Latvia has recorded a continued decline in the number of newborns for the tenth year, despite a temporary surge in births during the last four months of 2025.
In 2025, the number of newborns in Latvia dropped for the tenth consecutive year, showing a worrying demographic trend. While July through October saw more than a thousand births each month—an occurrence not witnessed since October 2024—the rest of the year’s monthly figures remained below this threshold. In contrast, the number of deaths registered in the same year totaled 25,677, a decrease of 3.7% from the previous year, pointing to significant changes in population dynamics.
The stark contrast between births and deaths has resulted in a net population decline of approximately 14,000 people by the start of 2026, with the population estimated at around 1,823,000. Notably, the reduction in deaths was most significant in the first quarter of 2025, but there was a minor increase in the third quarter, indicating fluctuating mortality trends. This negative natural increase raises concerns about Latvia's long-term demographic and economic health, as fewer births paired with ongoing emigration could result in further population decreases.
On a slightly more positive note, the country saw an increase in marriages, with 10,683 unions registered in 2025, marking a 4.7% rise compared to the previous year. A peak in marriage registrations occurred in the third quarter, aligning with seasonal trends. Despite the marriage increase, the overall population situation remains critical, highlighting the need for policies aimed at reversing declining birth rates and addressing the underlying issues affecting family growth in Latvia.
