Latvia Population 2026: 1.8M People, Density & Key Facts
Latvia is a country with vast stretches of largely empty land: 1.8M people across 64,589 km², giving a density of 28/km².
GDP per capita stands at $22,833: a figure above the global median. The capital, Riga, is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country.
📊 Population at a Glance
About Latvia's Population
With a population of 1.8M, Latvia is home to a significant number of people within its 64,589 km² of territory. The population density of 28/km² reflects how people are distributed across the country: a low density suggesting significant open space and rural areas across the country.
The capital city, Riga, serves as the administrative, cultural and economic heart of Latvia. Latvia has a coastline of 498 km, which has historically attracted settlement and shaped where the majority of the population lives and works.
In economic terms, Latvia has a total GDP of $41.1B, translating to $22,833 per person. This figure gives a broad indication of average living standards, though income distribution varies considerably across different regions and communities within the country. The official currency is the Euro (€).
Latvia gained independence in 1991 and has since developed a distinct national identity shaped by its geography, history and culture. The official language is Latvian, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population in daily life, education and government.
Within the Northern Europe region, Latvia sits alongside Iceland (376K), Estonia (1.3M), Lithuania (2.8M). This regional context helps illustrate how Latvia's population size compares to its neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions about Latvia's Population
What is the population of Latvia in 2026?
The population of Latvia is approximately 1.8M people as of 2026.
What is the capital city of Latvia?
The capital city of Latvia is Riga, which serves as the country's main administrative and cultural hub.
How densely populated is Latvia?
Latvia has a population density of 28/km². This is a moderate population density.
What is the GDP per capita of Latvia?
Latvia has a GDP per capita of $22,833, with a total GDP of $41.1B. This gives an indication of average economic output per person.
What language do people speak in Latvia?
The official language of Latvia is Latvian.
How big is Latvia?
Latvia covers a total area of 64,589 km². With a population of 1.8M, that gives a density of 28/km².
When did Latvia gain independence?
Latvia gained independence in 1991.
What currency is used in Latvia?
The official currency of Latvia is the Euro (€).
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