According to my own tradition, every August, when Riga celebrates its birthday, I do collect stats about Riga's population to see how well the city lives.
In my understanding, the population is the main factor of economic and cultural activity of the cities.
So, please check below the statistics for the recent 3 years and the most recent change:
Region
2013
2012
2011
Diff from
12 to 13
Riga City
696,618
699,203
706,413
-0.37%
Riga Metro
1,018,295
1,081,137
1,098,523
-5.81%
Latvia
2,041,763
2,217,053
2,245,357
-7.91%
As long as I publish those stats I see decrease in Riga's population and it seems that there are no plans or support by government to inverse that trend.
Since a couple of years it is illegal to drive through Dome Square, but many drivers still don't know it and get caught by police, which always is very helpful and show you the right direction, especially if you are sitting behind the wheel of the new expensive car.
Sad news, Riga became 1 year older and since today Riga is 811 years old officially.
Although this year City Festival was celebrating 730 years since Riga joined Hanseatic League.
Why this is sad news? 1 year ago I've been forecasting that Riga's population will go under 700,000 in a few years, but it happened earlier.
Here below are statistics and changes:
Last weekend Riga officially became 1 year older, and its technical age is 810 years!
A massive celebration was held around the city 3 days in a row. Many subevents, like medieval fights, air show and of course fireworks could be observed in Riga these days.
I would like to continue my tradition and provide here some numbers to describe Riga's "growth".
The city mayor is still Nil Ushakov, but according current tendency, soon there will be no city, but just a settlement.
During the last year Riga population went down from 709,145 to 706,413 residents (-2,732); simple calculation still proves that after a couple of years Riga will have less than 700,000 residents.
Riga region population (including other cities) is 1,098,523. No changes because of new expanded borders.
I really don't understand how, but the picture of Latvia population is getting better. The growth is +27,388 or +1,23% of people (from 2,217,969 to 2,245,357)
Check also stats for 2009 and 2010.
Perfect night photo is traditionally provided by F64.
Riga is getting prepared to New Year parties around the town. The mass celebration will be held in Old Town. By the way, Riga Ferris wheel will work tonight all night long! I wish you all the positive and successful New Year 2011!
Accenture is an global consulting company, which is located in so called Latvian Silicon Valley, the former VEF. Accenture has more than 300 employee, which makes it the largest IT Company in Riga.
Cleaning of tramways by trams themselves at Barona street. BTW, there is no Richmond store at the corner. Now it is cheap clothes store called Tridueks.
Narvesen is a Norwegian chain of small shops, where you can buy newsletters, some fast food, drinks and all other everyday stuff. There are more than 200 Narvesen shops and kiosks since its entry in 1997 to Latvia. This particular one is located next to Katedrale and is a popular meeting point.
AmPir (Empire style) is the name of the recently opened place on Kalku iela 22. One year before an infamous and expensive Restaurant Nostalgija was located here. Unfortunately I can't tell more about this place for now. Maybe some of the visitors can? Thanks.
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