The number of Latvians in the capital of Latvia turned out to be less than half of all residents of Riga. This is, at least, what is stated in the updated Long-Term Development Program of Riga until 2030, which was reviewed by the portal bb.lv.
As for the ethnic origin of the residents of Riga, in 2025, the proportion of Latvians in the city was 48%. This is the largest group. They are followed by Russians (34%), Ukrainians (5%), Belarusians (3%), Poles (2%), and Lithuanians (1%).
In the group of other nationalities (7%), the most numerous are Jews, Armenians, Indians, Tatars, Germans, Azerbaijanis, Roma (Gypsies), Uzbeks, Estonians, Moldovans, and Georgians.
The fastest-growing nationalities in the capital, according to statistics, are the Roma and Indians. They are gradually taking the places of the declining Latvians and Russians.
Should we start worrying about the fate of Latvians in Riga? Probably not.
Firstly, most non-Latvians speak Latvian quite well.
Secondly, almost all leadership positions at the city and national level are held by ethnic Latvians.
And thirdly, even if non-Latvians suddenly disbanded into atoms and half of Riga became vacant, the city and state treasuries would sharply empty. Do we need that?
