Analytics, Baltic States – CIS, Demography, Latvia, Society

Of total population 917.1 thsd or 45.8% were males and 1084.4 thsd (54.2%) – females.

In 2014 the number of population in Latvia continues to reduce – at the beginning of May there were 1 million 997.5 thousand persons living in Latvia. The number of population is decreasing both due to natural increase (the number of deaths prevails the number of births), and due to migration.

20.6 thousand births and 28.7 thousand deaths were recorded in Latvia in the previous year. In the result of natural movement the number of population dropped by 8.1 thsd (9.1 thsd in 2012). In the result of international migration the number of population fell by 14.3 thsd (11.9 thsd in 2012). 8.3 thousand persons arrived to Latvia from abroad, but 22.6 thousand persons departed from Latvia in 2013.

Change in population number, thousand

Data source: Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia

In the result of slight increase in birth the number of population under working age (0-14 years) has changed. In 2013 it increased by more than 2 thsd and at the beginning of 2014 the share of population in this age group in the total number of population was 14.7% (a year ago – 14.4%). During the last year the number of population over working age (aged 62 and more) also increased by almost 2 thsd and their share in the total number of population rose from 22.4% at the beginning of 2013 to 22.7% this year. It must be noted that in 2013, mainly due to emigration, the number of population of working age reduced significantly – by 26 thsd or 2% (number of deaths in the number of population of working age comprised almost 6 thsd).

Compiling information on ethnic composition of Latvian population it can be seen that the number of population of major ethnicities has reduced in 2013: Latvians – by 8.4 thsd, Russians – by 10.3 thsd, Ukrainians, Poles, Belarussians – by 1.1-1.6 thsd. Share of Latvians in the total number of population, despite the decrease of absolute number, has grown from 61.1% at the beginning of 2013 to 61.4% at the beginning of this year.

Ethnic composition of population at the beginning of 2014 (%)

Data source: Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia

Over a year the number of population mostly reduced in Latgale region – by 6.4 thsd. Kurzeme region has lost 4.7 thsd persons, Vidzeme – 4.0 thsd, Zemgale – 4.0 thsd and Pieriga region – 2.9 thsd persons. 

Already for three years in a row the number of births is growing in Latvia. In 2013 there were 20 596 births, which is more by 699 newborns than in 2012. The number of births per 1000 population rose from 9.1 in 2011 to 10.2 in 2013.

There were 28 691 deaths in Latvia last year, which is 334 persons less than in 2012. Mortality per 1000 population remained at the level of previous year – 14.3 deaths. It must be noted that infant mortality has reduced significantly last year - 91 child died in the first year of life, which is less by 34 than in 2012. Infant mortality per 1000 live births dropped from 6.3 deaths in 2012 to 4.4 – last year.

Demography trends in Latvia; 2011 – 2013

Calculation of the number of population is based on methodology for population number estimates developed by the CSB in2012. At the beginning of the year status of the actual place of residence is evaluated for each person registered in Latvia. Logic regression model is developed for the evaluation. Carrying out the evaluation, wide choice of administrative data at personal level is analysed. Quality of the information prepared is estimated using data of surveys organized by the CSB, information compiled by local governments on benefits granted, as well as other information at personal level. Quality evaluation of the method will be carried out in 2015 organizing micro Population and Housing Census.

Information on the number of population in administrative territories at the beginning of 2014, as well as data on key demographic indicators are available in the CSB database. Detailed evaluation of the number of population is also available on the CSB homepage in methodology description.