Latvia
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
89 / 100
Free
Nations in Transit
80 / 100
Consolidated Democracy
Latvia is a multiparty democracy that holds free and fair elections. 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.
Research & Recommendations
Latvia
Free
89
100
| PR Political Rights | 37 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 52 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
88
100
Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Overview
Latvia is a multiparty democracy that holds free and fair elections. 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 some disadvantages.
Freedom in the World 2025 Policy Recommendations
Prioritize strengthening the rule of law and delivering economic dividends in the aftermath of political transitions
In countries where democratic forces have come to power after periods of antidemocratic rule, the new governments should pursue an agenda that protects and expands freedoms even as it delivers tangible economic and social benefits to citizens.
In countries emerging from war or the collapse of authoritarian regimes, focus on safety, reconciliation, reform
These countries must act swiftly to release all political prisoners, build or revitalize democratic institutions, reform police and other security forces, organize and hold competitive multiparty elections, and ensure accountability for past human rights violations.
Bolster checks and balances to mitigate the threat of democratic backsliding
In countries where there has been significant erosion of political rights and civil liberties, policymakers, legislators, jurists, civic activists, and donor communities should work to strengthen institutional guardrails and norms that serve to constrain elected leaders with antidemocratic or illiberal aims.
Latvia
Consolidated Democracy
80
100
| DEMOCRACY-PERCENTAGE Democracy Percentage | 79.76 100 |
| DEMOCRACY-SCORE Democracy Score | 5.79 7 |
Last Year's Democracy Percentage & Status
80
100
Consolidated Democracy
The ratings are based on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 representing the highest level of democratic progress and 1 the lowest. The Democracy Score is an average of ratings for the categories tracked in a given year. The Democracy Percentage, introduced in 2020, is a translation of the Democracy Score to the 0-100 scale, where 0 equals least democratic and 100 equals most democratic.
See the methodology.
Executive Summary
In 2023, much of the decision-making taking place in Latvia was still deeply influenced by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Latvia’s foreign policy, as outlined in the annual foreign policy report, places primary emphasis on ongoing endeavors to assist Ukraine through military, humanitarian, and diplomatic means. From the onset of the invasion, Latvia has been at the forefront of nations supporting Ukraine, allocated funding exceeding 1 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP). According to the latest Eurobarometer survey, conducted in the autumn of 2023, Latvian residents see the war in Ukraine as the most important problem facing the European Union (EU).
Nations in Transit 2024 Policy Recommendations
Ensure that Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine is soundly defeated.
The future of European democracy and security is now inextricably linked to the fate of Ukraine. European Union (EU) and NATO member states must not only invest far more—and more efficiently—in their collective defense, but also provide Ukraine with the assistance it needs to roll back Russian advances and build a durable democracy of its own.
Support democratic renewal and reform.
In addition to defending the international order from emboldened autocrats, democratic governments must attend to democratic renewal within Europe, particularly among nascent democracies.
Provide consistent messaging and support to Europe’s aspiring democracies.
Military aggression from autocracies in the region has underscored the dangers of exclusion from democracy-based organizations like the EU and NATO, galvanizing the political will of policymakers in aspiring member states and generating further public pressure to undertake long-sought democratic reforms.
News and Updates
Featured
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Policy & Advocacy
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
89
/ 100
Free
Nations in Transit Score
80
/ 100
Consolidated Democracy
Population: 1,879,000
Internet Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Election Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
