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

According to the Central Statistical Bureau's data, there were 643,600 residents in Riga at the beginning of 2013, making Riga the largest city in Latvia and the Baltic States, as well as one of the largest metropolises in Northern Europe. Riga ranked second in terms of population among all Northern European capitals in 2012. Stockholm was first with 864,300 residents, Oslo ranked third with 613,300 residents.

However, Riga could soon lose its status of the second largest capital in Northern Europe. Riga is the only capital in the Baltic States with negative population growth. At the same time, the number of residents continues to increase in such Northern European capitals as Oslo, Stockholm and Helsinki.

Referring to studies conducted by the Academy of Sciences, Riga City Council City Development Department specialists point out that, according to the best-case scenario, without migration and through measures to improve the demographic situation in the country, the number of Rigans could constitute 579,729 in 2030, or 12% less than in 2011.