Latvia’s mix of forests, wetlands, coastline and farmland creates a patchwork of resources that matter for local communities and national policy. Whether you’re looking at timber, peat, or coastal fisheries, understanding what exists and where helps with conservation, land use and energy planning.
There are 14 Natural Resources of Latvia, ranging from Agricultural land (arable soils) to Wind energy (onshore & offshore potential). For each resource you’ll find below, data is organized with Type, Main locations / regions, Scale / reserves (units: m3, t, km2, GWh, million t), giving a compact snapshot for quick comparison — you’ll find below.
How recent and reliable are the reserve figures in this list?
Estimates combine national statistics, geological surveys and energy assessments, so timeliness varies by resource; energy and agricultural data tend to be updated more frequently than long-term geological estimates. Treat the table as a high-quality starting point and consult official agency reports or recent studies for decisions that require the latest numbers.
Can this list be used for investment or regional planning?
Yes, it can guide initial prioritization by showing resource type, main locations and approximate scale, but use it alongside economic analyses, environmental impact assessments and local regulations before making investment or planning choices.
Natural Resources of Latvia
| Name | Type | Main locations / regions | Scale / reserves (units: m3, t, km2, GWh, million t) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forests (timber) | Renewable | Vidzeme, Latgale, Kurzeme, Zemgale | 33,600 km2 |
| Peat | Nonrenewable (slow‑renewable) | Latgale, Vidzeme, central Latvia | 1,500,000 t/year |
| Sand & gravel (construction aggregate) | Nonrenewable | Coastal plains, river valleys, Kurzeme, Vidzeme | 10,000,000 t/year |
| Limestone & dolomite | Nonrenewable | Kurzeme, Zemgale, central Latvia | 5,000,000 t/year |
| Clay (brick and ceramics) | Nonrenewable | Kurzeme, Zemgale, Latgale | 1,000,000 t/year |
| Quartz (silica) sand | Nonrenewable | Coastal areas, river terraces, Kurzeme | 500,000 t/year |
| Amber (Baltic amber) | Nonrenewable | Baltic coast, Curonian Spit, river mouth deposits | 1 t/year |
| Freshwater (rivers & lakes) | Renewable | Daugava, Gauja, Venta basins, Gulf of Riga | Surface water area 1,900 km2 |
| Groundwater (aquifers) | Renewable | Riga basin, Zemgale plains, nationwide aquifers | 2,000,000,000 m3/year recharge |
| Fisheries (marine & inland) | Renewable | Baltic Sea coast, Gulf of Riga, inland lakes | 40,000 t/year |
| Hydropower (river energy) | Renewable | Daugava and tributaries, eastern rivers | 1,000 GWh/year |
| Wind energy (onshore & offshore potential) | Renewable | Kurzeme coast, offshore Baltic near Ventspils | Installed 200 MW (approx.) |
| Agricultural land (arable soils) | Renewable | Zemgale, Kurzeme, Vidzeme | 25,000 km2 |
| Wild berries & mushrooms (non‑timber forest products) | Renewable | Forests across Latvia | 30,000 t/year |
Images and Descriptions
Forests (timber)
Latvia’s forests cover over half the country and provide timber, pulpwood and woodfuel. Widely harvested in central and eastern regions, forests underpin pulp, furniture and biomass industries while supporting biodiversity and carbon storage; sustainable management and harvesting limits are key.
Peat
Extensive peatlands are harvested for fuel and horticultural peat. Peat extraction occurs mainly in eastern and central Latvia, supplying energy and garden products but releasing carbon and damaging bog habitats, so conservation and restoration are major environmental concerns.
Sand & gravel (construction aggregate)
Widespread sand and gravel deposits fuel construction, road building and concrete industries. Extracted from river terraces and coastal plains, these aggregates are economically vital but can alter waterways, landscapes and groundwater if not restored.
Limestone & dolomite
Carbonate rocks are quarried for cement, lime and crushed stone used in construction and agriculture. Major deposits in central and western Latvia support local industry; extraction impacts landscapes and groundwater and requires rehabilitation planning.
Clay (brick and ceramics)
Clay and brick clays are mined for bricks, tiles and ceramics in several regions. Important for construction and traditional crafts, clay extraction must balance supply with landscape restoration and protection of agricultural soils.
Quartz (silica) sand
High‑purity silica sand is used in glassmaking, foundries and filtration. Deposits along coasts and river terraces supply industry; mining requires care to avoid coastal erosion and groundwater impacts.
Amber (Baltic amber)
Baltic amber is culturally and economically prized for jewellery and tourism. Washed ashore and recovered from coastal and nearshore deposits, amber supports artisanal industries but faces pressure from illegal digging and coastal changes.
Freshwater (rivers & lakes)
Rivers and lakes supply drinking water, irrigation, recreation and habitat. Key basins provide hydrological services and freshwater fisheries; water quality, nutrient runoff and dam impacts are central environmental management issues.
Groundwater (aquifers)
Aquifers provide the bulk of drinking and industrial water across Latvia, especially around Riga and agricultural plains. Groundwater quality and sustainable pumping are critical given nitrate pollution risks and climate variability.
Fisheries (marine & inland)
Marine and inland fisheries harvest sprat, herring, cod and freshwater species for domestic consumption and export. Fisheries support coastal communities but must be managed against overfishing, stock fluctuations and changing sea conditions.
Hydropower (river energy)
Hydropower plants on the Daugava and other rivers generate renewable electricity and support grid stability. While economically important, dams alter river flows, fish migration and floodplain ecosystems, prompting mitigation measures.
Wind energy (onshore & offshore potential)
Wind resources along the western coast and offshore have growing importance for renewable electricity. Wind farms contribute low‑carbon energy and local jobs, but planning must address visual, noise and ecological concerns, especially offshore.
Agricultural land (arable soils)
Fertile arable plains support cereals, rapeseed and dairy farming that drive exports and rural employment. Soil fertility, erosion control and nutrient management are priorities to maintain long‑term productivity and reduce water pollution.
Wild berries & mushrooms (non‑timber forest products)
Bilberries, cranberries, chanterelles and other wild foods are widely gathered for sale, household use and tourism. These non‑timber resources are economically and culturally important to rural communities, requiring sustainable harvest practices to conserve forests.
