Latvia, officially the Republic of Latvia, is a country in the Baltic region of northern Europe. It is one of the three Baltic states, along with Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south. It borders Russia to the east and Belarus to the southeast and shares a maritime border with Sweden to the west. Latvia covers an area of 64,573 km2 (24,932 sq mi), with a population of 1.83 million. The country has a temperate seasonal climate. Its capital and largest city is Riga. Latvians, who are the titular nation and comprise 65.5% of the country's population, belong to the ethnolinguistic group of the Balts and speak Latvian. Russians are the most prominent minority in the country, at almost a quarter of the population; 37.7% of the population speak Russian as their native tongue.
Source: tolatvia.com
Riga, Baltic nature & authentic city life
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Tuesday, November 3rd sees the first sitting of the 15th Saeima, following national elections one month ago. In accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia, the newly elected Saeima convenes for its first session on the first Tuesday of November, when the term of office of the previous Saeima also ends.
Older people are more satisfied with the results of last month's 15th Saeima elections, according to a new survey. Younger voters are more sceptical about the outcome of this election, while residents aged 60 and over are the most satisfied, according to the survey carried out by the research agency Norstat which asked for the views of 1,001 people across Latvia, aged 18 to 74.
Outgoing Health Minister Hossams Abu Meri has decided to resign from the Unity political party (which technically sits within the slightly broader 'New Unity' political force) according to a statement on his Facebook account.
While the attention of most of the motorsports world over the weekend was focussed on the crowning of the youngest ever Formula 1 world champion, Kimi Antonelli, 20, at the Mexican Grand Prix, there was a slightly slower motor race being run in the suburbs of Rīga involving a slightly older but no less remarkable personality.
November 1st, 2026 is an historic day, as for the first time ever Latvia will hold the presidency of the UN Security Council (UNSC). During this month, Latvia will chair all informal and formal UNSC meetings.
Pentagon officials have urged several NATO allies, including the Baltic states, to tone down their public rhetoric about the threat posed by Russia, arguing that some statements by European leaders and official have undermined the continent’s security, according to Lithuanian public media LRT, citing a Reuters report.
The latest selection of persons to be deemed worthy of high state awards has been revealed by the Presidential Chancellery.
As official coalition talks get underway, the outlines of the possible distribution of posts in the next government are also beginning to emerge, according to a report on Wednesday evening by the Latvian Television programme “Panorāma”.
On 30th October, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the Latgale Planning Region, is organising a regional visit to Rēzekne for diplomats from foreign embassies, the Ministry said.
The website of Latvia's parliament, the Saeima, (saeima.lv) has adopted a new design, the goal of which is to make information about the work of the parliament easier to find and more accessible, as well as to provide a more convenient opportunity to follow and participate in the work of the Saeima.
At the 45th Session of the Baltic Assembly, held in Tallinn, Estonia, members of the parliaments of the three Baltic States adopted a Resolution in which they emphasized, among other things, that the 35th anniversary of the Baltic Assembly was a testament to the unity and determination of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, but it must also be reiterated that this anniversary was marked by profound geopolitical uncertainty, and they urged the member states of the European Union and NATO to strengthen all necessary support for Ukraine.
Just one week after it voted to award Latvian citizenship to Indian scientist Divya Kannan Vishwanath, Latvia's parliament, the Saeima, performed a massive U-turn and voted to revoke her citizenship on October 22nd.
The board of the Latvian Farmers' Union (LZS) decided to resign on Tuesday, October 20th following disappointing results in the recent 15th Saeima election, the party informed the LETA newswire.
The Director-General of the Latvian Employers’ Confederation (LDDK), Kaspars Gorkšs, has been appointed Head of the State Chancellery. This was decided by the government on Tuesday, 20 October.
The Saeima’s Committee on Citizenship, Migration and Social Cohesion will consider a motion tabled by an unnamed Member of Parliament calling for an investigation into the facts surrounding the granting of Latvian citizenship to Indian scientist Divya Kannan Vishwanath, Latvian Television reported on October 19.
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (United List”), to whom the President has also entrusted the task of forming the next government, will begin talks next week with potential coalition partners on the formation of the new government. On Wednesday, 28 October, the United List plans to meet with its current coalition partners, the National Alliance and New Unity.
On 19th October 2026, the Council of the European Union (EU) appointed Ilze Brands-Kehris as the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, according to a release from the Latvian Foreign Ministry.
The Baltic Assembly will discuss security of the Baltic States and strengthening defence cooperation when members and Speakers of the Parliaments and representatives of the governments of the Baltic States will gather in Tallinn, Estonia, for the 45th Session of the Baltic Assembly and the 32nd Baltic Council.
At its meeting on Friday, the Central Election Commission (CEC) confirmed the official results of the 15th Saeima elections and the list of elected MPs.
Andrejs Judins, Chair of the Saeima Legal Affairs Committee and a member of the “New Unity” party, has come under fire for alleged emotional abuse of a committee staff member, Latvian Radio reported on October 14.
The Latvian language is the foundation of the Latvian state, said Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs in an address on State Language Day on 15 October.
The Saeima elections of October 3rd were flagged up in advance as the most important for a long time – but in the end only the narrowest majority of the electorate bothered to vote: 51%.
It is currently not possible for Latvia to impose a planned 300% increase in railway infrastructure usage fees for Russian grain transit or to ban it altogether, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (United List) stated on Tuesday after a government meeting.
On October 13, President Edgars Rinkēvičs will receive the new President of the Republic of Estonia, Dr. Ülle Madise, on a working visit to the Republic of Latvia.
Former Latvian President Egils Levits believes that the formation of a new government should not be rushed. He sees the fact that negotiations on a new government have not begun immediately as nothing to worry about.
The latest roll-call of shame for Latvia's Saeima deputies has been released and this time around 12 of the parliament's 100 members make the list blurring the borders between law maker and law breaker.
The Speaker of the 15th Saeima could be the current Minister for Justice, Edvards Smiltēns, of the United List, who already has experience in the role of Speaker of Parliament, according to sources at Latvian Television.
The head of the New Riga Theatre, director Alvis Hermanis, has resigned from his duties as the leader of the "We Change the Rules" (MMN) party, he has announced on social media.
The post-playing careers of many former professional footballers often include punditry and coaching, but Latvia's former national football captain is in line to head the country's civil service.
In the recent 15th Saeima elections, out of the 444 postal votes received by the Latvian Postal Voting Commission, 118 were deemed invalid, the Central Election Commission (CVK) told the LETA news agency.
The New Unity political party (Jauna Vienotība/JV) is not satisfied with its results in the recent Saeima elections and plans to evaluate them at an extraordinary congress, party chair and former Prime Minister Evika Siliņa told LTV's 'Morning Panorama' show on October 7th.
On Tuesday, 6 October, President Edgars Rinkēvičs announced as expected that he would entrust the formation of the new Cabinet of Ministers to the current Prime Minister, Andris Kulbergs, whose party, the United List (AS), won a record number of seats – 41 – in the 15th Saeima elections.
More than a quarter of the members elected to the Saeima are current members of district and local councils and leaders of their respective parliamentary groups. Among them are several controversial figures, whose presence used to cause Rīga City Council meetings to drag on considerably. A political scientist interviewed by Latvian Radio on October 5 suggested that the commotion from Rīga City Council will now shift to the Saeima.
Which 100 politicians will represent the interests of voters and decide about our lives in the future? LSM.lv has estimated that the following candidates for deputies could be elected to the 15th Saeima.
The Central Election Commission (CVK) has compiled the provisional results of the 15th Saeima elections held on 3 October – including votes cast by post. According to the provisional data compiled, 806,641 voters, or 51.79 per cent of those eligible to vote, took part in the election.
When you vote in Latvian elections, you not only select a party, but you have the option to mark 'for' or 'against' specific candidates to move them 'up' or 'down' their respective list. PM Andris Kulbergs (United List) received the most upvotes in the 15th Saeima elections, but the 'most downvoted' list is also nearly exclusively made up of his party members, Latvian Television reported on October 5.
With 99.9% of the votes counted in Latvia's 2026 Saeima election, the shape of Latvia's political future for the next four years is now clear: it's tall, bald and named Andris Kulbergs.
Here is a quick diagnosis of some of the main implications of Latvia's election result for the benefit of foreign observers who might not be familiar with the ins and outs of Latvian politics. There is some speculation and deduction involved, but that's all part of the fun.
The number of voters who changed their vote in the 15th Saeima elections has increased nearly sevenfold, said Māris Zviedris, head of the Central Election Commission (CVK), in an interview on Latvian Television on Sunday morning, when approximately 95 per cent of the votes had been counted.
At 7:30 AM on Sunday, October 4, the vast majority of polling stations had counted all their votes, and according to these data, six candidate lists have an opportunity to make it into the 15th Saeima.
With 58% of polling stations having sent their voting results to the Central Election Commission, the United List political force of Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs holds a strong lead over its rivals in the early hours of Sunday, October 4th as votes continue to be counted.
Slightly more than half of the voters eligible to vote in Latvia's parliamentary election on October 3rd appear to have bothered to exercise their democratic right, raising serious questions about political engagement, media coverage and perhaps even whether people still value democracy as they did a generation ago.
While the votes are being counted in Latvia's 2026 election, let's take a moment to consider how it all happens. This information comes from the Central Election Commission (CVK), which is responsible for organizing and administering all public elections in Latvia.
With the close of polling stations across Latvia at 20:00 on Saturday, October 3rd, the exit poll produced by SKDS has been made available.
On Saturday, October 3, the State Police, responded to 20 separate reports of possible breaches regarding the Saeima elections, of which administrative proceedings were initiated in four cases, the State Police reported.
Latvians go to the polls on Saturday, October 3rd for the 15th Saeima elections.
The 15th Saeima elections are taking place in Latvia on Saturday, 3 October. Polling stations for voters in Latvia and abroad are open from 8:00 to 20:00 local time.
More than 10% of Latvia's electorate has taken advantage of the opportunity to cast a vote before the main election day on October 3rd.
On 1st October 2026, in Geneva, Latvian human rights expert Dr Elīna Šteinerte was re-elected to the United Nations' Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) under the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT) for the 2027–2030 term.
On Friday, 2 October, the very last day before the 15th Saeima elections, you can cast your vote in advance. You can do this at any polling station throughout Latvia between 12 noon and 3 pm.
Latvia joined the European Defence Alliance in Paris on November 2nd to expand cooperation between Latvian defence industry companies and European partners.
On December 17th, Rīga will host what is described as "the first ever practical fraud and corruption risk investigation laboratory in Latvia – BALTIC FRAUD LAB 2026."
On 5th November, from 09:00 to 17:00, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) will be hosting Innovation Day, inviting visitors to discover entrepreneurial experiences, emerging technologies and research solutions for healthcare and sport.
Latvia's National Armed Forces (NBS) issued an orange level alert at around midnight on Tuesday, November 3, over a potential threat to Latvian airspace. The threat was declared over at 0:33.
Fresh data from Eurostat suggests that potential cost-cutting measures by the incoming government will come against a background in which Latvia already has one of the lowest levels of spending on social protection in the the European Union.
‘A drone for Latvia, a drone for Ukraine.’ This is the slogan for the latest fundraising campaign. Throughout November, everyone is invited to support the purchase of drones for both the Ukrainian army and the Latvian National Guard, Latvian Radio and Latvian Television reported.
Latvia's National Armed Forces (NBS) have deployed a first new "mobile surveillance device" on the Latvian state border to the Krāslava region, the NBS said in a release on November 2nd.
Latvia's National Defence Logistics and Acquisition Centre (VALIC) has agreed with Canadian defence equipment manufacturer Galvion on the supply of "tactical helmet systems" for the National Armed Forces.
Latvia's National Armed Forces (NBS) issued a warning covering Ludza and Krāslava municipalities regarding a threat to airspace on Sunday evening at 18:57, but it was withdrawn fairly quickly.
The defence industry across the Baltic states is growing significantly. The number of companies and employees has increased, revenues have risen and investment is expanding. Yet the sector’s future will ultimately depend on its ability to create high-value products and succeed in export markets.
On 25 October, law enforcement officers in Purvciems, Rīga, arrested a man born in 1984 who is suspected of 15 incidents of fuel theft in Riga.
On October 30th, two ships of the Standing NATO Maritime Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1) arrived in the port of Liepāja.
To curb telephone fraud and other criminal activities, users of pay-as-you-go SIM cards will also be required to register, the Saeima decided on Thursday, 29 October, when it adopted amendments to the Electronic Communications Law at its final reading.
From November 2 to November 5, preventive disinfection of the water supply network will take place in Rīga, according to the water management company Rīgas ūdens.
Latvia's parliament, the Saeima, on October 29th adopted amendments to the State Border Guard Law and the Criminal Procedure Law intended to give border guards clearer rights to act and to better protect border infrastructure from hybrid attacks,
A research into gambling conducted by the Ministry of Finance suggests that Latvia needs to clarify existing advertising restrictions and strengthen monitoring of their compliance in order to reduce the harm caused by gambling and lotteries, especially among young people.
Latvia's environmentally friendly credentials are sometimes bad and sometimes good, depending upon what precisely is being measured. The latest data from Eurostat, published on October 29th, leans rather more towards the positive than the negative side of things.
The head of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FID), Toms Platacis, has decided to leave the service as of December 11th, it has been announced. The FID spearheads Latvia's application of international sanctions, in addition to other areas of responsibility including preventing the use of the Latvian financial system for money laundering and the financing of terrorism and proliferation.
On October 28th, at the Splendid Palace cinema in Rīga, the Entrepreneurs for Peace Foundation (Fonds “Uzņēmēji mieram”) and microsurgeon Olafs Libermanis were awarded the Order of St. Panteleimon of Ukraine for their significant contribution to supporting Ukraine.
Law enforcement authorities have detained Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' advisor on public administration issues Mārtiņš Brencis, reports Latvian Television.
On Wednesday morning, a Saudi Arabian flag was removed from the cables of the Vanšu Bridge, according to Ieva Lukaža-Apalupa, chief communications officer at the Riga Municipal Police (RPP), and newswire LETA.
The Latvian Science Council (LZP) has announced an open call for project applications for the "Defence Innovation Research Programme" for 2026–2029.
In October this year, the State Police arrested eleven ‘money mules’ and couriers. Among those arrested are both young people who have not yet reached legal age or have only recently done so, and a man of retirement age who has also committed crimes abroad, the State Police said in a statement.
For the first time in Latvia’s history, individuals are being tried for market manipulation. The defendants do not admit their guilt in carrying out fictitious transactions designed to inflate share turnover on the stock exchange and thereby gain an additional sum of more than 100,000 euros. The prosecutor is asking the court to impose fines totalling several tens of thousands of euros on the defendants for these actions, Latvian Television reported on October 28.
The controversy involving the giving and then taking away of Latvian citizenship to an Indian citizen is developing in another direction, too, with Latvia's so-called "golden visa" scheme in the spotlight.
Among Latvia's regions, Vidzeme is the most fertile – at least if you are a woman – according to fresh Eurostat data published on October 27th.
An Indian scientist who finds herself at the centre of an accelerating scandal in Latvia over her application for Latvian citizenship has turned to the police alleging that she is the victim of harassment and misinformation, with racist overtones.
Compared with last year, the number of teenagers who have consumed intoxicating substances and been admitted to hospital has doubled this autumn, according to information published by the Children’s Clinical University Hospital (BKUS) on October 27.
In Germany, production of the Bundeswehr’s new standard armoured personnel carrier is getting under way, while in Latvia essentially the same vehicle is already being manufactured.
Blood stocks in Latvia have once again fallen significantly. The National Blood Donor Centre (VADC) is calling on anyone who is able and willing to donate blood to come forward. In order to reach as many donors as possible, mobile blood collection units are also scheduled to visit many towns and settlements across Latvia, Latvian Television reports.
In Kurzeme, local authority representatives, arborists and other interested parties are being taught to recognise the habitats of protected species in historic tree-lined avenues and parks. This is one of the public education initiatives taking place as part of the Latvian-Lithuanian cross-border project ‘Green Guardians’, Latvian Radio reported on October 27.
In one month, on November 26th, the Latvian Academy of Sciences (LAS) will hold a plenary meeting, at which it is planned to discuss the possible resignation of the academy's president Ivars Kalviņš in connection with his recommendation to grant Latvian citizenship to Indian citizen Divya Kannan Vishwanath.
In 2025, 89.7% of young people aged 16 to 29 in the European Union perceived their health as good or very good. This was far higher than the share in the total population aged 16 and over, at 67.9%.
The expansion of protection zones around power lines with a nominal voltage of 110 kilovolts (kV), which was agreed by the Saeima this month, is a less hot issue than other cases affecting forests, said Jānis Rozītis, Chairman of the Board of the World Wide Fund for Nature and Head of the Forest Programme, in a discussion on the Latvian Radio show "How to Live Better".
The Zemgale Regional Court has imposed a fine of 680 euros and a 12-month driving ban on a driver who was filmed driving at 240 kilometres per hour on public roads.
Over the last few days, there have been hundreds of attempts to hack Latvian websites, but none of these cyber-attack attempts have been successful. Latvian Radio obtained this information from CERT.lv, the cyber incident response centre.
Latvia's Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) has issued advice to the public in case they are contacted by people impersonating genuine statisticians.
LTV's investigative programme "De facto" revealed on October 25th that migrants on the Belarusian side of the Latvian border are visited by people in uniform who check whether they have paid for their illegal border crossing attempts. If this has not happened, then the debtor is sent to damage Latvian border infrastructure by way of recompense. In case of refusal, physical assault can be expected.
The division in Latvian society along ethnic lines is greater in our perceptions than in reality, according to the association "Russian Voice for Latvia", after surveying almost 600 Latvian residents on the streets and online this year.
A coach at Sigulda Sports School has just been dismissed from his post due to inappropriate text messages, Latvian Television reported on October 25.
On Saturday, October 24, an unmanned aerial vehicle was found in Liepna parish, Alūksne district, which is believed to have crashed on October 18th, Latvia's National Armed Forces (NBS) has said.
The Pieriga Prosecutor's Office has completed a criminal case involving the illegal death of a brown bear. The perpetrator was fined 31,200 euros.
A previously unregistered mushroom species in Latvia – the Black spot fungus (Abrothallus caerulescens) – has been discovered on the Kalnarāji rock in Ventspils municipality, the Latvian Mycological Society (LMB) reported.
On Wednesday, October 21st, border guards in Valmiera region detained two people transporting people who had illegally crossed the state border, according to a release from the State Border Guard.
This news item may be a load of rubbish, but it's also a cause for pride if you're a Latvian.
In order to ensure communications for residents in crisis situations, the Saeima on Thursday, October 22nd, in its final reading supported amendments to the Electronic Communications Law that were deemed urgent.
Latvia's National Armed Forces (NBS) announced that as of 12:39, a possible threat to Latvian airspace was declared in the Krāslava and Rēzekne districts in the east of the country. The alert was then cancelled at 13:16.
The court of first instance has found former Chief of the State Police's Main Order Police Department, Normunds Krapsis, guilty of abuse of office and disclosure of confidential information in the so-called video radar procurement case.
Thanks to donations from Latvian residents at automatic bottle deposit machines, the Entrepreneurs for Peace Foundation ('Uzņēmēji mieram') has bought two 'ground drones' for the defenders of Ukraine, specifically designed for the evacuation of wounded soldiers from the battlefield.
The Latvian State Police has initiated criminal proceedings in connection with the felling of a 400-year-old forest cut down in the Rucava area, reports the Latvian Radio program "Open Files".
The renovation of blocks of flats in Latvia is still progressing slowly, even though thousands of buildings are in need of refurbishment. Funding for the existing state support programmes has already been allocated, but the terms of the new programme may be less favourable for residents, Latvian Television reported on November 2.
Changes are on the horizon for Rīga Central Market – Rīga City Council has given the green light for manager “Rīgas nami” to borrow more than 22 million euros to renovate the market, Latvian Television reported on November 2.
Rural tourism has not seen a significant drop in bookings or visitor numbers this summer, although guests have become more frugal when it comes to dining. Despite a significant rise in costs, business owners are increasing food prices cautiously, Latvian Radio reported on November 2.
Latvia's Artificial Intelligence Centre (MIC) was established last April. The centre’s first director, Natālija Čerņecka, was appointed to the post last October and remained in the post for four months. She was succeeded by Guna Puce, who has not yet been in the post for a year. And now, once again, there is talk of structural changes at the centre, Latvian Television's De Facto reported on November 1.
From November 1, heating tariffs will increase in Cēsis, Gulbene, Jelgava, Saldus, Valmiera, Dobele and Jūrmala the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (SPRK) has announced. It has approved a heating tariff increase in November for a total of 13 regulated merchants, while a decrease has been approved for one.
Mobile network operator ‘Tele2’ has completed a network modernisation project worth 27 million euros, introducing the latest technologies at almost all of its base stations, the company announced on October 30.
The town and muncipality of Valka, which has recently found itself in financial trouble, has been in the red for quite some time, according to a report by the State Audit Office published on October 30.
From 1 December, AS “Rīgas siltums”, who is responsible for Rīga's district heating plans to increase its heating tariffs by 19 per cent, Ivo Valdovskis, head of the company’s strategic communications department, told the LETA news agency.
According to the Central Statistical Bureau data published on October 29, retail trade turnover in September 2026 was 4.5 % higher than a year ago (calendar-adjusted data at constant prices).
Just over 6 per cent of the population have outstanding debts outside the credit sector, for example, for utilities, electricity, telephone services and car parking, according to a public survey carried out by the Credit Information Bureau (KIB), which was carried out in collaboration with the research agency ‘Norstat’.
A new report from the Latvian central bank says lending activity has grown "significantly" but that there is still room for further growth in the market.
The new government must take bolder decisions, according to the opinion of the leadership of the Foreign Investors’ Council in Latvia (FICIL). At present, uncertainty over migration issues and the lack of concrete plans are causing concern, Latvian Radio reported on October 28.
This month, live cattle were exported from Rīga to Central Asian countries on two trial flights. On these flights, 240 young cattle from Estonia were exported via Riga Airport to Tashkent Airport, Latvian Radio reported on October 26.
According to Eurostat figures published on October 23rd, last year Latvia had the European Union's second-highest level of income inequality: an important measure of wealth distribution within a society.
The coming years in Latvia will be years of austerity, control and reform, with no additional spending and wage freezes likely in the public sector, according to Finance Minister Māris Kučinskis (United List) speaking in an interview on the Latvian Radio programme "Krustpunktā" ("At the Crossroads") on October 22nd.
Ratings agency Fitch Ratings has affirmed Latvia's Long-Term Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) at 'A-' with a Stable Outlook, it said in an October 16th release from Frankfurt.
From 1 November, new European Union (EU) legislative requirements will come into force, providing for the application of a handling fee to all consignments from third countries. In future, a handling fee of two euros will be payable for each item of goods in a consignment, according to the State Revenue Service (VID).
In Europe, the exchange price of natural gas has reached its highest level since December 2022. As winter approaches, experts suggest that prices could rise even further, Latvian Television reported on October 21.
With the connection of new wind farms to the transmission grid, the volume of electricity generated by wind farms in Latvia has reached an all-time high of 51 gigawatt-hours (GWh), according to the electricity market review prepared by electricity transmission operator “Augstsprieguma tīkls” (AST).
Since the start of this year, prices for standard flats in Rīga have risen by an average of more than 10 per cent, according to the latest market review of standard-build flats by the property company ‘Arco Real Estate’, Latvian Radio reported on October 19.
Last week, a video appeared on social media showing a petrol station where a young man in a car with Lithuanian number plates drove off without paying after filling up. Although the thief was quickly apprehended, the frequency of these incidents seems to be on the rise, Latvian Radio reported on October 19.
In 2025, the EU recorded 3.1 billion nights spent in tourist accommodation establishments, up from 3.0 billion in 2024 (+4.1%). Domestic and international tourists accounted for almost equal numbers of nights. Compared with 2015, nights spent in EU tourist accommodations increased by 26.5%, from 2.5 billion.
The share of insured residential properties in Latvia has increased from 30.8% to 52.8% over eight years. This means that slightly more than half of residential properties in Latvia are currently insured according to a home insurance market assessment conducted by Latvijas Banka (the Latvian central bank).
In August 2026, Latvia's foreign trade turnover amounted to 3.84 billion euros, which was 13.7% more in current prices than a year ago, according to preliminary data from the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) published on October 12th.
Central Statistical Bureau data, published on 8 October, show that compared with September 2025, the average level of consumer prices rose by 3.2 % in September 2026.
Citizens of Russia and Belarus will not be able to acquire a significant stake or exert decisive influence in critical infrastructure facilities in Latvia, the Saeima decided on Thursday, 8 October, as reported by LSM.lv and LETA.
The retailer SIA ‘Lidl Latvija’ has invested more than 420 million euros in the company’s development over the past five years, the company announced on October 7.
Central Statistical Bureau calendar adjusted data (at constant prices) published on October 6th show that in August 2026 industrial production output increased by 0.3 % year on year.
Latvia's Ministry of Finance (FM) has submitted to the government on Tuesday, October 6th, a report on state budget expenditures for the fourth quarter of 2026 which calls for a dramatic cost saving effort for the rest of the year.
Fresh Eurostat data published on October 5th show that the number of house sales conducted in Latvia grew significantly last year.
Riga’s largest apartment block management company, “Rīgas namu pārvaldnieks” (RNP), plans to start the heating season at the beginning of next week, the company said in a release on October 5.
The proportion of cashless payments in Latvia has reached a record high. In August this year, cashless payments accounted for 81 per cent of transactions, while cash payments made up 19 per cent, according to the latest – autumn 2026 – edition of the Bank of Latvia’s ‘Payment Radar’.
According to the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) data published on September 29, retail trade turnover in August 2026 was 3.5 % higher than a year ago (calendar-adjusted data at constant prices).
Latvia is ready for the heating season, but people will most likely have to pay more for heating. The Ministry of Climate and Energy (KEM) estimates that, in the event of a mild or moderately cold winter, heating costs could rise by 10 to 15 per cent, Latvian Radio reported on September 25. In some local authorities, the increase may be even greater.
On Thursday, 24 September, the Saeima approved, at its final reading, amendments to the Law on Limiting Price Increases for Petroleum Products, which provide for a reduction in the excise duty rate on diesel fuel and unleaded petrol from 1 October until the end of the year.
Several draft laws aimed at reducing fuel prices are being put forward for approval by the Saeima. This was decided on Wednesday by the Saeima’s Budget and Finance (Tax) Committee, according to the Saeima Press Service.
The Minister for Economic Affairs, Viktors Valainis (Union of Greens and Farmers), has instructed ‘Rīgas siltums’ and the Ministry of Economic Affairs (EM) to draw up proposals this week on how to reduce the expected rise in heating tariffs in Riga. The company currently estimates that the tariff could rise by 20 to 30 per cent from December.
According to the Central Statistical Bureau survey on energy consumption in households, published on September 21, 83.9 % of the energy resources consumed in households in 2025 were used for space and water heating.
Provisional data published by the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) on September 14th show that, compared to the 1st quarter of 2026, in the 2nd quarter of 2026 prices of dwellings in Latvia rose by 3.9 %.
The Bank of Latvia, in collaboration with providers of essential services and retailers, has introduced a solution for situations where card payments cannot be made in the usual way due to internet or mobile network disruptions – offline card payments. This would enable people to purchase essential goods – food, fuel and medicines, according to the Bank of Latvia.
Fuel prices in Latvia are approaching record highs, whilst oil prices on the global market are once again rising sharply, Latvian Television reported on September 9.
Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) provisional data show that in July 2026 Latvia had foreign trade turnover of EUR 4.01 billion, and at current prices it was 10.5 % higher than a year ago.
At the start of September, fuel prices in Latvia have once again risen above two euros per litre. Current trends suggest that fuel prices are not expected to fall or stabilise, as Ieva Ligere, head of the Latvian Fuel Retailers’ Association, said in an interview on the Latvian television programme “Morning Panorama” on Wednesday morning.
Heat supply companies are preparing for the heating season and currently regard the average tariff increase as moderate. At the same time, there remains a risk that high woodchip and natural gas costs will lead to an increase in heating prices, Latvian Radio reported on September 8.
Latest data published by the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) on September 8th show that in August 2026, compared to July 2026, the average level of consumer prices rose by 0.3 %.
The State Security Service (VDD) carried out criminal investigation operations on Thursday and during the night of Thursday to Friday at four premises in Rīga and the surrounding area linked to the “Mnogoknig” bookshop chain, which primarily sells books in the Russian language, the service confirmed to the LETA news agency.
On Thursday, 3 September, the oral auction for the leasehold rights to the Rēzekne recreation or spa centre came to a close. A tenant has finally been found for the property, which the local authority had been seeking for some time, according to the Rēzekne City Council.
Central Statistical Bureau data published on September 2 show that in Q2 2026 the average monthly gross wages and salaries stood at 1,886 euro (in full-time units). Compared with Q2 2025, the average monthly earnings before taxes increased by 78 euro or 4.3 %. Hourly earnings increased to 13.18 euro, or by 3.9 %.
In the second round of the public-private partnership rental housing programme, the majority of the local authorities involved have decided not to continue their participation due to unpredictable costs, so the round has been cancelled, Latvian Radio reported on September 2.
Perhaps influenced by the tense geopolitical situation in the region, the number of tourists choosing to stay in Latvia dropped in the first six months of 2026, according to fresh Eurostat figures.
Forecasts suggest that sunny weather is expected in many parts of Latvia on Tuesday.
There will be no major changes in the weather this week, but forecasts suggest that on some nights the temperature will dip slightly below zero.
Forecasts suggest that the weather in Latvia will become slightly cooler next week.
Forecasts suggest that light rain is expected in parts of Latvia on Friday.
Forecasts suggest that the weather in Latvia will remain warm this week.
Forecasts suggest that rain is expected in many parts of Latvia on Monday.
Overnight into Sunday, October 25th, Latvia switched to winter time - the clocks were turned back one hour.
Forecasts suggest that the weather in Latvia on Monday, October 19, will be sunny.
Forecasts suggest that there will be occasional showers in many parts of Latvia on Tuesday.
Forecasts suggest that there will still be occasional showers in the first half of this week, but the weather will become sunnier and slightly warmer in the second half of the week.
All of Latvia's western coastline in Kurzeme region has a severe weather warning in place for Friday afternoon and evening.
A strong wind warning will be in force in Latvia on Friday afternoon, according to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.
On Friday, 9 October, strong winds are expected in Latvia, which may cause damage in some areas, according to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LVĢMC).
Forecasts indicate that strong winds are expected in Latvia on Friday, which may cause minor damage in some areas.
At the start of the new working week, the summery weather will give way to cooler conditions, according to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.
Forecasts suggest that the weather in Latvia on Friday will be mainly sunny and warm.
Forecasts suggest that Latvia will experience summery weather this week.
Monday morning in Latvia is chilly, and foggy in many places, but the day is set to be sunny and warm, according to forecasts by Toms Bricis, LSM's weatherman.
Forecasts indicate that prolonged rain is expected in many parts of Latvia on Friday, September 25.
Forecasts indicate that rain is expected frequently in Latvia this week.
Forecasts indicate that rain is expected across Latvia on Monday.
Forecasts indicate that a new band of precipitation will reach Latvia from the west on Friday afternoon.
Meteorological summer is gradually drawing to a close in Latvia, according to data from the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.
Forecasts suggest that Monday will begin with mostly overcast skies.
Forecasts indicate that on Thursday the weather in Latvia will become cooler, windier and, at times, rainy.
By 3 pm on Wednesday, the 9 September heat record had been broken at three observation stations, according to data from the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.
Forecasts suggest that Wednesday in Latvia will be warm, even hot, with summer-like weather.
Forecasts suggest that the weather in Latvia will feel like summer over the next few days, but it will become cooler and rainier again in the second half of the week.
On Friday, a yellow alert for heavy rain and thunderstorms is in force across Kurzeme and much of Vidzeme, according to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.
Forecasts suggest that the weather in Latvia will gradually become cooler and more autumnal this week.
According to the forecast, the calendar summer in Latvia will end with a mostly sunny and warm day, although there will be showers in places.
Forecasts show that it will rain frequently in Latvia during the first month of autumn, with heavy rain expected at times.
Forecasts suggest that the weather in Latvia will become sunnier and drier over the next few days.
At the height of the storm that batters Latvia this weekend, on Sunday morning, the electricity supply was disrupted for around 277,000 households, according to power distributor “Sadales tīkls”. At around 16:30, some of the faults had been rectified and power supply was disrupted for around 191,000 customers.
A large storm which hit Latvia for much of Saturday continues on Sunday morning, with the power supply to approximately 277,000 households disrupted according to network operator Sadales tīkls.
A severe storm is expected to hit Latvia on Saturday, August 22nd. A red (high danger) warning is in place across a band of central Latvia including Rīga, with orange (danger) and yellow (potential danger) warnings in other parts of the country.
On Saturday, the weather in Latvia is set to deteriorate significantly, with forecasts predicting heavy downpours and winds that will cause damage.
Forecasts indicate that brief showers are expected in many parts of Latvia on Wednesday.
Forecasts indicate that rain is expected more frequently in Latvia during the first half of the week.
Forecasts indicate that brief showers are expected in many parts of Latvia on Monday, with thunderstorms in some areas.
On Friday, the weather in Latvia will be mainly sunny, although the day will be mostly overcast in the very east of the country, according to forecasts.
Forecasts indicate that the weather in Latvia will become cooler and windier over the next few days.
Forecasts suggest that warm weather is expected in Latvia on Monday.
According to data from ‘timeanddate.com’, the brightest quarter of the year has come to an end in Latvia and the solar autumn has begun.
On Thursday, a heat warning will be in force across central and eastern Latvia, including Riga, according to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.
Forecasts suggest that the weather in Latvia will become hotter on Wednesday, according to weatherman Toms Bricis.
Forecasters predict that air temperatures in Latvia will rise in the middle of this week and fall slightly towards the end of the week.
Forecasts suggest that the weather in Latvia on Monday will be mostly sunny and warm.
On Friday, by 3 pm, the air temperature at the Jelgava weather station in Staļģene reached +31.8 degrees, breaking the heat record for the last day of July.
Forecasts suggest that Friday will be the hottest day of the week.
