---
title: "List of Latvia Ethnic Groups"
url: https://33travels.com/latvia-ethnic-groups/
author: "Dr. Kofi Mensah"
published: 2025-10-28
updated: 2026-04-06
place: "Latvia"
---

# List of Latvia Ethnic Groups

Latvia sits on the eastern edge of the Baltic Sea, where centuries of trade, migration and shifting borders have shaped a diverse population. Cities like Riga and Daugavpils show this mix in neighborhoods, languages heard on the street, and cultural festivals that reflect different origins.

There are **13 Latvia Ethnic Groups**, ranging from Armenians to Ukrainians. For each group you’ll find below data organized as Population (approx),Share (%),Primary language — making it easy to compare community size, proportion, and common language usage; you’ll find below.

## How current are the population and language figures?

Most lists combine the latest national census with interim official estimates; census data reflect self-reported ethnicity and language, while estimates update population counts between censuses. For precise timing and methodology, check Latvia’s Central Statistical Bureau or the specific source cited with the list.

## How does Latvia define an ethnic group in its statistics?

Ethnicity in Latvian statistics is typically self-identified during the census (what respondents state as their ethnic background), separate from citizenship or mother tongue — so a person’s reported ethnicity may differ from the language they primarily use or their legal nationality.

## Latvia Ethnic Groups

| Group | Population (approx) | Share (%) | Primary language |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Latvians | 1,180,000 | 62.11% | Latvian |
| Russians | 460,000 | 24.21% | Russian |
| Belarusians | 73,000 | 3.84% | Belarusian, Russian |
| Ukrainians | 57,000 | 3.00% | Ukrainian, Russian |
| Poles | 46,000 | 2.42% | Polish, Russian, Latvian |
| Lithuanians | 16,000 | 0.84% | Lithuanian, Latvian, Russian |
| Roma | 2,000 | 0.11% | Romani dialects, Latvian, Russian |
| Jews | 3,000 | 0.16% | Hebrew, Yiddish, Latvian, Russian |
| Tatars | 3,000 | 0.16% | Tatar, Russian, Latvian |
| Estonians | 3,000 | 0.16% | Estonian, Latvian, Russian |
| Germans | 2,000 | 0.11% | German, Latvian, Russian |
| Moldovans | 1,800 | 0.09% | Romanian/Moldovan, Russian, Latvian |
| Armenians | 2,000 | 0.11% | Armenian, Russian, Latvian |

## Images and Descriptions

![Latvians](https://33travels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/latvians.jpg)

### Latvians

Indigenous Baltic people and Latvia’s majority ethnic group. Concentrated across the country, especially rural regions and Vidzeme; Riga also has many. Speak Latvian; citizenship majority. Cultural revival since independence, active in politics, media, and national institutions.

![Russians](https://33travels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/russians.jpg)

### Russians

Largest minority, descendants of Soviet-era migrants and older Russian-speaking communities. Concentrated in Riga, Latgale, and urban areas. Use Russian as primary language; many hold Latvian or non-citizen status. Influence in business, culture, and bilingual public life.

![Belarusians](https://33travels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/belarusians.jpg)

### Belarusians

East Slavic group with historic and recent ties to Belarus. Found mainly in Riga and Latgale, smaller communities elsewhere. Speak Belarusian and Russian; some bilingual with Latvian. Active in cultural associations and maintain religious and cultural traditions.

![Ukrainians](https://33travels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ukrainians.jpg)

### Ukrainians

Growing community due to historic migration and recent arrivals. Concentrated in Riga and Daugavpils. Use Ukrainian and Russian; many learn Latvian. Active cultural organizations, increased visibility after 2022 with refugees and volunteers contributing to civil society.

![Poles](https://florafaunafun.com/wp-content/uploads/lists/placeholder.jpg)

### Poles

Ethnic Poles form a historic minority, especially in Latgale and border areas. Speak Polish and often Russian or Latvian. Maintain schools, churches, and cultural societies; political representation focused on minority rights and education in Polish.

![Lithuanians](https://florafaunafun.com/wp-content/uploads/lists/placeholder.jpg)

### Lithuanians

Small Baltic neighbor community concentrated in southern towns and Riga. Speak Lithuanian and often bilingual in Latvian or Russian. Linked by family and economic ties to Lithuania; maintain cultural associations and religious congregations.

![Roma](https://33travels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/roma.jpg)

### Roma

Romani communities are small, historically present in urban and rural areas. Speak Romani dialects, Latvian, and often Russian; face socioeconomic challenges and discrimination. Active NGOs work on inclusion, education, and cultural preservation.

![Jews](https://33travels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/jews-1.jpg)

### Jews

Small Jewish community with deep historical roots pre-World War II; concentrated in Riga. Speak Hebrew, Yiddish, Latvian, and Russian; maintain synagogues, cultural centers, and schools. Community is rebuilding cultural life and preserving Holocaust memory.

![Tatars](https://33travels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/tatars-1.jpg)

### Tatars

Lipka Tatar minority dating to the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth era. Small communities mainly in Riga and historically in Latgale. Speak Tatar, Russian, and Latvian; known for mosques, cultural associations, and maintaining unique religious traditions.

![Estonians](https://florafaunafun.com/wp-content/uploads/lists/placeholder.jpg)

### Estonians

Neighboring Baltic group; small population in Riga and border regions. Speak Estonian and often Latvian or Russian. Cultural and economic links with Estonia, including cross-border families, businesses, and shared media ties.

![Germans](https://33travels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/germans.jpg)

### Germans

Historic Baltic German community largely diminished after WWII; present as a small group in Riga and cultural circles. Speak German and often Latvian or Russian; active in heritage organizations, archaeology, and preservation of historical architecture.

![Moldovans](https://33travels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/moldovans.jpg)

### Moldovans

Small community mostly in Riga and urban centers. Speak Romanian/Moldovan and often Russian or Latvian. Ties to Moldova include family links, labor migration, and cultural associations and community organizations preserving traditions.

![Armenians](https://33travels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/armenians-1.jpg)

### Armenians

Small Armenian community concentrated in Riga and Daugavpils. Speak Armenian and often Russian or Latvian. Maintain churches, cultural clubs, business networks; connected to wider Armenian diaspora through cultural and religious events.