Latvia faces continued population ageing per EU Commission report

The European Commission’s latest demographic report finds Latvia already has the highest median age among EU member states, at about 44 years in 2025 (women 48, men 41). Life expectancy is projected to rise, with women expected to live around 80 years in 2025 and possibly over 90 by the end of the century, and men from roughly 70 to 85 years.

Latvia’s fertility remains low, with a total fertility rate of about 1.14 children per woman in 2025, expected to increase to roughly 1.55 by 2100. The share of foreign‑born residents is lower than in several Western European nations. EU-wide, the population is forecast to fall from 450.6 million today to about 445 million by 2050 and 398.8 million by 2100. The report warns that ageing will strain labour markets, health‑care and pension systems, while also creating opportunities for innovation and a “long‑life” economy. Latvia’s own population could shrink from about 1.86 million in early 2025 to 1.53 million by 2050 and 1.23 million by 2100.