The population of Latvia is over 2 million people.
From time immemorial, Latvia was a multinational state: on its territory before the First World War, traditional national communities of Latvians, Russians, Poles, Jews and Germans were formed.
The population of Latvia has significantly decreased in recent years due to migration - the Russian-speaking population is leaving the country, while Latvians, on the contrary, come from the USA, Sweden and Canada.
National composition:
- Latvians (58%);
- Russians (29%);
- Belarusians (4%);
- Ukrainians (3%);
- other nations (6%).
On average, 34 people live per 1 sq. Km, but the east of the country and the regions of the Zemgale Plain are characterized by a high population density, while a low population density is observed in the north-west of Latvia.
The state language is Latvian.
Large cities: Riga, Daugavpils, Liepaja, Jelgava, Jurmala, Ventspils, Valmiera.
Residents of Latvia profess Protestantism, Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Judaism, Baptism.
Life span
On average, residents of Latvia live up to 69 years (male population up to 64, and female population up to 75 years).
The main causes of mortality in the population are cardiovascular and oncological diseases, poisoning, and injuries. Surely, Latvians would have lived longer if not for their craving for alcoholic beverages (Latvia ranks 11th in Europe in terms of alcohol consumption).
Traditions and customs of the inhabitants of Latvia
Latvians honor their traditions and customs and respect their mother tongue.
They like to celebrate the summer holiday of Ligo (June 23): it is not customary to go to bed on this night. According to tradition, the one who will be awake will receive a charge of vigor from higher powers for a whole year. This holiday is accompanied by sitting by the fire, stories of funny events that happened to people throughout the year, as well as songs and the consumption of traditional treats (cheese, beer). And the young people are sure: in order to become lucky, this night they need to find a blooming fern, so they go in search of it in the forest.
Wedding traditions are of interest: in order for the newlyweds to live happily and safely, they must visit 7 different bridges (when crossing the bridge, the newlyweds must launch a balloon into the sky, placing a note with a cherished desire in it beforehand). And having approached the last, seventh bridge, the groom must carry his beloved over it, holding her in his arms.
Traditional dishes (broth, meat pies, veal rolls) are always on display at the festive table in Latvia.
If you have a business meeting with a Latvian, know that they are very punctual people and always come on time (to greet a Latvian, he needs to shake hands).
