency Exchange
Exchange rates can be found at major banks and online currency converters.
GDP by Sector
Services, industry, and agriculture contribute to Latvia's GDP.
Major Industries
Wood processing, food processing, electronics, and finance.
Major Export Partners
Lithuania, Estonia, Germany, and Russia.
Major Import Partners
Lithuania, Germany, Poland, and Estonia.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2011)Checked September 29, 2026
99.9#6 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
6.9
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
14.3
Net Migration Rate
Approximately -1.5 migrants per 1,000 population (2021 est.)
Median Age
Approximately 44 years (2021 est.)
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
68.63#96 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Latvia's urbanization rate is relatively stable.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
76.4#93 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Low prevalence.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
7.28
Ethnic Groups
Latvians, Russians, Belarusians, Ukrainians, and Poles.
Religions
Lutheranism, Catholicism, and Russian Orthodoxy.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Latvian
Education
Education System
Latvia's education system includes pre-primary, primary, secondary, and higher education. It's generally free at primary and secondary levels in public schools.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2018)Checked September 29, 2026
16.2
Government Education Spending
Latvia spends a percentage of its GDP on education, varying annually, but generally within the OECD average.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
University of Latvia, Riga Technical University, Riga Stradins University.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Latvian culture blends Baltic traditions with influences from its history, including periods of German, Swedish, and Russian rule. Folk traditions are significant.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- Jaungada diena (2026-01-01)
- 1991. gada barikāžu aizstāvju atceres diena (2026-01-20)
- Latvijas Republikas starptautiskās (de jure) atzīšanas diena (2026-01-26)
- Starptautisko nevalstisko organizāciju diena (2026-02-27)
- Nacionālo partizānu bruņotās pretošanās atceres diena (2026-03-02)
- Starptautiskā sieviešu diena (2026-03-08)
- Nacionālās pretošanās kustības piemiņas diena (2026-03-17)
- Komunistiskā genocīda upuru piemiņas diena (2026-03-25)
- Lielā Piektdiena (2026-04-03)
- Pirmās Lieldienas (2026-04-05)
- Otrās Lieldienas (2026-04-06)
- Latgales kongresa diena (2026-04-27)
Popular Music
Pop, rock, and folk-inspired music are popular. Eurovision success has boosted Latvian music internationally.
Traditional Food
Grey peas with bacon, rye bread, smoked fish, and various meat dishes.
Sports
Basketball, ice hockey, football, and cycling are popular sports.
Major Festivals
Song and Dance Festival, Riga City Festival, Positivus Festival.
Famous People
Andris Nelsons (conductor), Māris Verpakovskis (footballer), Elīna Garanča (opera singer).
Cultural Heritage Sites
Riga's Old Town, Rundāle Palace, and various historical buildings.
UNESCO Sites
Historic Centre of Riga.
Annual Tourist Visits
Around 2 million annual tourist visits.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is growing, with a focus on cultural heritage, nature, and historical sites.
Top Tourist Attractions
Riga's Old Town, Gauja National Park, Jurmala beach resorts, Rundale Palace.
Famous Cities
Riga, Jurmala, Daugavpils, Liepaja, Ventspils.
National Parks
Gauja National Park, Ķemeri National Park.
Protected Areas
Significant percentage of the country is protected, including national parks and nature reserves.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Latvia largely depends on your preferred activities and tolerance for weather. For city exploration and sightseeing, especially in Riga, the shoulder seasons of spring (May to June) and autumn (September to October) offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer (July to August) is ideal for beach lovers and enjoying the Baltic coast, with warm weather perfect for swimming and sunbathing. This is also when many outdoor festivals and events take place. If you enjoy hiking and nature, late spring and summer provide the most favorable conditions for exploring Latvia's extensive forests and national parks, with long daylight hours. Winter (December to February) can be magical for those seeking a snowy, festive experience, particularly around Christmas markets, though temperatures are cold and daylight hours are short. Spring (April to May) sees nature come alive, offering beautiful scenery and blooming landscapes.
Tourist Visa Info
Schengen visa rules apply. Visa-free travel for many nationalities.
Visa Requirements Overview
Visa requirements for tourists visiting Latvia depend significantly on your nationality. Citizens of many countries, including those within the European Union and the Schengen Area, can enter Latvia visa-free for short stays. For other nationalities, a Schengen visa may be required to enter Latvia, as it is a member of the Schengen Area. This visa allows for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism or business purposes. It is crucial for all visitors to check the specific visa regulations applicable to their passport well in advance of their travel dates. Information on application procedures, required documents, and processing times can usually be found through Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its embassies and consulates abroad.
Travel Advisory
Generally safe. Exercise normal security precautions. Check specific travel advisories from your country.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
Latvia's healthcare quality index is moderate.
Medical Cost
Medical costs are relatively moderate compared to other European countries.
Number of Hospitals
Latvia has a network of hospitals providing medical care.
Universal Healthcare
Latvia has a universal healthcare system funded primarily through mandatory social insurance contributions.
Medical Services Overview
Latvia offers a range of medical services, including public and private healthcare.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available throughout Latvia.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
110
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
113
Emergency Number (Fire)
112
Crime Rate
Relatively low crime rate compared to many other countries.
Safety Index
High safety index.
Military Expenditure
Around 2% of GDP.
Emergency Services Overview
Well-established emergency services, with readily available police, ambulance, and fire departments.
Safety Overview
Latvia is generally a safe country for tourists, with low levels of violent crime. As with any destination, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transport in larger cities like Riga, where pickpocketing can occur. Common tourist scams are rare but may include inflated taxi fares; it's advisable to use reputable taxi companies or ride-sharing apps. While petty crime is the main concern, it's generally minor. Exercise standard precautions, such as keeping valuables secure and avoiding displaying excessive wealth. Be mindful of uneven cobblestone streets and paths, especially in older towns, to prevent trips and falls. In rural areas, adhere to marked trails when hiking and inform someone of your itinerary. Overall, travelers can feel secure exploring Latvia with common sense precautions.
Military Branches
Latvian National Armed Forces (NBS) - includes Land Forces, Naval Forces, Air Force, and National Guard.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Universal electricity access.
Water Access
High access to improved water sources.
Sanitation Access
High access to improved sanitation facilities.
Railways
Latvian Railways (Latvijas Dzelzceļš) operates the railway network.
Roadways
Road network is well-developed, with a mix of paved and unpaved roads. European routes (E-roads) are prevalent.
Transportation System
Includes roads, railways, and air transport. Public transport is available in cities.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Liepāja International Airport (LPX), Riga International Airport (RIX)
Ports
Major ports in Riga and Ventspils, handling significant cargo and passenger traffic. Liepaja is also important.
Public Transit
Public transport includes buses, trams, and trolleybuses in major cities. Trains connect major towns.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
92.71#45 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Very high mobile subscriptions per 100 people.
Tech Startups
Growing tech startup scene, particularly in Riga.
Innovation Index
Moderate to high innovation index.
ICT Development Index
High ICT Development Index.
TV Broadcast Stations
Multiple TV broadcast stations available.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Numerous radio broadcast stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
Type C and F, 230V, 50Hz
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
3.65#79 of 202
Air Quality Index
Moderate air quality, with some pollution from traffic and industry.
Water Pollution Level
Moderate water pollution, particularly from agricultural runoff and industrial discharge.
Renewable Energy Usage
Growing renewable energy sector, primarily wind and biomass.
Environmental Issues
Air pollution, water pollution, deforestation, and Baltic Sea pollution.
Natural Hazards
Flooding, coastal erosion.
Waste Management
Developing waste management infrastructure, with increasing recycling efforts and landfill management.
Environmental Agreements
Party to major international environmental agreements.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Has diplomatic missions in various countries.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
NATO, EU, Eurozone, OECD, Schengen Area
Major Treaties
Schengen Agreement, EU treaties, etc.
Visa-Free Countries
Visa-free access to many countries.