Latvia is a small nation in Northern Europe, located on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. It is bordered by Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, and Russia to the east. Latvia is a member of the European Union, the United Nations, and the Council of Europe. It is also a member of the Nordic Council and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
The population of Latvia is estimated at 1,917,000 people as of 2020. This is a slight decrease from the 1,921,000 people estimated in 2019. Latvia's population has been declining since the early 1990s due to emigration and a low birth rate. The population of Latvia is largely ethnic Latvian, with minorities of Russians, Belarusians, and Ukrainians.
Latvia has a population density of 42 people per square kilometer (109 per square mile). The capital city of Riga is the most populous city in the country, with a population of 730,000 people. Other major cities in Latvia include Daugavpils, Liepaja, and Jelgava.
Latvia has a relatively young population, with a median age of 41.5 years. The country has a fertility rate of 1.6 children per woman, which is below the replacement rate of 2.1 children per woman. The majority of the population is Christian, with Lutheranism and Catholicism being the two largest denominations.
Latvia has a life expectancy of 75.7 years for men and 81.8 years for women. The country has a high rate of HIV/AIDS, with an estimated prevalence rate of 0.5%. Latvia also has a high rate of alcohol abuse, with an estimated 40% of the population being regular drinkers.
Latvia has a high level of education, with nearly 99% of the population aged 25-64 having completed at least secondary education. The country has a literacy rate of 99.8%, one of the highest in the world.
Latvia has a largely free-market economy, with a GDP of $36.7 billion and a per capita GDP of $19,907. The country's main industries are agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The country's main exports are food products, timber, and machinery. Latvia is a member of the World Trade Organization and the European Union.