Latvia
Republic of Latvia
People: Latvian
Latvia is located in Northern Europe and has a population of around 1.8 million. Its capital city is Riga, and the most widely spoken official language is Latvian.
By the numbers, Latvia is the 147th most populous of the 196 countries covered on this site, home to 0.02% of the world's population. By land area it ranks 122nd out of 196, with a population density of roughly 28 people per km².
Facts last checked 31 August 2026.
Latvia — key facts at a glance
| Official Name | Republic of Latvia |
|---|---|
| Capital City | Riga |
| Continent | Europe |
| Region | Northern Europe |
| Population | 1,829,000 |
| Area | 64,559 km² |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) € |
| Official Language | Latvian |
| Dialling Code | +371 |
| Internet TLD | .lv |
| Timezone | UTC+02:00 |
| Drives on the | Right side |
| Emergency Number | 112 |
| ISO Code | LV / LVA |
| Borders | Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Russia |
Travelling to Latvia?
Before you fly, run through a free packing checklist for Latvia. Pack a universal travel adapter for your devices. You can also check clothing and shoe sizes in Latvia before you shop, and look up popular foods from Latvia if you want to know what's on the menu.
Leaving your car at a UK airport? Compare off-airport parking with Airparks before you fly to Latvia. US: Want to learn a few phrases before you go? Try a 1-on-1 lesson with a real teacher on italki.
Getting to and around Latvia
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Frequently Asked Questions about Latvia
What is the capital and currency of Latvia?
The capital of Latvia is Riga and the currency is the Euro (EUR), symbol €.
What is the capital of Latvia?
The capital of Latvia is Riga.
What currency does Latvia use?
Latvia uses the Euro (EUR, symbol: €).
What language do they speak in Latvia?
The official language of Latvia is Latvian.
What is the dialling code for Latvia?
The international dialling code for Latvia is +371.
What side of the road does Latvia drive on?
Latvia drives on the right-hand side of the road.
Belarus
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Lithuania
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