According to a local media report, the EU had 229 million women and 220 million men as of January 1, 2024. This results in a ratio of 104.4 women for every 100 men, highlighting a 4.4% surplus of women.
Except for Malta, Sweden, Luxembourg, and Slovenia, all EU countries report more women than men. Latvia stands out with the highest ratio, having 15.5% more women than men—over three times the EU’s average.
The gender gap is especially noticeable among seniors—those aged 65 and older—where women outnumber men two to one, according to a report from the World Atlas. “This difference post-65 is largely due to poorer male health, resulting in lower life expectancy for men,” the report noted.
This demographic imbalance impacts everyday life, influencing everything from workplaces to social interactions.
Dania, 29, who is single and works at festivals, noted that 98% of her colleagues are women. “There’s nothing wrong with that… but for a better dynamic, it would be nice to have more men around to flirt or chat with. It’s just more engaging,” she shared with The Sun.
“That’s why many of my friends have gone abroad to find boyfriends,” said her friend Zane.
To address this gap, platforms like Komanda24 and
Remontdarbi.lv have emerged. Komanda24 offers ‘Men With Golden Hands’ for tasks such as plumbing, carpentry, and TV mounting across the country for a nominal fee, all without the pressure of awkward pickup lines or dates, according to The New York Post.
On the other hand, Remontdarbi.lv provides a service to hire a ‘husband for an hour’ either online or via phone, ensuring they arrive within an hour.
Experts point to men’s lower life expectancy as a key factor in the gender imbalance, which is influenced by poor health and lifestyle choices.
“Men are about three times more likely to smoke, with 31% of the male population smoking compared to just 10% of women. Additionally, men are also slightly more prone to obesity or being overweight, with 62% of men classified as overweight or obese compared to 57% of women,” as reported by the World Atlas.
As a result, Latvian women are devising innovative approaches to navigating their households and daily lives.
How to migrate to Latvia
Renowned for its rich heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and dynamic cultural scene, Latvia is becoming a more attractive destination. The country is open to both EU and non-EU citizens, although the processes differ. EU/EEA individuals enjoy simpler procedures, while non-EU citizens must adhere to specific visa requirements.
For EU citizens, you can live, work, or study in Latvia without a visa, but you must register your address with local authorities and apply for a residence certificate if you plan to stay longer than 90 days.
Non-EU citizens must obtain a specific visa or residence permit based on their reason for relocation. A Latvia Golden Visa also offers international citizens a pathway to residency through investment.
