According to the latest information from the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, Latvia's overall population decreased by 0.5% over the past six months. However, two of the five largest cities, Jūrmala and Jelgava, have seen a slight increase in their resident populations, even as other major cities like Riga, Daugavpils, and Liepāja experienced declines. Reflected in the population registry, the total number of residents registered in Latvia as of January 1 of this year was 1,988,792, down from 1,998,181 from the previous July.

In Riga, the capital city, the population has decreased from 661,695 to 659,416 within the same period. Daugavpils and Liepāja also faced reductions in resident numbers, with their populations falling to 84,609 and 71,789, respectively. Despite the challenges of population decline affecting many parts of Latvia, the slight growth in Jūrmala from 60,070 to 60,329, and in Jelgava from 59,313 to 59,441, presents a contrasting trend that might be indicative of local factors supporting urban growth in these areas.

The dynamics of population changes in these cities could have significant implications for local governance, urban planning, and economic development. The increase in Jūrmala and Jelgava suggests potential economic or lifestyle attractions that might be drawing new residents, contrasting with the broader trend of urban depopulation experienced nationally. Policymakers might need to evaluate the factors contributing to this growth to further enhance the appeal of these cities and possibly address the issues causing decline in others.