During its first independence (1918-1939):

• Latvia had the most women per men in Eastern and Western Europe? (1,139 per 1,000)

During its second independence:

• Latvian attitude toward the EU: 37% neutral, 30% positive, and 25% negative, in a SKDS December, 2005 poll. [1]

• Latvia had the most women per men in Eastern and Western Europe? (1,139 per 1,000)
• Latvia had the second-best life expectancy in Europe? (France led with 14.0% over the age of 60, Latvia in second with 13.9%)
• Latvia had the highest number of university students per 10,000 inhabitants? (Latvia led with 30.1, Great Britain, for example, was well down the list with 11.5)
• Latvia was second in printed books per 10,000 inhabitants? (at 82, Denmark led with 86)
• Latvia had one of the best teacher to student ratios for elementary school? (Sweden first at 28.7, Holland second at 28.4, Latvia third at 27.1)
• Latvia had the highest per-capita milk and milk products consumption? (566 litres per year per inhabitant)
• Latvia had the highest per-capita milk and milk products consumption? (566 litres per year per inhabitant)
• By official data, more than 50,000 citizens emigrated since Latvia joined EU in 2004. However, recent polls (2006) suggest the actual number may be double that.
• A SKDS poll, January, 2006 shows 39% of Latvia's population consider emigrating.
• Latvian attitude toward the EU: 37% neutral, 30% positive, and 25% negative, in a SKDS December, 2005 poll. [2]