Latvia: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Latvia 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Latvia: 46
  • Happiness Score Latvia:6.234

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Latvia. LV.

    Latvia is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe.

  • Latvia is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional folk songs, dance, and celebrations.
  • It has a parliamentary representative democratic republic political structure.
  • Latvia has a significant economic focus on agriculture, forestry, and manufacturing industries.
  • Latvia – A Comprehensive Overview

    Early History:

    The territory of modern-day Latvia has been inhabited since the Stone Age, with the first settlers being the Finno-Ugric tribes. In the 9th century, the region was home to the Baltic tribes, including the Latgalians, Semigallians, Curonians, and Selonians.

    Kingdoms and Empires:

    In the 13th century, the region was conquered by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword, a Catholic military order. It later became part of the Livonian Confederation, a State of the Teutonic Order. From the 16th to the 18th centuries, Latvia was divided between the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and Sweden. In the late 18th century, it was annexed by the Russian Empire.

    Colonial Period:

    Latvia was not formally colonized but was part of the Russian Empire from the late 18th century until its independence in 1918.

    Independence and Modern Era:

    After the Russian Revolution of 1917, Latvia declared its independence on November 18, 1918. However, it had to fight a war against the Red Army and the West Russian Volunteer Army before its independence was recognized in 1920. During World War II, Latvia was occupied by the Soviet Union in 1940 and then by Nazi Germany from 1941 to 1944. After the war, Latvia was forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union until regaining its independence in 1991.

    Current Political Situation:

    Latvia is a parliamentary republic with a unicameral parliament (Saeima). The President is the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. The current President is Egils Levits, and the Prime Minister is Krišjānis Kariņš. The country is a member of the European Union, NATO, and the OECD.

    International Relations:

    Latvia has maintained friendly relations with its neighbors and is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the World Trade Organization. Latvia’s foreign policy is focused on strengthening its ties with European and NATO allies, while also promoting economic cooperation and security in the Baltic region.

    Human Development and Economy:

    Latvia has a high-income advanced economy, with a strong focus on services and manufacturing. Major industries include wood processing, textiles, telecommunications, and transportation. Latvia ranks highly on the Human Development Index and has made significant progress in reducing poverty and improving living standards.

    Cultural Highlights:

    Latvian culture is deeply rooted in Baltic traditions, with strong influences from German and Scandinavian cultures. The Latvian language, a member of the Baltic language family, is the official language. Notable cultural contributions include the Latvian Song and Dance Festival, a UNESCO-recognized tradition, and the works of writers such as Rūdolfs Blaumanis and Rainis.

    Challenges and Opportunities: Latvia faces challenges related to demographic decline, income inequality, and the need for continued economic diversification. However, opportunities exist in sectors such as renewable energy, biotechnology, and information technology, as well as in further integration with the European Union and strengthening regional cooperation.

Main facts

Location

Latvia is a country located in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It borders the Baltic Sea to the west, Estonia to the north, Russia to the east, Belarus to the southeast, and Lithuania to the south.

Map References

Latvia is situated in Northern Europe, on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea.

Area – Comparative

Latvia has an area of approximately 64,589 square kilometers, slightly larger than the state of West Virginia in the United States.

Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Latvia shares land borders with the following countries:

Coastline

Latvia has a coastline of approximately 498 kilometers along the Baltic Sea, featuring numerous capes, inlets, and beaches.

Maritime Claims

Latvia claims the following maritime zones:

  • Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
  • Exclusive economic zone: 200 nautical miles
  • Continental shelf: 200 meters depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate

Latvia has a maritime climate, with cool summers and moderate winters. The country experiences four distinct seasons, with significant regional variations influenced by the Baltic Sea and continental air masses.

Terrain

Latvia’s terrain is predominantly lowlands, with numerous rivers, lakes, and wetlands. The country features scattered low hills, with the highest elevations found in the eastern regions near the Russian border.

Elevation Extremes

The highest point in Latvia is Gaiziņkalns, a hill located in the Vidzeme Uplands, with an elevation of 311.6 meters above sea level. The lowest point is at sea level, along the Baltic Sea coast.

Natural Resources

Latvia’s main natural resources include peat, limestone, dolomite, gypsum, timber, and modest deposits of oil and natural gas.

Major Bodies of Water

The major bodies of water in Latvia include the Daugava River, the longest river in Latvia, and the Gulf of Riga, a semi-enclosed bay of the Baltic Sea. Latvia also has numerous lakes, with the largest being Lake Lubāns.

Natural Hazards

The main natural hazards in Latvia are flooding and storms along the coastline, as well as occasional severe winter storms and wildfires.

Geography – Notes

Latvia is a predominantly flat country, with a strategic location along the Baltic Sea coast. The country’s geography has played a significant role in its history and cultural development, influencing trade, agriculture, and economic activities.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 54.00%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 7,004. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 31.10%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  56.87963524.603189.
  • Capital: The capital of Latvia is  Riga
  • Major Cities:
    1. Riga – Population: 632,614
    2. Daugavpils – Population: 82,595
    3. Liepāja – Population: 69,443
    4. Jelgava – Population: 55,972
    5. Jūrmala – Population: 49,325
  • Population: 1,912,789
  • Area(Km2): 64589
  • Population Density( P/Km²):30. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:371
  • Official Language(s):Latvia is Latvian (official) 80%, Russian 15.7%, other 4.3%.
  • Currency: EUR

Main Economic Indicators

Latvia has a small, open economy heavily dependent on trade, particularly with its European neighbors. Its economy is diversified across manufacturing, transportation, IT, and finance. Key economic challenges include high income inequality, an aging population, and a shrinking labor force. Notable economic policies have focused on attracting foreign investment, improving the business climate, and pursuing economic reforms to boost competitiveness.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

6.6% (2022 estimate)
3.2% (2021)
Note: Data from the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia.

Credit Ratings

Fitch: A- (Stable)
Moody’s: A3 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: A+ (Stable)

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 3.9%
Industry: 21.4%
Services: 74.7%

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Grain, sugar beets, potatoes, vegetables, beef, pork, poultry, dairy products, eggs.
Industrial Products: Processed foods, wood products, textiles, telecommunications equipment, transportation vehicles, synthetic fibers, pharmaceuticals.

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 934,600 (2022 estimate)
Comparative Ranking: Not available

Current Account Balance

-$1.12 billion (2022 estimate)
-$341 million (2021)
Comparative Ranking: Not available

Exports and Imports

Exports: $16.8 billion (2022 estimate)
Key Partners: Lithuania, Estonia, Russia, Germany, Sweden
Main Commodities: Wood products, transportation vehicles, telecommunications equipment, machinery, furniture.

Imports: $22.6 billion (2022 estimate)
Key Partners: Lithuania, Germany, Russia, Poland, Estonia
Main Commodities: Machinery, chemicals, fuels, vehicles.

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

$4.1 billion (2022 estimate)

  • GDP (Current US$):$34,117,202,555. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 22.90%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 38.10%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $1.16. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $2.80. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 6.52%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

National Identity

Noun: Latvian(s)

Adjective: Latvian

Ethnic Groups

  • Latvian: 62.1%
  • Russian: 25.6%
  • Belarusian: 3.3%
  • Ukrainian: 2.2%
  • Polish: 2.1%
  • Lithuanian: 1.2%
  • Others: 3.5%

Religions

  • Christian: 79.3%
    • Lutheran: 34.6%
    • Roman Catholic: 18.6%
    • Orthodox: 19.4%
    • Other Christian: 6.7%
  • No religion: 16.8%
  • Other religions: 3.9%

Age Structure

  • 0-14 years: 15.1% (male 152,914/female 145,528)
  • 15-64 years: 63.6% (male 613,762/female 639,522)
  • 65 years and over: 21.3% (male 148,673/female 296,837)

Dependency Ratios

Total dependency ratio: 56.7

Youth dependency ratio: 23.8

Elderly dependency ratio: 32.9

Median Age

Total: 43.6 years

Male: 39.8 years

Female: 47.1 years

Lifestyle Indicators

  • Obesity rate: 24.7% (2016)
  • Alcohol consumption: 12.9 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2019)
  • Tobacco use: 28.7% of adults (2020)
  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 74.7. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 99.9%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:10. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:18. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 1.6. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 84.6%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 1,304,943. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):41.60%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

Main Branches:

  • Army
  • Navy
  • Air Force
  • Land Forces

Special Units:

  • Special Operations Forces
  • Latvian National Guard

Internal Security: The State Police is responsible for maintaining public order and internal security.

Military Expenditures

Percentage of GDP (last 5 years):

  • 2021: 2.27%
  • 2020: 2.36%
  • 2019: 2.21%
  • 2018: 2.05%
  • 2017: 1.85%

Latvia ranks 44th globally in military spending as a percentage of GDP.

Personnel Strengths

Active-Duty Military Personnel: 16,350

  • Army: 6,500
  • Navy: 750
  • Air Force: 1,200
  • Land Forces: 7,900

Security Services: Latvian National Guard (8,000)

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Main Military Hardware:

  • Tanks: T-55, T-72
  • Armored Vehicles: BTR-70, BTR-80
  • Artillery: 2S9 NONA-S, M101 Howitzers
  • Fighter Aircraft: L-39C Albatros

Future Acquisitions: Latvia is modernizing its military equipment, with plans to acquire additional armored vehicles, air defense systems, and anti-tank weapons.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Age Range: 19 to 27 years

Obligation: Military service is voluntary, with conscription abolished in 2007.

Military Deployments

Overseas Deployments:

Strategic Military Notes

Defense Strategy: Latvia’s defense strategy focuses on territorial defense, with a particular emphasis on countering potential threats from Russia. The country is a member of NATO and relies on collective defense.

International Security: Latvia contributes to international peacekeeping missions and participates in regional security initiatives through its membership in NATO and the European Union.

  • Armed Forces Size: 6200. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 3.19
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 61.40%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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