After World War II it is necessary to distinguish the period from 1945 to 1989 when the population increased continuously and the period from 1990 when the population decreases systematically. During both periods population dynamics has been mainly due to international migration. Natural population movement played a minor role in the changes of population and it ethnic composition.

Latvia had an estimated population of 2.35 million in 2000 ( according to the 2000 census ), down by over 10 % since 1992. The population declined in the first half 1990s as a result of a decrease in the birth rate and a simultaneous increase in the death rate.

About 72% of the population live in urban areas.

The proportion of the elderly ( 65+ ) in the population is under 15% and has been increasing since 1987.