Latvia Cultural Groups

Latvia

In 1935, 75.5% of the population was ethnic Latvian. After the Soviet Union occupied the country in 1944 there was an influx of Russians. In 2002 there were approximately 2.4 million inhabitants. Of these 52% were ethnic Latvians, 34% Russians, 5% Belarussians, 3% Ukrainians, 2% Poles, 4% Other. Almost 50% of the population lives in the vicinity of the capital city of Riga. Other large cities include Daugavpils, Liepja, and Jelgava. The dominant religions are Lutheran, Catholic, Orthodox, Old Believer, and Baptist.