People in Riga, Latvia. Editorial credit: Aleksandrs Muiznieks / Shutterstock.com

Latvia

Latvia is a multiparty democracy whose elections are regarded as free and fair. Civil liberties are generally respected in law and in practice. However, corruption remains a major problem affecting politics, the judiciary, and the wider criminal justice system. The country’s ethnic Russian population faces disadvantages in matters such as education and employment.

Volunteers clean up the rubbles from a destroyed residential building in Borodyanka. Following the recapture of Borodyanka by the Ukrainian forces, the city was heavily devastated and turned into ruins under intense fighting and shelling.

Nations in Transit — Latvia Country Report

Latvia is categorized as a Consolidated Democracy in the Nations in Transit 2023, Freedom House's annual study on the state of democracy in the region stretching from Central Europe to Central Asia.

Iranian people in Izmir protest the death of Mahsa Amini by the morality police in Iran.

Freedom in the World — Latvia Country Report

Latvia is rated Free in Freedom in the World 2023, Freedom House's annual study of political rights and civil liberties worldwide.