Estonia vs. Latvia
Introduction
| Estonia | Latvia | |
|---|---|---|
| Background | After centuries of Danish, Swedish, German, and Russian rule, Estonia attained independence in 1918. Forcibly incorporated into the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US and many other countries - it regained its freedom in 1991 with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Since the last Russian troops left in 1994, Estonia has been free to promote economic and political ties with the West. It joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004, formally joined the OECD in late 2010, and adopted the euro as its official currency on 1 January 2011. | Several eastern Baltic tribes merged in medieval times to form the ethnic core of the Latvian people (ca. 8th-12th centuries A.D.). The region subsequently came under the control of Germans, Poles, Swedes, and finally, Russians. A Latvian republic emerged following World War I, but it was annexed by the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US and many other countries. Latvia reestablished its independence in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status of the Russian minority (some 26% of the population) remains of concern to Moscow. Latvia acceded to both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004; it joined the euro zone in 2014 and the OECD in 2016. A dual citizenship law was adopted in 2013, easing naturalization for non-citizen children. |
Geography
| Estonia | Latvia | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland, between Latvia and Russia | Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and Lithuania |
| Geographic coordinates | 59 00 N, 26 00 E | 57 00 N, 25 00 E |
| Map references | Europe | Europe |
| Area | total: 45,228 sq km land: 42,388 sq km water: 2,840 sq km note: includes 1,520 islands in the Baltic Sea | total: 64,589 sq km land: 62,249 sq km water: 2,340 sq km |
| Area - comparative | about twice the size of New Jersey | slightly larger than West Virginia |
| Land boundaries | total: 657 km border countries (2): Latvia 333 km, Russia 324 km | total: 1,370 km border countries (4): Belarus 161 km, Estonia 333 km, Lithuania 544 km, Russia 332 km |
| Coastline | 3,794 km | 498 km |
| Maritime claims | territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: limits as agreed to by Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Russia | territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: limits as agreed to by Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Russia continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation |
| Climate | maritime; wet, moderate winters, cool summers | maritime; wet, moderate winters |
| Terrain | marshy, lowlands; flat in the north, hilly in the south | low plain |
| Elevation extremes | highest point: Suur Munamagi 318 m lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m mean elevation: 61 m | highest point: Gaizina Kalns 312 m lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m mean elevation: 87 m |
| Natural resources | oil shale, peat, rare earth elements, phosphorite, clay, limestone, sand, dolomite, arable land, sea mud | peat, limestone, dolomite, amber, hydropower, timber, arable land |
| Land use | agricultural land: 22.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 14.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 7.2% (2018 est.) forest: 52.1% (2018 est.) other: 25.7% (2018 est.) | agricultural land: 29.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 18.6% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 10.5% (2018 est.) forest: 54.1% (2018 est.) other: 16.7% (2018 est.) |
| Irrigated land | 40 sq km (2012) | 12 sq km (2012) note: land in Latvia is often too wet and in need of drainage not irrigation; approximately 16,000 sq km or 85% of agricultural land has been improved by drainage |
| Natural hazards | sometimes flooding occurs in the spring | large percentage of agricultural fields can become waterlogged and require drainage |
| Environment - current issues | air polluted with sulfur dioxide from oil-shale burning power plants in northeast; however, the amounts of pollutants emitted to the air have fallen dramatically and the pollution load of wastewater at purification plants has decreased substantially due to improved technology and environmental monitoring; Estonia has more than 1,400 natural and manmade lakes, the smaller of which in agricultural areas need to be monitored; coastal seawater is polluted in certain locations | while land, water, and air pollution are evident, Latvia's environment has benefited from a shift to service industries after the country regained independence; improvements have occurred in drinking water quality, sewage treatment, household and hazardous waste management, as well as reduction of air pollution; concerns include nature protection and the management of water resources and the protection of the Baltic Sea |
| Environment - international agreements | party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements | party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements |
| Geography - note | the mainland terrain is flat, boggy, and partly wooded; offshore lie more than 1,500 islands | most of the country is composed of fertile low-lying plains with some hills in the east |
| Total renewable water resources | 12.806 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) | 34.94 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) |
| Population distribution | a fairly even distribution throughout most of the country, with urban areas attracting larger and denser populations | largest concentration of people is found in and around the port and capital city of Riga; small agglomerations are scattered throughout the country |
Demographics
| Estonia | Latvia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,220,042 (July 2021 est.) | 1,862,687 (July 2021 est.) |
| Age structure | 0-14 years: 16.22% (male 102,191/female 97,116) 15-24 years: 8.86% (male 56,484/female 52,378) 25-54 years: 40.34% (male 252,273/female 243,382) 55-64 years: 13.58% (male 76,251/female 90,576) 65 years and over: 21% (male 89,211/female 168,762) (2020 est.) | 0-14 years: 15.32% (male 148,120/female 140,028) 15-24 years: 9% (male 87,372/female 81,965) 25-54 years: 40.41% (male 380,817/female 379,359) 55-64 years: 14.77% (male 125,401/female 152,548) 65 years and over: 20.5% (male 128,151/female 257,471) (2020 est.) |
| Median age | total: 43.7 years male: 40.4 years female: 47 years (2020 est.) | total: 44.4 years male: 40.5 years female: 48 years (2020 est.) |
| Population growth rate | -0.69% (2021 est.) | -1.1% (2021 est.) |
| Birth rate | 9.03 births/1,000 population (2021 est.) | 8.96 births/1,000 population (2021 est.) |
| Death rate | 13.06 deaths/1,000 population (2021 est.) | 14.63 deaths/1,000 population (2021 est.) |
| Net migration rate | -2.85 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2021 est.) | -5.32 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2021 est.) |
| Sex ratio | at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.08 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.84 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.53 male(s)/female total population: 0.88 male(s)/female (2020 est.) | at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.82 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.5 male(s)/female total population: 0.86 male(s)/female (2020 est.) |
| Infant mortality rate | total: 3.47 deaths/1,000 live births male: 3.32 deaths/1,000 live births female: 3.62 deaths/1,000 live births (2021 est.) | total: 4.93 deaths/1,000 live births male: 5.34 deaths/1,000 live births female: 4.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2021 est.) |
| Life expectancy at birth | total population: 77.63 years male: 72.98 years female: 82.51 years (2021 est.) | total population: 75.65 years male: 71.19 years female: 80.33 years (2021 est.) |
| Total fertility rate | 1.61 children born/woman (2021 est.) | 1.54 children born/woman (2021 est.) |
| HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate | 0.8% (2020 est.) | 0.3% (2019 est.) |
| Nationality | noun: Estonian(s) adjective: Estonian | noun: Latvian(s) adjective: Latvian |
| Ethnic groups | Estonian 68.7%, Russian 24.8%, Ukrainian 1.7%, Belarusian 1%, Finn 0.6%, other 1.6%, unspecified 1.6% (2011 est.) | Latvian 62.7%, Russian 24.5%, Belarusian 3.1%, Ukrainian 2.2%, Polish 2%, Lithuanian 1.1%, other 1.8%, unspecified 2.6% (2021 est.) |
| HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS | 7,100 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children | 5,600 (2019 est.) |
| Religions | Orthodox 16.2%, Lutheran 9.9%, other Christian (including Methodist, Seventh Day Adventist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal) 2.2%, other 0.9%, none 54.1%, unspecified 16.7% (2011 est.) | Lutheran 36.2%, Roman Catholic 19.5%, Orthodox 19.1%, other Christian 1.6%, other 0.1%, unspecified/none 23.5% (2017 est.) |
| HIV/AIDS - deaths | <100 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children | <100 (2019 est.) |
| Languages | Estonian (official) 68.5%, Russian 29.6%, Ukrainian 0.6%, other 1.2%, unspecified 0.1% (2011 est.) | Latvian (official) 56.3%, Russian 33.8%, other 0.6% (includes Polish, Ukrainian, and Belarusian), unspecified 9.4%; note - data represent language usually spoken at home (2011 est.) major-language sample(s): World Factbook, neaizstajams avots pamata informaciju. (Latvian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. |
| Literacy | definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 99.8% male: 99.8% female: 99.8% (2015) | definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 99.9% male: 99.9% female: 99.9% (2015) |
| Major infectious diseases | degree of risk: intermediate (2020) vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis | degree of risk: intermediate (2020) vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis |
| School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) | total: 15 years male: 16 years female: 17 years (2018) | total: 16 years male: 16 years female: 17 years (2018) |
| Education expenditures | 5% of GDP (2017) | 4.4% of GDP (2017) |
| Urbanization | urban population: 69.4% of total population (2021) rate of urbanization: -0.03% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) | urban population: 68.4% of total population (2021) rate of urbanization: -0.68% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) |
| Drinking water source | improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 0% of population total: 0% of population (2017 est.) | improved: urban: 98.8% of population rural: 98.2% of population total: 98.6% of population unimproved: urban: 1.2% of population rural: 1.8% of population total: 1.4% of population (2017 est.) |
| Sanitation facility access | improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 0% of population total: 0% of population (2017 est.) | improved: urban: 98.9% of population rural: 84.6% of population total: 94.3% of population unimproved: urban: 1.1% of population rural: 15.4% of population total: 5.7% of population (2017 est.) |
| Major cities - population | 449,000 TALLINN (capital) (2021) | 628,000 RIGA (capital) (2021) |
| Maternal mortality rate | 9 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) | 19 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) |
| Health expenditures | 6.7% (2018) | 6.2% (2018) |
| Physicians density | 4.48 physicians/1,000 population (2018) | 3.19 physicians/1,000 population (2017) |
| Hospital bed density | 4.7 beds/1,000 population (2017) | 5.6 beds/1,000 population (2017) |
| Obesity - adult prevalence rate | 21.2% (2016) | 23.6% (2016) |
| Mother's mean age at first birth | 28.2 years (2019 est.) | 27.3 years (2019 est.) |
| Dependency ratios | total dependency ratio: 58.4 youth dependency ratio: 26.1 elderly dependency ratio: 32.3 potential support ratio: 3.1 (2020 est.) | total dependency ratio: 59 youth dependency ratio: 26.1 elderly dependency ratio: 32.9 potential support ratio: 3 (2020 est.) |
Government
| Estonia | Latvia | |
|---|---|---|
| Country name | conventional long form: Republic of Estonia conventional short form: Estonia local long form: Eesti Vabariik local short form: Eesti former: Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic etymology: the country name may derive from the Aesti, an ancient people who lived along the eastern Baltic Sea in the first centuries A.D. | conventional long form: Republic of Latvia conventional short form: Latvia local long form: Latvijas Republika local short form: Latvija former: Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic etymology: the name "Latvia" originates from the ancient Latgalians, one of four eastern Baltic tribes that formed the ethnic core of the Latvian people (ca. 8th-12th centuries A.D.) |
| Government type | parliamentary republic | parliamentary republic |
| Capital | name: Tallinn geographic coordinates: 59 26 N, 24 43 E time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October etymology: the Estonian name is generally believed to be derived from "Taani-linn" (originally meaning "Danish castle", now "Danish town") after a stronghold built in the area by the Danes; it could also have come from "tali-linn" ("winter castle" or "winter town") or "talu-linn" ("home castle" or "home town") | name: Riga geographic coordinates: 56 57 N, 24 06 E time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October etymology: of the several theories explaining the name's origin, the one relating to the city's role in Baltic and North Sea commerce is the most probable; the name is likely related to the Latvian word "rija," meaning "warehouse," where the 'j' became a 'g' under the heavy German influence in the city from the late Middle Ages to the early 20th century |
| Administrative divisions | 15 urban municipalities (linnad, singular - linn), 64 rural municipalities (vallad, singular vald) urban municipalities: Haapsalu, Keila, Kohtla-Jarve, Loksa, Maardu, Narva, Narva-Joesuu, Paide, Parnu, Rakvere, Sillamae, Tallinn, Tartu, Viljandi, Voru rural municipalities: Alutaguse, Anija, Antsla, Elva, Haademeeste, Haljala, Harku, Hiiumaa, Jarva, Joelahtme, Jogeva, Johvi, Kadrina, Kambja, Kanepi, Kastre, Kehtna, Kihnu, Kiili, Kohila, Kose, Kuusalu, Laane-Harju, Laane-Nigula, Laaneranna, Luganuse, Luunja, Marjamaa, Muhu, Mulgi, Mustvee, Noo, Otepaa, Peipsiaare, Pohja-Parnumaa, Pohja-Sakala, Poltsamaa, Polva, Raasiku, Rae, Rakvere, Räpina, Rapla, Rouge, Ruhnu, Saarde, Saaremaa, Saku, Saue, Setomaa, Tapa, Tartu, Toila, Tori, Torva, Turi, Vaike-Maarja, Valga, Viimsi, Viljandi, Vinni, Viru-Nigula, Vormsi, Voru | 36 municipalities (novadi, singular - novads) and 7 state cities (valstpilsetu pasvaldibas, singular valstspilsetas pasvaldiba) municipalities: Adazi, Aizkraukle, Aluksne, Augsdaugava, Balvi, Bauska, Cesis, Dienvidkurzeme, Dobele, Gulbene, Jekabpils, Jelgava, Kekava, Kraslava, Kuldiga, Limbazi, Livani, Ludza, Madona, Marupe, Ogre, Olaine, Preili, Rezekne, Ropazi, Salaspils, Saldus, Saulkrasti, Sigulda, Smiltene, Talsi, Tukums, Valka, Valmiera, Varaklani, Ventspils cities: Daugavpils, Jelgava, Jurmala, Liepaja, Rezekne, Riga, Ventspils |
| Independence | 24 February 1918 (from Soviet Russia); 20 August 1991 (declared from the Soviet Union); 6 September 1991 (recognized by the Soviet Union) | 18 November 1918 (from Soviet Russia); 4 May 1990 (declared from the Soviet Union); 6 September 1991 (recognized by the Soviet Union) |
| National holiday | Independence Day, 24 February (1918); note - 24 February 1918 was the date Estonia declared its independence from Soviet Russia and established its statehood; 20 August 1991 was the date it declared its independence from the Soviet Union restoring its statehood | Independence Day (Republic of Latvia Proclamation Day), 18 November (1918); note - 18 November 1918 was the date Latvia established its statehood and its concomitant independence from Soviet Russia; 4 May 1990 was the date it declared the restoration of Latvian statehood and its concomitant independence from the Soviet Union |
| Constitution | history: several previous; latest adopted 28 June 1992, entered into force 3 July 1992 amendments: proposed by at least one-fifth of Parliament members or by the president of the republic; passage requires three readings of the proposed amendment and a simple majority vote in two successive memberships of Parliament; passage of amendments to the "General Provisions" and "Amendment of the Constitution" chapters requires at least three-fifths majority vote by Parliament to conduct a referendum and majority vote in a referendum; amended several times, last in 2015 | history: several previous (pre-1991 independence); note - following the restoration of independence in 1991, parts of the 1922 constitution were reintroduced 4 May 1990 and fully reintroduced 6 July 1993 amendments: proposed by two thirds of Parliament members or by petition of one tenth of qualified voters submitted through the president; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of Parliament in each of three readings; amendment of constitutional articles, including national sovereignty, language, the parliamentary electoral system, and constitutional amendment procedures, requires passage in a referendum by majority vote of at least one half of the electorate; amended several times, last in 2019 |
| Legal system | civil law system | civil law system with traces of socialist legal traditions and practices |
| Suffrage | 18 years of age; universal; age 16 for local elections | 18 years of age; universal |
| Executive branch | chief of state: President Kersti KALJULAID (since 10 October 2016) head of government: Prime Minister Kaja KALLAS (since 26 January 2021) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after 3 rounds of balloting, then an electoral college consisting of Parliament members and local council members elects the president, choosing between the 2 candidates with the highest number of votes; election last held on 30-31 August 2021; in a first round of voting on 30 August, parliament failed to elect a president; in a second round on 31 August, the sole candidate, Alar KARIS, received 72 votes of 101 votes (there were 8 blank votes and 21 electors not present); KARIS will be inaugurated on 11 October 2021; prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament election results: Alar KARIS elected president on 31 August 2021; parliament vote-Alar KARIS (independent) 72 of 101 votes; note - KARIS follows Kersti KALJULAID, who was Estonia's first female president; KALLAS is Estonia's first female prime minister | chief of state: President Egils LEVITS (since 8 July 2019) head of government: Prime Minister Krisjanis KARINS (since 23 January 2019) cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers nominated by the prime minister, appointed by Parliament elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by Parliament for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 29 May 2019 (next to be held in 2023); prime minister appointed by the president, confirmed by Parliament election results: Egils LEVITS elected president; Parliament vote - Egils LEVITS 61 votes, Didzis SMITS 24, Juris JANSONS 8; Krisjanis KARINS confirmed prime minister 61-39 |
| Legislative branch | description: unicameral Parliament or Riigikogu (101 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote to serve 4-year terms) elections: last held on 3 March 2019 (next to be held in March 2023) election results: percent of vote by party - RE 28.9%, K 23.1%, EKRE 17.8%, Pro Patria 11.4%, SDE 9.8%, other 9%; seats by party - RE 34, K 26, EKRE 19, Pro Patria 12, SDE 10; composition - men 72, women 29, percent of women 28.7% | description: unicameral Parliament or Saeima (100 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by party list proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms) elections: last held on 6 October 2018 (next to be held in October 2022) election results: percent of vote by party - SDPS 19.8%, KPV LV 14.3%, JKP 13.6%, AP! 12%, NA 11%, ZZS 9.9%, V 6.7%, other 12.7%; seats by party - SDPS 23, KPV LV 16, JKP 16, AP! 13, NA 13, ZZS 11, V 8; composition - men 69, women 31, percent of women 31% |
| Judicial branch | highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of 19 justices, including the chief justice, and organized into civil, criminal, administrative, and constitutional review chambers) judge selection and term of office: the chief justice is proposed by the president of the republic and appointed by the Riigikogu; other justices proposed by the chief justice and appointed by the Riigikogu; justices appointed for life subordinate courts: circuit (appellate) courts; administrative, county, city, and specialized courts | highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of the Senate with 36 judges); Constitutional Court (consists of 7 judges) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by chief justice and confirmed by the Saeima; judges serve until age 70, but term can be extended 2 years; Constitutional Court judges - 3 nominated by Saeima members, 2 by Cabinet ministers, and 2 by plenum of Supreme Court; all judges confirmed by Saeima majority vote; Constitutional Court president and vice president serve in their positions for 3 years; all judges serve 10-year terms; mandatory retirement at age 70 subordinate courts: district (city) and regional courts |
| Political parties and leaders | Center Party of Estonia (Keskerakond) or K [Juri RATAS] Estonia 200 [Kristina KALLAS] Estonian Conservative People's Party (Konservatiivne Rahvaerakond) or EKRE [Mart HELME] Estonian Reform Party (Reformierakond) or RE [Kaja KALLAS] Free Party or EV [Andres HERKEL] Pro Patria (Isamaa) [Helir-Valdor SEEDER] Social Democratic Party or SDE [Jevgeni OSSINOVSKI] | Development/For! or AP! [Daniels PAVLUTS, Juris PUCE] National Alliance "All For Latvia!"-"For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK" or NA [Raivis DZINTARS] New Conservative Party or JKP [Janis BORDANS] Social Democratic Party "Harmony" or SDPS [Nils USAKOVS] Union of Greens and Farmers or ZZS [Armands KRAUZE] Unity or V [Arvils ASERADENS] Who Owns the State? or KPV LV [Artuss KAIMINS] |
| International organization participation | Australia Group, BA, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSMA, NATO, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO | Australia Group, BA, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO |
| Diplomatic representation in the US | chief of mission: Ambassador Kristjan PRIKK (since 7 July 2021) chancery: 1990 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20006 telephone: [1] (202) 588-0101 FAX: [1] (202) 588-0108 email address and website: Embassy.Washington@mfa.ee https://washington.mfa.ee/ consulate(s) general: New York, San Francisco | chief of mission: Ambassador Maris SELGA (since 16 September 2019) chancery: 2306 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 328-2840 FAX: [1] (202) 328-2860 email address and website: embassy.usa@mfa.gov.lv https://www2.mfa.gov.lv/en/usa |
| Diplomatic representation from the US | chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Brian RORAFF (since July 2019) embassy: Kentmanni 20, 15099 Tallinn mailing address: 4530 Tallinn Place, Washington DC 20521-4530 telephone: [372] 668-8100 FAX: [372] 668-8265 email address and website: acstallinn@state.gov https://ee.usembassy.gov/ | chief of mission: Ambassador John Leslie CARWILE (since 5 November 2019) embassy: 1 Samnera Velsa Street (former Remtes), Riga LV-1510 mailing address: 4520 Riga Place, Washington DC 20521-4520 telephone: [371] 6710-7000 FAX: [371] 6710-7050 email address and website: askconsular-riga@state.gov https://lv.usembassy.gov/ |
| Flag description | three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), black, and white; various interpretations are linked to the flag colors; blue represents faith, loyalty, and devotion, while also reminiscent of the sky, sea, and lakes of the country; black symbolizes the soil of the country and the dark past and suffering endured by the Estonian people; white refers to the striving towards enlightenment and virtue, and is the color of birch bark and snow, as well as summer nights illuminated by the midnight sun | three horizontal bands of maroon (top), white (half-width), and maroon; the flag is one of the older banners in the world; a medieval chronicle mentions a red standard with a white stripe being used by Latvian tribes in about 1280 |
| National anthem | name: "Mu isamaa, mu onn ja room" (My Native Land, My Pride and Joy) lyrics/music: Johann Voldemar JANNSEN/Fredrik PACIUS note: adopted 1920, though banned between 1940 and 1990 under Soviet occupation; the anthem, used in Estonia since 1869, shares the same melody as Finland's but has different lyrics | name: "Dievs, sveti Latviju!" (God Bless Latvia) lyrics/music: Karlis BAUMANIS note: adopted 1920, restored 1990; first performed in 1873 while Latvia was a part of Russia; banned during the Soviet occupation from 1940 to 1990 |
| International law organization participation | accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction | has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction |
| National symbol(s) | barn swallow, cornflower; national colors: blue, black, white | white wagtail (bird); national colors: maroon, white |
| Citizenship | citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Estonia dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years | citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Latvia dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years |
Economy
| Estonia | Latvia | |
|---|---|---|
| Economy - overview | Estonia, a member of the EU since 2004 and the euro zone since 2011, has a modern market-based economy and one of the higher per capita income levels in Central Europe and the Baltic region, but its economy is highly dependent on trade, leaving it vulnerable to external shocks. Estonia's successive governments have pursued a free market, pro-business economic agenda, and sound fiscal policies that have resulted in balanced budgets and the lowest debt-to-GDP ratio in the EU. The economy benefits from strong electronics and telecommunications sectors and strong trade ties with Finland, Sweden, Germany, and Russia. The economy's 4.9% GDP growth in 2017 was the fastest in the past six years, leaving the Estonian economy in its best position since the financial crisis 10 years ago. For the first time in many years, labor productivity increased faster than labor costs in 2017. Inflation also rose in 2017 to 3.5% alongside increased global prices for food and energy, which make up a large share of Estonia's consumption. Estonia is challenged by a shortage of labor, both skilled and unskilled, although the government has amended its immigration law to allow easier hiring of highly qualified foreign workers, and wage growth that outpaces productivity gains. The government is also pursuing efforts to boost productivity growth with a focus on innovations that emphasize technology start-ups and e-commerce. | Latvia is a small, open economy with exports contributing more than half of GDP. Due to its geographical location, transit services are highly-developed, along with timber and wood-processing, agriculture and food products, and manufacturing of machinery and electronics industries. Corruption continues to be an impediment to attracting foreign direct investment and Latvia's low birth rate and decreasing population are major challenges to its long-term economic vitality. Latvia's economy experienced GDP growth of more than 10% per year during 2006-07, but entered a severe recession in 2008 as a result of an unsustainable current account deficit and large debt exposure amid the slowing world economy. Triggered by the collapse of the second largest bank, GDP plunged by more than 14% in 2009 and, despite strong growth since 2011, the economy took until 2017 return to pre-crisis levels in real terms. Strong investment and consumption, the latter stoked by rising wages, helped the economy grow by more than 4% in 2017, while inflation rose to 3%. Continued gains in competitiveness and investment will be key to maintaining economic growth, especially in light of unfavorable demographic trends, including the emigration of skilled workers, and one of the highest levels of income inequality in the EU. In the wake of the 2008-09 crisis, the IMF, EU, and other international donors provided substantial financial assistance to Latvia as part of an agreement to defend the currency's peg to the euro in exchange for the government's commitment to stringent austerity measures. The IMF/EU program successfully concluded in December 2011, although, the austerity measures imposed large social costs. The majority of companies, banks, and real estate have been privatized, although the state still holds sizable stakes in a few large enterprises, including 80% ownership of the Latvian national airline. Latvia officially joined the World Trade Organization in February 1999 and the EU in May 2004. Latvia also joined the euro zone in 2014 and the OECD in 2016. |
| GDP (purchasing power parity) | $48.987 billion (2019 est.) $46.655 billion (2018 est.) $44.708 billion (2017 est.) note: data are in 2010 dollars | $59.102 billion (2019 est.) $57.912 billion (2018 est.) $55.672 billion (2017 est.) note: data are in 2010 dollars |
| GDP - real growth rate | 5% (2019 est.) 4.36% (2018 est.) 5.51% (2017 est.) | 2.08% (2019 est.) 4.2% (2018 est.) 3.23% (2017 est.) |
| GDP - per capita (PPP) | $36,927 (2019 est.) $35,293 (2018 est.) $33,937 (2017 est.) note: data are in 2010 dollars | $30,898 (2019 est.) $30,050 (2018 est.) $28,664 (2017 est.) note: data are in 2010 dollars |
| GDP - composition by sector | agriculture: 2.8% (2017 est.) industry: 29.2% (2017 est.) services: 68.1% (2017 est.) | agriculture: 3.9% (2017 est.) industry: 22.4% (2017 est.) services: 73.7% (2017 est.) |
| Population below poverty line | 21.7% (2018 est.) | 22.9% (2018 est.) |
| Household income or consumption by percentage share | lowest 10%: 2.3% highest 10%: 25.6% (2015) | lowest 10%: 2.2% highest 10%: 26.3% (2015) |
| Inflation rate (consumer prices) | 2.2% (2019 est.) 3.4% (2018 est.) 3.4% (2017 est.) | 2.8% (2019 est.) 2.5% (2018 est.) 2.9% (2017 est.) |
| Labor force | 648,000 (2020 est.) | 885,000 (2020 est.) |
| Labor force - by occupation | agriculture: 2.7% industry: 20.5% services: 76.8% (2017 est.) | agriculture: 7.7% industry: 24.1% services: 68.1% (2016 est.) |
| Unemployment rate | 4.94% (2019 est.) 4.73% (2018 est.) | 6.14% (2019 est.) 6.51% (2018 est.) |
| Distribution of family income - Gini index | 30.4 (2017 est.) 35.6 (2014) | 35.6 (2017 est.) 35.4 (2014) |
| Budget | revenues: 10.37 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 10.44 billion (2017 est.) | revenues: 11.39 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 11.53 billion (2017 est.) |
| Industries | food, engineering, electronics, wood and wood products, textiles; information technology, telecommunications | processed foods, processed wood products, textiles, processed metals, pharmaceuticals, railroad cars, synthetic fibers, electronics |
| Industrial production growth rate | 9.5% (2017 est.) | 10.6% (2017 est.) |
| Agriculture - products | wheat, milk, barley, rapeseed, rye, oats, peas, potatoes, pork, triticale | wheat, milk, rapeseed, barley, oats, potatoes, rye, beans, pork, poultry |
| Exports | $23.95 billion (2019 est.) $22.546 billion (2018 est.) $21.677 billion (2017 est.) | $20.444 billion (2019 est.) $20.007 billion (2018 est.) $19.153 billion (2017 est.) |
| Exports - commodities | broadcasting equipment, refined petroleum, coal tar oil, cars, prefabricated buildings (2019) | lumber, broadcasting equipment, whiskey and other hard liquors, wheat, packaged medicines (2019) |
| Exports - partners | Finland 13%, Sweden 9%, Latvia 8%, Russia 8%, United States 7%, Lithuania 6%, Germany 6% (2019) | Lithuania 16%, Estonia 10%, Russia 9%, Germany 7%, Sweden 6%, United Kingdom 6% (2019) |
| Imports | $23.323 billion (2019 est.) $22.485 billion (2018 est.) $21.273 billion (2017 est.) | $22.049 billion (2019 est.) $21.397 billion (2018 est.) $20.096 billion (2017 est.) |
| Imports - commodities | cars, refined petroleum, coal tar oil, broadcasting equipment, packaged medicines (2019) | refined petroleum, broadcasting equipment, cars, packaged medicines, aircraft (2019) |
| Imports - partners | Russia 12%, Germany 10%, Finland 9%, Lithuania 7%, Latvia 7%, Sweden 6%, Poland 6%, China 6% (2019) | Russia 21%, Lithuania 14%, Germany 9%, Poland 7%, Estonia 7% (2019) |
| Debt - external | $23.944 billion (2019 est.) $23.607 billion (2018 est.) | $40.164 billion (2019 est.) $42.488 billion (2018 est.) |
| Exchange rates | euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.82771 (2020 est.) 0.90338 (2019 est.) 0.87789 (2018 est.) 0.885 (2014 est.) 0.7634 (2013 est.) | euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.82771 (2020 est.) 0.90338 (2019 est.) 0.87789 (2018 est.) 0.885 (2014 est.) 0.7634 (2013 est.) |
| Fiscal year | calendar year | calendar year |
| Public debt | 9% of GDP (2017 est.) 9.4% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities, including sub-sectors of central government, state government, local government, and social security funds | 36.3% of GDP (2017 est.) 37.4% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt, and includes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities, including sub-sectors of central government, state government, local government, and social security funds |
| Reserves of foreign exchange and gold | $345 million (31 December 2017 est.) $352.2 million (31 December 2016 est.) | $4.614 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $3.514 billion (31 December 2016 est.) |
| Current Account Balance | $616 million (2019 est.) $280 million (2018 est.) | -$222 million (2019 est.) -$99 million (2018 est.) |
| GDP (official exchange rate) | $31.461 billion (2019 est.) | $34.084 billion (2019 est.) |
| Credit ratings | Fitch rating: AA- (2018) Moody's rating: A1 (2002) Standard & Poors rating: AA- (2011) | Fitch rating: A- (2014) Moody's rating: A3 (2015) Standard & Poors rating: A+ (2020) |
| Ease of Doing Business Index scores | Overall score: 80.6 (2020) Starting a Business score: 95.4 (2020) Trading score: 99.9 (2020) Enforcement score: 76.1 (2020) | Overall score: 80.3 (2020) Starting a Business score: 94.1 (2020) Trading score: 95.3 (2020) Enforcement score: 73.5 (2020) |
| Taxes and other revenues | 39.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) | 37.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) |
| Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-) | -0.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) | -0.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) |
| Unemployment, youth ages 15-24 | total: 11.1% male: 10.5% female: 11.7% (2019 est.) | total: 12.4% male: 14.2% female: 10.1% (2019 est.) |
| GDP - composition, by end use | household consumption: 50.3% (2017 est.) government consumption: 20.4% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 24% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 2.2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 77.2% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -74% (2017 est.) | household consumption: 61.8% (2017 est.) government consumption: 18.2% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 19.9% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.5% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 60.6% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -61.9% (2017 est.) |
| Gross national saving | 29.1% of GDP (2019 est.) 28.4% of GDP (2018 est.) 28.2% of GDP (2017 est.) | 21.7% of GDP (2019 est.) 23.5% of GDP (2018 est.) 23.4% of GDP (2017 est.) |
Energy
| Estonia | Latvia | |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity - production | 11.55 billion kWh (2016 est.) | 6.241 billion kWh (2016 est.) |
| Electricity - consumption | 8.795 billion kWh (2016 est.) | 6.798 billion kWh (2016 est.) |
| Electricity - exports | 5.613 billion kWh (2016 est.) | 3.795 billion kWh (2016 est.) |
| Electricity - imports | 3.577 billion kWh (2016 est.) | 4.828 billion kWh (2016 est.) |
| Oil - production | 0 bbl/day (2018 est.) | 0 bbl/day (2018 est.) |
| Oil - imports | 0 bbl/day (2017 est.) | 0 bbl/day (2017 est.) |
| Oil - exports | 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) | 0 bbl/day (2017 est.) |
| Oil - proved reserves | 0 bbl (1 January 2018 est.) | 0 bbl (1 January 2018 est.) |
| Natural gas - proved reserves | 0 cu m (2016 est.) | 0 cu m (2014 est.) |
| Natural gas - production | 0 cu m (2017 est.) | 0 cu m (2017 est.) |
| Natural gas - consumption | 481.4 million cu m (2017 est.) | 1.218 billion cu m (2017 est.) |
| Natural gas - exports | 0 cu m (2017 est.) | 0 cu m (2017 est.) |
| Natural gas - imports | 481.4 million cu m (2017 est.) | 1.246 billion cu m (2017 est.) |
| Electricity - installed generating capacity | 2.578 million kW (2016 est.) | 2.932 million kW (2016 est.) |
| Electricity - from fossil fuels | 72% of total installed capacity (2016 est.) | 39% of total installed capacity (2016 est.) |
| Electricity - from hydroelectric plants | 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.) | 53% of total installed capacity (2017 est.) |
| Electricity - from nuclear fuels | 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.) | 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.) |
| Electricity - from other renewable sources | 28% of total installed capacity (2017 est.) | 8% of total installed capacity (2017 est.) |
| Refined petroleum products - production | 0 bbl/day (2017 est.) | 0 bbl/day (2017 est.) |
| Refined petroleum products - consumption | 28,300 bbl/day (2017 est.) | 44,600 bbl/day (2017 est.) |
| Refined petroleum products - exports | 27,150 bbl/day (2017 est.) | 16,180 bbl/day (2017 est.) |
| Refined petroleum products - imports | 35,520 bbl/day (2017 est.) | 54,370 bbl/day (2017 est.) |
| Electricity access | electrification - total population: 100% (2020) | electrification - total population: 100% (2020) |
Telecommunications
| Estonia | Latvia | |
|---|---|---|
| Telephones - main lines in use | total subscriptions: 324,388 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 26.24 (2019 est.) | total subscriptions: 227,616 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11.96 (2019 est.) |
| Telephones - mobile cellular | total subscriptions: 1,951,051 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 157.82 (2019 est.) | total subscriptions: 2,071,814 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 108.83 (2019 est.) |
| Internet country code | .ee | .lv |
| Internet users | total: 1,111,896 percent of population: 89.36% (July 2018 est.) | total: 1,607,711 percent of population: 83.58% (July 2018 est.) |
| Telecommunication systems | general assessment: greatly improved telecom service through a range of regulatory measures, competition, and foreign investment, leading to high-quality voice, data, and Internet services; one of the most advanced mobile markets and highest broadband penetration rates in Europe; government commits 20 million euro to rural broadband program; operators supporting LTE infrastructure and launch of smart services; 5G services in major cities; government provides Internet to schools and libraries (2021) (2020) domestic: 25 per 100 for fixed-line and 147 per 100 for mobile-cellular; substantial fiber-optic cable systems carry telephone, TV, and radio traffic in the digital mode; Internet services are widely available; schools and libraries are connected to the Internet, a large percentage of the population files income tax returns online, and online voting - in local and parliamentary elections - has climbed steadily since first being introduced in 2005; a large percent of Estonian households have broadband access (2019) international: country code - 372; landing points for the EE-S-1, EESF-3, Baltic Sea Submarine Cable, FEC and EESF-2 fiber-optic submarine cables to other Estonia points, Finland, and Sweden; 2 international switches are located in Tallinn (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments | general assessment: recent efforts focused on bringing competition to the telecommunications sector; the number of fixed-line phones is decreasing as mobile-cellular telephone service expands; EU regulatory policies, and framework provide guidelines for growth; government adopted measures to build a national fiber broadband network, partially funded by European Commission; new competition in mobile markets with extensive LTE-A technologies and 5G service growth; developing sophisticated digital economy with e-commerce and e-government widely available; operator working on cable to Sakhalin in Russia's Far East (2021) (2020)domestic: fixed-line 12 per 100 and mobile-cellular 109 per 100 subscriptions (2019) international: country code - 371; the Latvian network is now connected via fiber-optic cable to Estonia, Finland, and Sweden note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments |
| Broadband - fixed subscriptions | total: 431,251 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 34.88 (2019 est.) | total: 508,894 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 26.73 (2019 est.) |
| Broadcast media | the publicly owned broadcaster, Eesti Rahvusringhaaling (ERR), operates 3 TV channels and 5 radio networks; growing number of private commercial radio stations broadcasting nationally, regionally, and locally; fully transitioned to digital television in 2010; national private TV channels expanding service; a range of channels are aimed at Russian-speaking viewers; in 2016, there were 42 on-demand services available in Estonia, including 19 pay TVOD and SVOD services; roughly 85% of households accessed digital television services | several national and regional commercial TV stations are foreign-owned, 2 national TV stations are publicly owned; system supplemented by privately owned regional and local TV stations; cable and satellite multi-channel TV services with domestic and foreign broadcasts available; publicly owned broadcaster operates 4 radio networks with dozens of stations throughout the country; dozens of private broadcasters also operate radio stations |
Transportation
| Estonia | Latvia | |
|---|---|---|
| Railways | total: 2,146 km (2016) broad gauge: 2,146 km 1.520-m and 1.524-m gauge (132 km electrified) (2016) note: includes 1,510 km public and 636 km non-public railway | total: 1,860 km (2018) narrow gauge: 34 km 0.750-m gauge (2018) broad gauge: 1,826 km 1.520-m gauge (2018) |
| Roadways | total: 58,412 km (includes urban roads) (2011) paved: 10,427 km (includes 115 km of expressways) (2011) unpaved: 47,985 km (2011) | total: 70,244 km (2018) paved: 15,158 km (2018) unpaved: 55,086 km (2018) |
| Waterways | 335 km (320 km are navigable year-round) (2011) | 300 km (navigable year-round) (2010) |
| Pipelines | 2360 km gas (2016) | 1,213 km gas, 417 km refined products (2018) |
| Ports and terminals | major seaport(s): Kuivastu, Kunda, Muuga, Parnu Reid, Sillamae, Tallinn | major seaport(s): Riga, Ventspils |
| Merchant marine | total: 67 by type: general cargo 2, oil tanker 5, other 60 (2020) | total: 66 by type: general cargo 16, oil tanker 9, other 41 (2020) |
| Airports | total: 18 (2013) | total: 42 (2013) |
| Airports - with paved runways | total: 13 (2017) over 3,047 m: 2 (2017) 2,438 to 3,047 m: 8 (2017) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2017) 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2017) | total: 18 (2017) over 3,047 m: 1 (2017) 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 (2017) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 (2017) 914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2017) under 914 m: 7 (2017) |
| Airports - with unpaved runways | total: 5 (2013) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2013) 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2013) under 914 m: 3 (2013) | total: 24 (2013) under 914 m: 24 (2013) |
| Heliports | 1 (2012) | 1 (2013) |
| National air transport system | number of registered air carriers: 3 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 14 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 31,981 (2018) | number of registered air carriers: 3 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 53 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 4,058,762 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 4.01 million mt-km (2018) |
| Civil aircraft registration country code prefix | ES | YL |
Military
| Estonia | Latvia | |
|---|---|---|
| Military branches | Estonian Defense Forces: Land Forces, Navy, Air Force, Estonian Defence League (Reserves); Ministry of Interior: Border Guards (2021) | National Armed Forces (Nacionalie Brunotie Speki): Land Forces (Latvijas Sauszemes Speki), Naval Force (Latvijas Juras Speki, includes Coast Guard (Latvijas Kara Flote)), Air Force (Latvijas Gaisa Speki), National Guard (2021) |
| Military service age and obligation | 18-27 for compulsory military or governmental service, conscript service requirement 8-11 months depending on education; NCOs, reserve officers, and specialists serve 11 months (2019) | 18 years of age for voluntary male and female military service; no conscription (abolished 2007); under current law, every citizen is entitled to serve in the armed forces for life (2019) |
| Military expenditures - percent of GDP | 2.3% of GDP (2021 est.) 2.33% of GDP (2020 est.) 2.03% of GDP (2019) 2.01% of GDP (2018) 2.01% of GDP (2017) | 2.27% of GDP (2020 est.) 2.03% of GDP (2019) 2.06% of GDP (2018) 1.59% of GDP (2017) 1.44% of GDP (2016) |
| Military - note | Estonia officially became a member of NATO in 2004 | Latvia officially became a member of NATO in 2004 |
| Military and security service personnel strengths | the Estonian Defense Forces have approximately 6,500 active duty personnel (2021) | the National Armed Forces of Latvia have approximately 6,000 active duty troops (5,000 Land Forces; 500 Naval Force/Coast Guard; 500 Air Force) (2021) |
| Military equipment inventories and acquisitions | the Estonian Defense Forces have a limited inventory of Soviet-era and more recently acquired modern weapons systems, largely from France and the Netherlands (2020) | the Latvian military's inventory is limited and consists of a mixture of Soviet-era and more modern--mostly second-hand--European and US equipment; since 2010, it has received limited amounts of equipment from several European countries, as well as the US (2020) |
Transnational Issues
| Estonia | Latvia | |
|---|---|---|
| Disputes - international | Russia and Estonia in May 2005 signed a technical border agreement, but Russia in June 2005 recalled its signature after the Estonian parliament added to its domestic ratification act a historical preamble referencing the Soviet occupation and Estonia's pre-war borders under the 1920 Treaty of Tartu; Russia contends that the preamble allows Estonia to make territorial claims on Russia in the future, while Estonian officials deny that the preamble has any legal impact on the treaty text; Russia demands better treatment of the Russian-speaking population in Estonia; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Estonia implements strict Schengen border rules with Russia | Russia demands better Latvian treatment of ethnic Russians in Latvia; boundary demarcated with Latvia and Lithuania; the Latvian parliament has not ratified its 1998 maritime boundary treaty with Lithuania, primarily due to concerns over oil exploration rights; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Latvia has implemented the strict Schengen border rules with Russia |
| Illicit drugs | growing producer of synthetic drugs; increasingly important transshipment zone for cannabis, cocaine, opiates, and synthetic drugs since joining the European Union and the Schengen Accord; potential money laundering related to organized crime and drug trafficking is a concern, as is possible use of the gambling sector to launder funds; major use of opiates and ecstasy | transshipment and destination point for cocaine, synthetic drugs, opiates, and cannabis from Southwest Asia, Western Europe, Latin America, and neighboring Baltic countries; despite improved legislation, vulnerable to money laundering due to nascent enforcement capabilities and comparatively weak regulation of offshore companies and the gaming industry; CIS organized crime (including counterfeiting, corruption, extortion, stolen cars, and prostitution) accounts for most laundered proceeds |
| Refugees and internally displaced persons | stateless persons: 73,214 (2020); note - following independence in 1991, automatic citizenship was restricted to those who were Estonian citizens prior to the 1940 Soviet occupation and their descendants; thousands of ethnic Russians remained stateless when forced to choose between passing Estonian language and citizenship tests or applying for Russian citizenship; one reason for demurring on Estonian citizenship was to retain the right of visa-free travel to Russia; stateless residents can vote in local elections but not general elections; stateless parents who have been lawful residents of Estonia for at least five years can apply for citizenship for their children before they turn 15 years old | stateless persons: 209,167 (2020); note - individuals who were Latvian citizens prior to the 1940 Soviet occupation and their descendants were recognized as Latvian citizens when the country's independence was restored in 1991; citizens of the former Soviet Union residing in Latvia who have neither Latvian nor other citizenship are considered non-citizens (officially there is no statelessness in Latvia) and are entitled to non-citizen passports; children born after Latvian independence to stateless parents are entitled to Latvian citizenship upon their parents' request; non-citizens cannot vote or hold certain government jobs and are exempt from military service but can travel visa-free in the EU under the Schengen accord like Latvian citizens; non-citizens can obtain naturalization if they have been permanent residents of Latvia for at least five years, pass tests in Latvian language and history, and know the words of the Latvian national anthem |
Environment
| Estonia | Latvia | |
|---|---|---|
| Air pollutants | particulate matter emissions: 6.74 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 16.59 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.99 megatons (2020 est.) | particulate matter emissions: 12.72 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 7 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 1.85 megatons (2020 est.) |
| Total water withdrawal | municipal: 59.4 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 1.721 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 4.5 million cubic meters (2017 est.) | municipal: 94.4 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 25.2 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 61.5 million cubic meters (2017 est.) |
| Revenue from forest resources | forest revenues: 0.85% of GDP (2018 est.) | forest revenues: 0.85% of GDP (2018 est.) |
| Revenue from coal | coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) | coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) |
| Waste and recycling | municipal solid waste generated annually: 473,000 tons (2015 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 117,020 tons (2015 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 24.7% (2015 est.) | municipal solid waste generated annually: 857,000 tons (2015 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 181,941 tons (2015 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 21.2% (2015 est.) |
Source: CIA Factbook
