Latvia
Political overview
Latvia regained independence from the Soviet Union on 21 August 1991 and its 1922 Constitution was fully restored from 1993. Latvia is a democratic republic based on a Presidency and a unicameral 100-seat parliament, known as the Saeima. The President is elected indirectly (by parliament) every four years and is Head of State. Parliamentary elections are held in Latvia every four years. The last parliamentary elections were held in 2022. The Government is headed by the Prime Minister who is supported by a cabinet of 14 ministers.
Foreign policy
According to Latvia’s 2023 Annual Report of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Latvia’s foreign policy is focused on three pillars: strengthening of Latvia’s security and a rules-based international order; strengthening economic growth and resilience, increasing the EU’s global competitiveness and influence; and protection of interests of Latvian nationals and unlocking the potential of the diaspora.
Latvia joined the United Nations and the Organisation for Security Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 1991, the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1999, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in 2004 and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 2016. Latvia joined the European Union in 2004, including the Eurozone in 2014 and the Schengen area in 2007.
Latvia has close ties with the Nordic and Baltic countries. Latvia is a member of the Baltic Assembly, the Council of the Baltic Sea States, the Nordic-Baltic Eight and the European Union’s Nordic Battle Group.
Bilateral relations
Australia was one of the first countries to recognise Latvia's return to independence in August 1991, pushing strongly for the withdrawal of all Russian troops from Latvian territory in the period that followed. Australia and Latvia established diplomatic relations in 1991.
Latvia and Australia enjoy friendly, cooperative relations based on strong people-to-people links and the pursuit of common interests. Australia and Latvia share a commitment to trade liberalisation and strengthening internationally agreed rules and norms.
In 2022, Latvia opened an Embassy in Australia and consulates in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth.
Fast facts
- Latvian visitors to Australia (visitor arrivals - 2023) -1,180
- Australian visitors to Latvia (resident returns - 2023) – 1,010
- Resident Australian population born in Latvia (2021 census) - 3,126
- Australian residents of Latvian descent (2021 census) - 23,233
High level engagement
- 2024 Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Baiba Braže visited Australia in September and met with Australian Foreign Minister Senator the Hon Penny Wong.
- 2022 Then Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs (now President) Edgars Rinkēvičs visited Australia in August and met with Australian Foreign Minister Senator the Hon Penny Wong. Read the Joint Statement here.
- 2022 Australian Prime Minister the Hon Anthony Albanese MP met then Latvian President Egils Levits at the NATO Summit in Madrid in June.
Agreements with Latvia
- Social Security (2013)
- Extradition (2005)
- Trade and Economic Cooperation (1993)
A comprehensive list of bilateral agreements and texts are available at the Australian Treaties Database.
Public diplomacy
The Australian Embassy in Stockholm is responsible for Latvia.
The Australian Embassy in Stockholm actively promotes Australian culture, creativity and artistic excellence in Latvia.
Economic diplomacy
In 2023, two-way goods and services trade between Australia and Latvia was valued at $119.5 million. Australia's principal exports were musical instruments and parts, computers, alcoholic beverages, perfumery and cosmetics, and mechanical handling equipment and parts. Imports from Latvia included simply worked wood, Telecom equipment and parts, nitrogen-function compounds, goods vehicles, and recreational travel.
In 2023, the stock of Latvian investment in Australia was valued at $26 million.
More economic and trade information can be found in the Latvia economic fact sheet [PDF], updated biannually by DFAT.
Business
Austrade's Vilnius office opened in 2023 and assists Australian companies to build and implement their export strategies for Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Austrade offers practical advice, market intelligence, and ongoing support to Australian companies seeking to grow their business in Latvia.
Australian Embassy
The Australian Embassy in Stockholm has diplomatic accreditation to Latvia.
Australian Honorary Consulate in Riga, Latvia
Teikums Teodors
Gustava Zemgala Gatve
Riga LV-1039
Latvia
Travel
See Smartraveller for Information on travelling to Latvia.