Latvia's population was 1,857,000 at the commencement of 2025.
A Sneak Peek at Latvia's Population Trends in 2025
Latvia kicked off 2025 with a population of 1.857 million, marking a 1 percent decrease compared to the previous year. This decline was primarily due to two main factors: negative natural change and negative net migration[1][3].
Negative natural change, a situation where deaths surpass births, brought about a 0.7 percent dip (13,800 people) in the population. On the other hand, negative net migration, where more individuals left Latvia than entered, contributed to an additional 0.3 percent decrease (4,600 people)[1][3].
A Closer Look at Latvia's Demographics
- Workforce Shift: In 2024, 63 percent of Latvia's population fell within the working age bracket (15-64 years). This figure dropped slightly by 0.1 percent compared to the preceding year[1].
- Aging Society: The elderly population, defined as individuals aged 65 and over, increased by 0.5 percent and accounted for 21.9 percent of the total population[1][3].
- Shrinking Youth: The proportion of children (14 and under) decreased by 0.3 percent, making up 15.1 percent of the populace[1][3].
- Average Age: The average age of Latvia's population stands at 43.5 years, with regional disparities ranging from 42.7 years in the Riga region to 45.9 years in Latgale[1].
The overall declining trend of Latvia's population is a concern, with economic migration and low birth rates being the primary drivers. This trend is projected to persist, with a predicted population loss of 21.05 percent between 2024 and 2050[2].
[1] - Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) data[2] - Latvian Human Development Report 2019[3] - Latvian Annual Demographic Report 2024
- In light of the ongoing population decline in Latvia, there has been a growing interest in general-news and politics discussions about the potential implications of this trend.
- The population prediction for Latvia in 2050, as outlined in the Latvian Human Development Report 2019, has become a hot political topic in Latvia's general-news circles, with concerns about the country's long-term economic stability and demographic future.
