Why has Latvia faced challenges from an aging population and a low birth rate?

Latvia has faced significant demographic challenges, including an aging population and low birth rates, which were present even prior to the country’s independence in the early 1990s. These issues stem from birth rates that have consistently remained below the level required to ensure population replacement.1

The situation was exacerbated during the early post-Soviet period, when political and economic instability led many families to postpone having children. While the government attempted to address these trends by encouraging larger families and implementing stricter immigration controls, the country continued to struggle with these demographic pressures. By the start of the 21st century, Latvia recorded the lowest birth rate among the Baltic states.1

Sustained low fertility rates, such as those experienced by Latvia, can create long-term economic burdens by increasing the costs associated with social security and health care for an aging citizenry. Unlike some of its neighbors, Latvia has found it difficult to offset these aging trends through natural population growth.23