Latvia’s Growing Shortage of Men: A Demographic Challenge
Latvia, a Baltic nation in Northern Europe, is experiencing a significant demographic imbalance: women outnumber men by a wide margin. According to recent Eurostat data, there are about 15.5% more women than men in Latvia, a disparity that is more than three times the average gender gap across the European Union.
This imbalance becomes even more pronounced among older age groups. In the population aged 65 and over, women are roughly twice as many as men, largely due to differences in mortality rates over a lifetime.
A key factor behind this shortage is the large life expectancy gap between genders. Men in Latvia tend to live significantly shorter lives than women — on average over 10 years less, which is one of the biggest gaps in the EU.
The gender imbalance has broader social and cultural impacts. Many women have fewer potential partners within the country, particularly in certain age groups, which can affect relationships, family formation, and community life. Some have turned to creative solutions like “hourly husband” services — platforms where women can hire men for practical tasks such as home repairs, reflecting both a practical response to everyday needs and the wider consequences of the demographic gap. Overall, Latvia’s shortage of men highlights deeper demographic trends that need urgent attention. #Latvia #TourustDestination #Europe #Travel
