The typical trend of migration from the countryside to the city as well as to other countries explained in the previous chapter strengthened by the freedom to migrate within other economic zones could be a negative trend for Riga and the whole of Latvia. Latvia is situated in the periphery of the European Union. Since the erection of the European Union, the central states attracted inhabitants of these regions to its economic heart. Europe does little to keep its population in the periphery but conceives its periphery more as a source to feed its centre.
Through different historic periods the demographic of Latvia has changed massively, starting from the 13th century with 200 000 inhabitants, to the 18th century with half of million, starting from that population grew rapidly, up to WW I, which as in other European countries led to shrinking. The fall of population after WWII, caused by emigration and exhalation, was placed in an equilibrium with the massive organised program of immigrants from other parts of the Soviet Republics.This was done to mix the population and disturb the national identity and languages. This resulted in large social shifts under the population that has led to fragmentation in society, which are seen and felt still today.
Since the 1990 there have been large shifts in the number of inhabitants, one of the main reasons being social imbalances in Latvia. Relatively small middle and upper class, has resulted in inequality. Gini coefficient in 2018 was still quite large at 35,2 % compared to other EU countries where the average is 30,9%. Because of this many Latvians emigrate to other EU countries in search for better life. The population is shrinking systematically due to the emigration of the working class, almost half million (457 000) have left the country. Starting from 2010 to 2018 the population decreased by 126 100 inhabitants.[…] Joining European Union opened the way for many people to work in the old European countries in order to take care of their families at home. Based on these figures, it still counts 2,07 million inhabitants in Latvia. It is currently one of the fastest shrinking countries in the European Union. EUROSTAT prognosis predicts that it will shrink to 1,5-1,7 million inhabitants in 2050 and if no better work conditions are guaranteed it will shrink to 1,3 million by 2080 when the amount of inhabitants in the countryside will drastically shrink as well.
Caused by low welfare compared to other European countries. In 2018 the population density was 30 inhabitants/m2.[…] The Latvian Central Statistical Office mentions that in 2018 a reverse trend is happening. 10,9 thousand people (9,1% more than in 2017) entered the country while 15,8 thousand left, which means 12,1% less than in the previous periods.[…] This positive trend proves that periods of crisis encourage people to move and also population prediction dynamics are influenced by the circumstances of the time.
Krūmiņš, J. (15 March 2022) Nacionāla enciklopēdija.
Central Statistical Office of Latvia: https://www.csb.gov.lv/lv/statistika/statistikas-temas/iedzivotaji/migracija/galvenie-raditaji/imigracija-emigracija-un-saldo