Topic: Photos of Latvia

Topic: Introduction
Background: Several eastern Baltic tribes merged in medieval times to form the ethnic core of the Latvian people (ca. 8th-12th centuries A.D.). The region subsequently came under the control of Germans, Poles, Swedes, and finally, Russians. A Latvian republic emerged following World War I, but it was annexed by the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US and many other countries. Latvia reestablished its independence in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status of the Russian minority (some 25% of the population) remains of concern to Moscow. Latvia acceded to both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004; it joined the euro zone in 2014 and the OECD in 2016. A dual citizenship law was adopted in 2013, easing naturalization for non-citizen children.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and Lithuania
Geographic coordinates: 57 00 N, 25 00 E
Map references: Europe
Area: total: 64,589 sq km

land: 62,249 sq km

water: 2,340 sq km
Area - comparative: slightly larger than West Virginia
Land boundaries: total: 1,370 km

border countries (4): Belarus 161 km; Estonia 333 km; Lithuania 544 km; Russia 332 km
Coastline: 498 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: limits as agreed to by Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Russia

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Climate: maritime; wet, moderate winters
Terrain: low plain
Elevation: highest point: Gaizina Kalns 312 m

lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 87 m
Natural resources: peat, limestone, dolomite, amber, hydropower, timber, arable land
Land use: agricultural land: 29.2% (2018 est.)

arable land: 18.6% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 10.5% (2018 est.)

forest: 54.1% (2018 est.)

other: 16.7% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land: 12 sq km (2012)

note: land in Latvia is often too wet and in need of drainage not irrigation; approximately 16,000 sq km or 85% of agricultural land has been improved by drainage
Population distribution: largest concentration of people is found in and around the port and capital city of Riga; small agglomerations are scattered throughout the country
Natural hazards: large percentage of agricultural fields can become waterlogged and require drainage
Geography - note: most of the country is composed of fertile low-lying plains with some hills in the east
Map description: Latvia map showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Baltic Sea.Latvia map showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Baltic Sea.

Topic: People and Society
Population: 1,842,226 (2022 est.)
Nationality: noun: Latvian(s)

adjective: Latvian
Ethnic groups: Latvian 62.7%, Russian 24.5%, Belarusian 3.1%, Ukrainian 2.2%, Polish 2%, Lithuanian 1.1%, other 1.8%, unspecified 2.6% (2021 est.)
Languages: Latvian (official) 56.3%, Russian 33.8%, other 0.6% (includes Polish, Ukrainian, and Belarusian), unspecified 9.4%; note - data represent language usually spoken at home (2011 est.)

major-language sample(s):
World Factbook, neaizstājams avots pamata informāciju. (Latvian)

The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions: Lutheran 36.2%, Roman Catholic 19.5%, Orthodox 19.1%, other Christian 1.6%, other 0.1%, unspecified/none 23.5% (2017 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 15.32% (male 148,120/female 140,028)

15-24 years: 9% (male 87,372/female 81,965)

25-54 years: 40.41% (male 380,817/female 379,359)

55-64 years: 14.77% (male 125,401/female 152,548)

65 years and over: 20.5% (2020 est.) (male 128,151/female 257,471)
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 59

youth dependency ratio: 26.1

elderly dependency ratio: 32.9

potential support ratio: 3 (2020 est.)
Median age: total: 44.4 years

male: 40.5 years

female: 48 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: -1.11% (2022 est.)
Birth rate: 8.73 births/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Death rate: 14.65 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Net migration rate: -5.19 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Population distribution: largest concentration of people is found in and around the port and capital city of Riga; small agglomerations are scattered throughout the country
Urbanization: urban population: 68.5% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: -0.68% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population: 625,000 RIGA (capital) (2022)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.84 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.36 male(s)/female

total population: 0.86 male(s)/female (2022 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth: 27.3 years (2020 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio: 19 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 4.85 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 5.27 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.42 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.91 years

male: 71.47 years

female: 80.56 years (2022 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.54 children born/woman (2022 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA
Drinking water source: improved: urban: 99.9% of population

rural: 98.6% of population

total: 99.5% of population

unimproved: urban: 0.1% of population

rural: 1.4% of population

total: 0.5% of population (2020 est.)
Current Health Expenditure: 6.6% (2019)
Physicians density: 3.4 physicians/1,000 population (2020)
Hospital bed density: 5.5 beds/1,000 population (2018)
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 98.9% of population

rural: 85.3% of population

total: 94.6% of population

unimproved: urban: 1.1% of population

rural: 14.7% of population

total: 5.4% of population (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.3% (2019 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 5,600 (2019 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2019 est.) <100
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate (2020)

vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 23.6% (2016)
Tobacco use: total: 37% (2020 est.)

male: 50.3% (2020 est.)

female: 23.7% (2020 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA
Education expenditures: 4.2% of GDP (2018 est.)
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.9%

male: 99.9%

female: 99.9% (2018)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 16 years

male: 16 years

female: 17 years (2019)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 14.9%

male: 14.4%

female: 15.5% (2020 est.)

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: while land, water, and air pollution are evident, Latvia's environment has benefited from a shift to service industries after the country regained independence; improvements have occurred in drinking water quality, sewage treatment, household and hazardous waste management, as well as reduction of air pollution; concerns include nature protection and the management of water resources and the protection of the Baltic Sea
Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 12.72 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 7 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 1.85 megatons (2020 est.)
Climate: maritime; wet, moderate winters
Land use: agricultural land: 29.2% (2018 est.)

arable land: 18.6% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 10.5% (2018 est.)

forest: 54.1% (2018 est.)

other: 16.7% (2018 est.)
Urbanization: urban population: 68.5% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: -0.68% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.85% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate (2020)

vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 857,000 tons (2015 est.)

municipal solid waste recycled annually: 181,941 tons (2015 est.)

percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 21.2% (2015 est.)
Total water withdrawal: municipal: 94.4 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

industrial: 25.2 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

agricultural: 61.5 million cubic meters (2017 est.)
Total renewable water resources: 34.94 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Latvia

conventional short form: Latvia

local long form: Latvijas Republika

local short form: Latvija

former: Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic (while occupied by the USSR)

etymology: the name "Latvia" originates from the ancient Latgalians, one of four eastern Baltic tribes that formed the ethnic core of the Latvian people (ca. 8th-12th centuries A.D.)
Government type: parliamentary republic
Capital: name: Riga

geographic coordinates: 56 57 N, 24 06 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

etymology: of the several theories explaining the name's origin, the one relating to the city's role in Baltic and North Sea commerce is the most probable; the name is likely related to the Latvian word "rija," meaning "warehouse," where the 'j' became a 'g' under the heavy German influence in the city from the late Middle Ages to the early 20th century
Administrative divisions: 36 municipalities (novadi, singular - novads) and 7 state cities (valstpilsetu pasvaldibas, singular valstspilsetas pasvaldiba) municipalities: Adazi, Aizkraukle, Aluksne, Augsdaugava, Balvi, Bauska, Cesis, Dienvidkurzeme, Dobele, Gulbene, Jekabpils, Jelgava, Kekava, Kraslava, Kuldiga, Limbazi, Livani, Ludza, Madona, Marupe, Ogre, Olaine, Preili, Rezekne, Ropazi, Salaspils, Saldus, Saulkrasti, Sigulda, Smiltene, Talsi, Tukums, Valka, Valmiera, Varaklani, Ventspils cities: Daugavpils, Jelgava, Jurmala, Liepaja, Rezekne, Riga, Ventspils36 municipalities (novadi, singular - novads) and 7 state cities (valstpilsetu pasvaldibas, singular valstspilsetas pasvaldiba)municipalities: Adazi, Aizkraukle, Aluksne, Augsdaugava, Balvi, Bauska, Cesis, Dienvidkurzeme, Dobele, Gulbene, Jekabpils, Jelgava, Kekava, Kraslava, Kuldiga, Limbazi, Livani, Ludza, Madona, Marupe, Ogre, Olaine, Preili, Rezekne, Ropazi, Salaspils, Saldus, Saulkrasti, Sigulda, Smiltene, Talsi, Tukums, Valka, Valmiera, Varaklani, Ventspilscities: Daugavpils, Jelgava, Jurmala, Liepaja, Rezekne, Riga, Ventspils
Independence: 18 November 1918 (from Soviet Russia); 4 May 1990 (declared from the Soviet Union); 6 September 1991 (recognized by the Soviet Union)
National holiday: Independence Day (Republic of Latvia Proclamation Day), 18 November (1918); note - 18 November 1918 was the date Latvia established its statehood and its concomitant independence from Soviet Russia; 4 May 1990 was the date it declared the restoration of Latvian statehood and its concomitant independence from the Soviet Union
Constitution: history: several previous (pre-1991 independence); note - following the restoration of independence in 1991, parts of the 1922 constitution were reintroduced 4 May 1990 and fully reintroduced 6 July 1993

amendments: proposed by two thirds of Parliament members or by petition of one tenth of qualified voters submitted through the president; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of Parliament in each of three readings; amendment of constitutional articles, including national sovereignty, language, the parliamentary electoral system, and constitutional amendment procedures, requires passage in a referendum by majority vote of at least one half of the electorate; amended several times, last in 2019
Legal system: civil law system with traces of socialist legal traditions and practices
International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Latvia

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: President Egils LEVITS (since 8 July 2019)

head of government: Prime Minister Krisjanis KARINS (since 23 January 2019)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers nominated by the prime minister, appointed by Parliament

elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by Parliament for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 29 May 2019 (next to be held in 2023); prime minister appointed by the president, confirmed by Parliament

election results: 2019: Egils LEVITS elected president; Parliament vote - Egils LEVITS 61 votes, Didzis SMITS 24, Juris JANSONS 8; Krisjanis KARINS confirmed prime minister 61-39

2015: Raimonds VEJONIS elected president, 55 votes, Egils LEVITS 42 votes
Legislative branch: description: unicameral Parliament or Saeima (100 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by party-list proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms)

elections: last held on 6 October 2018 (next to be held in October 2022)

election results: percent of vote by party - S 19.8%, KPV LV 14.3%, JKP 13.6%, AP! 12%, NA 11%, ZZS 9.9%, JV 6.7%, other 12.7%; seats by party - S 23, KPV LV 16, JKP 16, AP! 13, NA 13, ZZS 11, JV 8; composition as of April 2022 - men 73, women 27, percent of women 27%
Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of the Senate with 36 judges); Constitutional Court (consists of 7 judges)

judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by chief justice and confirmed by the Saeima; judges serve until age 70, but term can be extended 2 years; Constitutional Court judges - 3 nominated by Saeima members, 2 by Cabinet ministers, and 2 by plenum of Supreme Court; all judges confirmed by Saeima majority vote; Constitutional Court president and vice president serve in their positions for 3 years; all judges serve 10-year terms; mandatory retirement at age 70

subordinate courts: district (city) and regional courts
Political parties and leaders: Development/For! or AP! [Daniels PAVLUTS, Juris PUCE]
For a Humane Latvia previously known as Who Owns the State? or PCL [Jurgis MIEZAINIS]
National Alliance "All For Latvia!"-"For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK" or NA [Raivis DZINTARS]
New Conservative Conservative Party or K [Janis BORDANS]
New Unity or JV [Arvils ASERADENS]
Social Democratic Party "Harmony" or S [Janis URBANOVICS]
Union of Greens and Farmers or ZZS [Armands KRAUZE]
International organization participation: Australia Group, BA, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Maris SELGA (since 16 September 2019)

chancery: 2306 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 328-2840

FAX: [1] (202) 328-2860

email address and website:
embassy.usa@mfa.gov.lv

https://www2.mfa.gov.lv/en/usa
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador John Leslie CARWILE (since 5 November 2019)

embassy: 1 Samnera Velsa Street (former Remtes), Riga LV-1510

mailing address: 4520 Riga Place, Washington DC  20521-4520

telephone: [371] 6710-7000

FAX: [371] 6710-7050

email address and website:
askconsular-riga@state.gov

https://lv.usembassy.gov/
Flag description: three horizontal bands of maroon (top), white (half-width), and maroon; the flag is one of the older banners in the world; a medieval chronicle mentions a red standard with a white stripe being used by Latvian tribes in about 1280
National symbol(s): white wagtail (bird); national colors: maroon, white
National anthem: name: "Dievs, sveti Latviju!" (God Bless Latvia)

lyrics/music: Karlis BAUMANIS

note: adopted 1920, restored 1990; first performed in 1873 while Latvia was a part of Russia; banned during the Soviet occupation from 1940 to 1990
National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 2 (both cultural)

selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Center of Riga; Struve Geodetic Arc

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: Latvia is a small, open economy with exports contributing more than half of GDP. Due to its geographical location, transit services are highly-developed, along with timber and wood-processing, agriculture and food products, and manufacturing of machinery and electronics industries. Corruption continues to be an impediment to attracting foreign direct investment and Latvia's low birth rate and decreasing population are major challenges to its long-term economic vitality.   Latvia's economy experienced GDP growth of more than 10% per year during 2006-07, but entered a severe recession in 2008 as a result of an unsustainable current account deficit and large debt exposure amid the slowing world economy. Triggered by the collapse of the second largest bank, GDP plunged by more than 14% in 2009 and, despite strong growth since 2011, the economy took until 2017 return to pre-crisis levels in real terms. Strong investment and consumption, the latter stoked by rising wages, helped the economy grow by more than 4% in 2017, while inflation rose to 3%. Continued gains in competitiveness and investment will be key to maintaining economic growth, especially in light of unfavorable demographic trends, including the emigration of skilled workers, and one of the highest levels of income inequality in the EU.   In the wake of the 2008-09 crisis, the IMF, EU, and other international donors provided substantial financial assistance to Latvia as part of an agreement to defend the currency's peg to the euro in exchange for the government's commitment to stringent austerity measures. The IMF/EU program successfully concluded in December 2011, although, the austerity measures imposed large social costs. The majority of companies, banks, and real estate have been privatized, although the state still holds sizable stakes in a few large enterprises, including 80% ownership of the Latvian national airline. Latvia officially joined the World Trade Organization in February 1999 and the EU in May 2004. Latvia also joined the euro zone in 2014 and the OECD in 2016.Latvia is a small, open economy with exports contributing more than half of GDP. Due to its geographical location, transit services are highly-developed, along with timber and wood-processing, agriculture and food products, and manufacturing of machinery and electronics industries. Corruption continues to be an impediment to attracting foreign direct investment and Latvia's low birth rate and decreasing population are major challenges to its long-term economic vitality. Latvia's economy experienced GDP growth of more than 10% per year during 2006-07, but entered a severe recession in 2008 as a result of an unsustainable current account deficit and large debt exposure amid the slowing world economy. Triggered by the collapse of the second largest bank, GDP plunged by more than 14% in 2009 and, despite strong growth since 2011, the economy took until 2017 return to pre-crisis levels in real terms. Strong investment and consumption, the latter stoked by rising wages, helped the economy grow by more than 4% in 2017, while inflation rose to 3%. Continued gains in competitiveness and investment will be key to maintaining economic growth, especially in light of unfavorable demographic trends, including the emigration of skilled workers, and one of the highest levels of income inequality in the EU. In the wake of the 2008-09 crisis, the IMF, EU, and other international donors provided substantial financial assistance to Latvia as part of an agreement to defend the currency's peg to the euro in exchange for the government's commitment to stringent austerity measures. The IMF/EU program successfully concluded in December 2011, although, the austerity measures imposed large social costs. The majority of companies, banks, and real estate have been privatized, although the state still holds sizable stakes in a few large enterprises, including 80% ownership of the Latvian national airline. Latvia officially joined the World Trade Organization in February 1999 and the EU in May 2004. Latvia also joined the euro zone in 2014 and the OECD in 2016.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $56.92 billion (2020 est.)

$59.06 billion (2019 est.)

$57.88 billion (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
Real GDP growth rate: 2.08% (2019 est.)

4.2% (2018 est.)

3.23% (2017 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $29,900 (2020 est.)

$30,900 (2019 est.)

$30,000 (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate): $34.084 billion (2019 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.8% (2019 est.)

2.5% (2018 est.)

2.9% (2017 est.)
Credit ratings: Fitch rating: A- (2014)

Moody's rating: A3 (2015)

Standard & Poors rating: A+ (2020)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 3.9% (2017 est.)

industry: 22.4% (2017 est.)

services: 73.7% (2017 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 61.8% (2017 est.)

government consumption: 18.2% (2017 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 19.9% (2017 est.)

investment in inventories: 1.5% (2017 est.)

exports of goods and services: 60.6% (2017 est.)

imports of goods and services: -61.9% (2017 est.)
Agricultural products: wheat, milk, rapeseed, barley, oats, potatoes, rye, beans, pork, poultry
Industries: processed foods, processed wood products, textiles, processed metals, pharmaceuticals, railroad cars, synthetic fibers, electronics
Industrial production growth rate: 10.6% (2017 est.)
Labor force: 885,000 (2020 est.)
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 7.7%

industry: 24.1%

services: 68.1% (2016 est.)
Unemployment rate: 6.14% (2019 est.)

6.51% (2018 est.)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 14.9%

male: 14.4%

female: 15.5% (2020 est.)
Population below poverty line: 22.9% (2018 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 35.6 (2017 est.)

35.4 (2014)
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.2%

highest 10%: 26.3% (2015)
Budget: revenues: 11.39 billion (2017 est.)

expenditures: 11.53 billion (2017 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -0.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Public debt: 36.3% of GDP (2017 est.)

37.4% of GDP (2016 est.)

note: data cover general government debt, and includes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities, including sub-sectors of central government, state government, local government, and social security funds
Taxes and other revenues: 37.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Current account balance: -$222 million (2019 est.)

-$99 million (2018 est.)
Exports: $20.23 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$20.5 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$21.12 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Exports - partners: Lithuania 16%, Estonia 10%, Russia 9%, Germany 7%, Sweden 6%, United Kingdom 6% (2019)
Exports - commodities: lumber, broadcasting equipment, whiskey and other hard liquors, wheat, packaged medicines (2019)
Imports: $19.84 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$20.79 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$21.38 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Imports - partners: Russia 21%, Lithuania 14%, Germany 9%, Poland 7%, Estonia 7% (2019)
Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, broadcasting equipment, cars, packaged medicines, aircraft (2019)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $4.614 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$3.514 billion (31 December 2016 est.)
Debt - external: $40.164 billion (2019 est.)

$42.488 billion (2018 est.)
Exchange rates: euros (EUR) per US dollar -

0.82771 (2020 est.)

0.90338 (2019 est.)

0.87789 (2018 est.)

0.885 (2014 est.)

0.7634 (2013 est.)

Topic: Energy
Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020)
Electricity: installed generating capacity: 3.089 million kW (2020 est.)

consumption: 6.706 billion kWh (2020 est.)

exports: 2.548 billion kWh (2020 est.)

imports: 4.173 billion kWh (2020 est.)

transmission/distribution losses: 377 million kWh (2020 est.)
Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 33.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

wind: 3.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

hydroelectricity: 47.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

biomass and waste: 15.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)
Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

consumption: 39,000 metric tons (2020 est.)

exports: 3,000 metric tons (2020 est.)

imports: 40,000 metric tons (2020 est.)

proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.)
Petroleum: total petroleum production: 1,600 bbl/day (2021 est.)

refined petroleum consumption: 39,900 bbl/day (2019 est.)

crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.)

crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.)

crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2017 est.)
Refined petroleum products - exports: 16,180 bbl/day (2017 est.)
Refined petroleum products - imports: 54,370 bbl/day (2017 est.)
Natural gas: production: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

consumption: 1,067,798,000 cubic meters (2020 est.)

exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

imports: 1,067,798,000 cubic meters (2020 est.)

proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 8.45 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from coal and metallurgical coke: 149,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from petroleum and other liquids: 5.693 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from consumed natural gas: 2.608 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)
Energy consumption per capita: 86.645 million Btu/person (2019 est.)

Topic: Communications
Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 211,849 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2020 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 2,051,359 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 109 (2020 est.)
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: the telecom market continues to benefit from investment and from regulatory measures aimed at developing 5G and fiber based infrastructure; there is effective competition in the mobile market, with extensive services based on LTE-A technologies to boost data speeds; operators such as Bité Latvia and Tele2 Latvia have also begun transitioning their networks to support services and applications based on 5G, though with the existing capacity of LTE infrastructure a large scale 5G deployment is not expected until 2023; to facilitate this progress, the regulator in March 2021 approved an application from Tele2 Latvia and Bité to share almost half of their spectrum assets; in the fixed-line broadband sector, the country is ranked second highest in Europe (after Iceland) for fiber coverage and take-up, closely followed by Lithuania; with this infrastructure in place, the country has also developed a sophisticated digital economy, with e-commerce and e-government services widely available. (2021)

domestic: fixed-line roughly 11 per 100 and mobile-cellular nearly 109 per 100 subscriptions (2020)

international: country code - 371; the Latvian network is now connected via fiber-optic cable to Estonia, Finland, and Sweden

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services
Broadcast media: several national and regional commercial TV stations are foreign-owned, 2 national TV stations are publicly owned; system supplemented by privately owned regional and local TV stations; cable and satellite multi-channel TV services with domestic and foreign broadcasts available; publicly owned broadcaster operates 4 radio networks with dozens of stations throughout the country; dozens of private broadcasters also operate radio stations
Internet country code: .lv
Internet users: total: 1,691,400 (2020 est.)

percent of population: 89% (2020 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 490,569 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 26 (2020 est.)

Topic: Transportation
National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 3 (2020)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 53

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 4,058,762 (2018)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 4.01 million (2018) mt-km
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: YL
Airports: total: 42 (2021)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 18

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 7 (2021)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 24

under 914 m: 24 (2021)
Heliports: 1 (2021)
Pipelines: 1,213 km gas, 417 km refined products (2018)
Railways: total: 1,860 km (2018)

narrow gauge: 34 km (2018) 0.750-m gauge

broad gauge: 1,826 km (2018) 1.520-m gauge
Roadways: total: 70,244 km (2018)

paved: 15,158 km (2018)

unpaved: 55,086 km (2018)
Waterways: 300 km (2010) (navigable year-round)
Merchant marine: total: 70

by type: general cargo 22, oil tanker 9, other 39 (2021)
Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Riga, Ventspils

Topic: Military and Security
Military and security forces: National Armed Forces (Nacionalie Brunotie Speki): Land Forces (Latvijas Sauszemes Speki), Naval Force (Latvijas Juras Speki, includes Coast Guard (Latvijas Kara Flote)), Air Force (Latvijas Gaisa Speki), National Guard (2022)
Military expenditures: 2.2% of GDP (2021 est.)

2.2% of GDP (2020)

2% of GDP (2019) (approximately $920 million)

2.1% of GDP (2018) (approximately $900 million)

1.6% of GDP (2017) (approximately $740 million)
Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 7,500 active duty troops (6,500 Land Forces; 500 Naval Force/Coast Guard; 500 Air Force; note - some Land Forces are considered joint forces); 8,200 National Guard (2022)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the Latvian military's inventory is limited and consists of a mixture of Soviet-era and more modern--mostly second-hand--European and US equipment; since 2010, it has received limited amounts of equipment from several European countries, Israel, and the US (2021)
Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for voluntary male and female military service; no conscription (abolished 2007) (2022)

note 1: in July 2022, the Latvian Government announced that it was reinstating mandatory military service for men aged 18-27 (women voluntarily) beginning in July 2023; service would be for 1 year in the Land Forces or alternatively in internal affairs, health, or welfare structures

note 2: as of 2019, women comprised about 16% of the military's full-time personnel
Military deployments: 130 Kosovo (KFOR/NATO) (2022)
Military - note: Latvia became a member of NATO in 2004

since 2017, Latvia has hosted a Canadian-led multi-national NATO ground force battlegroup as part of the Alliance’s Enhanced Forward Presence initiative; in addition, Latvia hosts a NATO-led divisional headquarters (Multinational Division North; activated 2020), which coordinates training and preparation activities of its respective subordinate NATO battlegroups in Estonia and Latvia

NATO also has provided air protection for Latvia since 2004 through its Air Policing mission; NATO member countries that possess air combat capabilities voluntarily contribute to the mission on 4-month rotations (2022)

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: Latvia-Belarus: Belarus and Latvia signed joint demarcation map in September 2008 Latvia-Estonia: demarcation reportedly completed in 1998 Latvia-Lithuania: boundary demarcation was completed by the end of 1998; the Latvian parliament has not ratified its 1998 maritime boundary treaty with Lithuania, primarily due to concerns over oil exploration rights Latvia-Russia: Russia demands better Latvian treatment of ethnic Russians in Latvia; in March 2007, Latvia and Russia signed a border treaty, which includes Latvia withdrawing claims to a district now in Russia that was part of Latvia before WWII; the permanent demarcation of the boundary between Latvia and Russia was completed and came into force in April 2018; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Latvia has implemented the strict Schengen border rules with RussiaLatvia-Belarus: Belarus and Latvia signed joint demarcation map in September 2008Latvia-Estonia: demarcation reportedly completed in 1998Latvia-Lithuania: boundary demarcation was completed by the end of 1998; the Latvian parliament has not ratified its 1998 maritime boundary treaty with Lithuania, primarily due to concerns over oil exploration rightsLatvia-Russia: Russia demands better Latvian treatment of ethnic Russians in Latvia; in March 2007, Latvia and Russia signed a border treaty, which includes Latvia withdrawing claims to a district now in Russia that was part of Latvia before WWII; the permanent demarcation of the boundary between Latvia and Russia was completed and came into force in April 2018; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Latvia has implemented the strict Schengen border rules with Russia
Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 36,161 (Ukraine) (as of 9 August 2022)

stateless persons: 209,168 (mid-year 2021); note - individuals who were Latvian citizens prior to the 1940 Soviet occupation and their descendants were recognized as Latvian citizens when the country's independence was restored in 1991; citizens of the former Soviet Union residing in Latvia who have neither Latvian nor other citizenship are considered non-citizens (officially there is no statelessness in Latvia) and are entitled to non-citizen passports; children born after Latvian independence to stateless parents are entitled to Latvian citizenship upon their parents' request; non-citizens cannot vote or hold certain government jobs and are exempt from military service but can travel visa-free in the EU under the Schengen accord like Latvian citizens; non-citizens can obtain naturalization if they have been permanent residents of Latvia for at least five years, pass tests in Latvian language and history, and know the words of the Latvian national anthem
Illicit drugs: transshipment and destination point for cocaine, synthetic drugs, opiates, and cannabis from Southwest Asia, Western Europe, Latin America, and neighboring Baltic countries; despite improved legislation, vulnerable to money laundering due to nascent enforcement capabilities and comparatively weak regulation of offshore companies and the gaming industry; CIS organized crime (including counterfeiting, corruption, extortion, stolen cars, and prostitution) accounts for most laundered proceeds


This entry includes the mean elevation and elevation extremes, lowest point and highest point.

Topic: Afghanistanhighest point: Noshak 7,492 m

lowest point: Amu Darya 258 m

mean elevation: 1,884 m

Topic: Albaniahighest point: Maja e Korabit (Golem Korab) 2,764 m

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 708 m

Topic: Algeriahighest point: Tahat 2,908 m

lowest point: Chott Melrhir -40 m

mean elevation: 800 m

Topic: American Samoahighest point: Lata Mountain 964 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Andorrahighest point: Pic de Coma Pedrosa 2,946 m

lowest point: Riu Runer 840 m

mean elevation: 1,996 m

Topic: Angolahighest point: Moca 2,620 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 1,112 m

Topic: Anguillahighest point: Crocus Hill 73 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Antarcticahighest point: Vinson Massif 4,892 m

lowest point: Denman Glacier more than -3,500 m (-11,500 ft) below sea level

mean elevation: 2,300 m

note: the lowest known land point in Antarctica is hidden in the Denman Glacier; at its surface is the deepest ice yet discovered and the world's lowest elevation not under seawater

Topic: Antigua and Barbudahighest point: Mount Obama 402 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Arctic Oceanhighest point: sea level

lowest point: Molloy Deep -5,577 m

mean depth: -1,205 m

ocean zones: Composed of water and in a fluid state, the oceans are delimited differently than the solid continents. Oceans are divided into three zones based on depth and light level. Although some sea creatures depend on light to live, others can do without it. Sunlight entering the water may travel about 1,000 m into the oceans under the right conditions, but there is rarely any significant light beyond 200 m.

The upper 200 m (656 ft) of oceans is called the euphotic, or "sunlight," zone. This zone contains the vast majority of commercial fisheries and is home to many protected marine mammals and sea turtles. Only a small amount of light penetrates beyond this depth.

The zone between 200 m (656 ft) and 1,000 m (3,280 ft) is usually referred to as the "twilight" zone, but is officially the dysphotic zone. In this zone, the intensity of light rapidly dissipates as depth increases. Such a minuscule amount of light penetrates beyond a depth of 200 m that photosynthesis is no longer possible.

The aphotic, or "midnight," zone exists in depths below 1,000 m (3,280 ft). Sunlight does not penetrate to these depths and the zone is bathed in darkness.

Topic: Argentinahighest point: Cerro Aconcagua (located in the northwestern corner of the province of Mendoza; highest point in South America) 6,962 m

lowest point: Laguna del Carbon (located between Puerto San Julian and Comandante Luis Piedra Buena in the province of Santa Cruz) -105 m

mean elevation: 595 m

Topic: Armeniahighest point: Aragats Lerrnagagat' 4,090 m

lowest point: Debed River 400 m

mean elevation: 1,792 m

Topic: Arubahighest point: Ceru Jamanota 188 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Ashmore and Cartier Islandshighest point: Cartier Island 5 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

Topic: Atlantic Oceanhighest point: sea level

lowest point: Puerto Rico Trench -8,605 m

mean depth: -3,646 m

ocean zones: Composed of water and in a fluid state, the oceans are delimited differently than the solid continents. Oceans are divided into three zones based on depth and light level. Although some sea creatures depend on light to live, others can do without it. Sunlight entering the water may travel about 1,000 m into the oceans under the right conditions, but there is rarely any significant light beyond 200 m.

The upper 200 m (656 ft) of oceans is called the euphotic, or "sunlight," zone. This zone contains the vast majority of commercial fisheries and is home to many protected marine mammals and sea turtles. Only a small amount of light penetrates beyond this depth.

The zone between 200 m (656 ft) and 1,000 m (3,280 ft) is usually referred to as the "twilight" zone, but is officially the dysphotic zone. In this zone, the intensity of light rapidly dissipates as depth increases. Such a minuscule amount of light penetrates beyond a depth of 200 m that photosynthesis is no longer possible.

The aphotic, or "midnight," zone exists in depths below 1,000 m (3,280 ft). Sunlight does not penetrate to these depths and the zone is bathed in darkness.

Topic: Australiahighest point: Mount Kosciuszko 2,228 m

lowest point: Lake Eyre -15 m

mean elevation: 330 m

Topic: Austriahighest point: Grossglockner 3,798 m

lowest point: Neusiedler See 115 m

mean elevation: 910 m

Topic: Azerbaijanhighest point: Bazarduzu Dagi 4,466 m

lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m

mean elevation: 384 m

Topic: Bahamas, Thehighest point: 1.3 km NE of Old Bight on Cat Island 64 m
note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it indicates the wrong high elevation point

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Topic: Bahrainhighest point: Jabal ad Dukhan 135 m

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

Topic: Bangladeshhighest point: Mowdok Taung 1,060 m
note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong high elevation

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 85 m

Topic: Barbadoshighest point: Mount Hillaby 336 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Topic: Belarushighest point: Dzyarzhynskaya Hara 346 m

lowest point: Nyoman River 90 m

mean elevation: 160 m

Topic: Belgiumhighest point: Botrange 694 m

lowest point: North Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 181 m

Topic: Belizehighest point: Doyle's Delight 1,124 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 173 m

Topic: Beninhighest point: unnamed elevation located 2.5 km southeast of the town of Kotopounga 675 m
note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong high elevation

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 273 m

Topic: Bermudahighest point: Town Hill 79 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Topic: Bhutanhighest point: Gangkar Puensum 7,570 m

lowest point: Drangeme Chhu 97 m

mean elevation: 2,220 m

Topic: Boliviahighest point: Nevado Sajama 6,542 m

lowest point: Rio Paraguay 90 m

mean elevation: 1,192 m

Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinahighest point: Maglic 2,386 m

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 500 m

Topic: Botswanahighest point: Manyelanong Hill 1,495 m
note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong high elevation

lowest point: junction of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers 513 m

mean elevation: 1,013 m

Topic: Bouvet Islandhighest point: Olavtoppen (Olav Peak) 780 m

lowest point: South Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Topic: Brazilhighest point: Pico da Neblina 2,994 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 320 m

Topic: British Indian Ocean Territoryhighest point: ocean-side dunes on Diego Garcia 9 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

Topic: British Virgin Islandshighest point: Mount Sage 521 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Bruneihighest point: Bukit Pagon 1,850 m

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 478 m

Topic: Bulgariahighest point: Musala 2,925 m

lowest point: Black Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 472 m

Topic: Burkina Fasohighest point: Tena Kourou 749 m

lowest point: Mouhoun (Black Volta) River 200 m

mean elevation: 297 m

Topic: Burmahighest point: Gamlang Razi 5,870 m

lowest point: Andaman Sea/Bay of Bengal 0 m

mean elevation: 702 m

Topic: Burundihighest point: unnamed elevation on Mukike Range 2,685 m
note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong high elevation

lowest point: Lake Tanganyika 772 m

mean elevation: 1,504 m

Topic: Cabo Verdehighest point: Mt. Fogo (a volcano on Fogo Island) 2,829 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Topic: Cambodiahighest point: Phnum Aoral 1,810 m

lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m

mean elevation: 126 m

Topic: Cameroonhighest point: Fako on Mont Cameroun 4,045 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 667 m

Topic: Canadahighest point: Mount Logan 5,959 m

lowest point: Atlantic/Pacific/Arctic Oceans 0 m

mean elevation: 487 m

Topic: Cayman Islandshighest point: 1 km SW of The Bluff on Cayman Brac 50 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Central African Republichighest point: Mont Ngaoui 1,410 m

lowest point: Oubangui River 335 m

mean elevation: 635 m

Topic: Chadhighest point: Emi Koussi 3,445 m

lowest point: Djourab 160 m

mean elevation: 543 m

Topic: Chilehighest point: Nevado Ojos del Salado 6,893 m (highest volcano in the world)

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 1,871 m

Topic: Chinahighest point: Mount Everest (highest peak in Asia and highest point on earth above sea level) 8,849 m

lowest point: Turpan Pendi (Turfan Depression) -154 m

mean elevation: 1,840 m

Topic: Christmas Islandhighest point: Murray Hill 361 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

Topic: Clipperton Islandhighest point: Rocher Clipperton 29 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islandshighest point: South Point on South Island 9 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

Topic: Colombiahighest point: Pico Cristobal Colon 5,730 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 593 m

Topic: Comoroshighest point: Karthala 2,360 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thehighest point: Pic Marguerite on Mont Ngaliema (Mount Stanley) 5,110 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 726 m

Topic: Congo, Republic of thehighest point: Mont Nabeba 1,020 m
note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong high elevation

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 430 m

Topic: Cook Islandshighest point: Te Manga 652 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Coral Sea Islandshighest point: unnamed location on Cato Island 9 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Costa Ricahighest point: Cerro Chirripo 3,819 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 746 m

Topic: Cote d'Ivoirehighest point: Monts Nimba 1,752 m

lowest point: Gulf of Guinea 0 m

mean elevation: 250 m

Topic: Croatiahighest point: Dinara 1,831 m

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 331 m

Topic: Cubahighest point: Pico Turquino 1,974 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 108 m

Topic: Curacaohighest point: Mt. Christoffel 372 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Cyprushighest point: Mount Olympus 1,951 m

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 91 m

Topic: Czechiahighest point: Snezka 1,602 m

lowest point: Labe (Elbe) River 115 m

mean elevation: 433 m

Topic: Denmarkhighest point: Store Mollehoj 171 m

lowest point: Lammefjord -7 m

mean elevation: 34 m

Topic: Djiboutihighest point: Moussa Ali 2,021 m

lowest point: Lac Assal -155 m

mean elevation: 430 m

Topic: Dominicahighest point: Morne Diablotins 1,447 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Dominican Republichighest point: Pico Duarte 3,098 m

lowest point: Lago Enriquillo -46 m

mean elevation: 424 m

Topic: Ecuadorhighest point: Chimborazo 6,267

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 1,117 m

note: because the earth is not a perfect sphere and has an equatorial bulge, the highest point on the planet farthest from its center is Mount Chimborazo not Mount Everest, which is merely the highest peak above sea level

Topic: Egypthighest point: Mount Catherine 2,629 m

lowest point: Qattara Depression -133 m

mean elevation: 321 m

Topic: El Salvadorhighest point: Cerro El Pital 2,730 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 442 m

Topic: Equatorial Guineahighest point: Pico Basile 3,008 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 577 m

Topic: Eritreahighest point: Soira 3,018 m

lowest point: near Kulul within the Danakil Depression -75 m

mean elevation: 853 m

Topic: Estoniahighest point: Suur Munamagi 318 m

lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 61 m

Topic: Eswatinihighest point: Emlembe 1,862 m

lowest point: Great Usutu River 21 m

mean elevation: 305 m

Topic: Ethiopiahighest point: Ras Dejen 4,550 m

lowest point: Danakil Depression -125 m

mean elevation: 1,330 m

Topic: European Unionhighest point: Mont Blanc, France 4,810 m

lowest point: Zuidplaspolder, Netherlands -7 m

Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)highest point: Mount Usborne 705 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Topic: Faroe Islandshighest point: Slaettaratindur 882 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Topic: Fijihighest point: Tomanivi 1,324 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Finlandhighest point: Halti (alternatively Haltia, Haltitunturi, Haltiatunturi) 1,328 m

lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 164 m

Topic: Francehighest point: Mont Blanc 4,810

lowest point: Rhone River delta -2 m

mean elevation: 375 m

note: to assess the possible effects of climate change on the ice and snow cap of Mont Blanc, its surface and peak have been extensively measured in recent years; these new peak measurements have exceeded the traditional height of 4,807 m and have varied between 4,808 m and 4,811 m; the actual rock summit is 4,792 m and is 40 m away from the ice-covered summit

Topic: French Polynesiahighest point: Mont Orohena 2,241 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: French Southern and Antarctic Landshighest point: Mont de la Dives on Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul) 867 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest points throughout the French Southern and Antarctic Lands: unnamed location on Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul) 272 m; Pic Marion-Dufresne in Iles Crozet 1090 m; Mont Ross in Iles Kerguelen 1850 m; unnamed location on Bassas de India (Iles Eparses) 2.4 m;24 unnamed location on Europa Island (Iles Eparses) 24 m; unnamed location on Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses) 12 m; unnamed location on Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses) 10 m; unnamed location on Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses) 7 m

Topic: Gabonhighest point: Mont Bengoue 1,050 m
note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong high elevation

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 377 m

Topic: Gambia, Thehighest point: unnamed elevation 3 km southeast of the town of Sabi 63 m
note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong location of the high elevation

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 34 m

Topic: Gaza Striphighest point: Abu 'Awdah (Joz Abu 'Awdah) 105 m

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

Topic: Georgiahighest point: Mt'a Shkhara 5,193 m

lowest point: Black Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 1,432 m

Topic: Germanyhighest point: Zugspitze 2,963 m

lowest point: Neuendorf bei Wilster -3.5 m

mean elevation: 263 m

Topic: Ghanahighest point: Mount Afadjato 885 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 190 m

Topic: Gibraltarhighest point: Rock of Gibraltar 426 m

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

Topic: Greecehighest point: Mount Olympus 2,917

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 498 m

note: Mount Olympus actually has 52 peaks but its highest point, Mytikas (meaning "nose"), rises to 2,917 meters; in Greek mythology, Olympus' Mytikas peak was the home of the Greek gods

Topic: Greenlandhighest point: Gunnbjorn Fjeld 3,694 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 1,792 m

Topic: Grenadahighest point: Mount Saint Catherine 840 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Guamhighest point: Mount Lamlam 406 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Guatemalahighest point: Volcan Tajumulco (highest point in Central America) 4,220 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 759 m

Topic: Guernseyhighest point: Le Moulin on Sark 114 m

lowest point: English Channel 0 m

Topic: Guineahighest point: Mont Nimba 1,752 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 472 m

Topic: Guinea-Bissauhighest point: Dongol Ronde 277 m
note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong location of the high elevation

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 70 m

Topic: Guyanahighest point: Laberintos del Norte on Mount Roraima 2,775 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 207 m

Topic: Haitihighest point: Pic la Selle 2,674 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 470 m

Topic: Heard Island and McDonald Islandshighest point: Mawson Peak on Big Ben volcano 2,745 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)highest point: Vatican Gardens (Vatican Hill) 78 m

lowest point: Saint Peter's Square 19 m

Topic: Hondurashighest point: Cerro Las Minas 2,870 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 684 m

Topic: Hong Konghighest point: Tai Mo Shan 958 m

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

Topic: Hungaryhighest point: Kekes 1,014 m

lowest point: Tisza River 78 m

mean elevation: 143 m

Topic: Icelandhighest point: Hvannadalshnukur (at Vatnajokull Glacier) 2,110 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 557 m

Topic: Indiahighest point: Kanchenjunga 8,586 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 160 m

Topic: Indian Oceanhighest point: sea level

lowest point: Java Trench -7,192 m unnamed deep

mean depth: -3,741 m

ocean zones: Composed of water and in a fluid state, the oceans are delimited differently than the solid continents. Oceans are divided into three zones based on depth and light level. Although some sea creatures depend on light to live, others can do without it. Sunlight entering the water may travel about 1,000 m into the oceans under the right conditions, but there is rarely any significant light beyond 200 m.

The upper 200 m (656 ft) of oceans is called the euphotic, or "sunlight," zone. This zone contains the vast majority of commercial fisheries and is home to many protected marine mammals and sea turtles. Only a small amount of light penetrates beyond this depth.

The zone between 200 m (656 ft) and 1,000 m (3,280 ft) is usually referred to as the "twilight" zone, but is officially the dysphotic zone. In this zone, the intensity of light rapidly dissipates as depth increases. Such a minuscule amount of light penetrates beyond a depth of 200 m that photosynthesis is no longer possible.

The aphotic, or "midnight," zone exists in depths below 1,000 m (3,280 ft). Sunlight does not penetrate to these depths and the zone is bathed in darkness.

Topic: Indonesiahighest point: Puncak Jaya 4,884 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 367 m

Topic: Iranhighest point: Kuh-e Damavand 5,625 m

lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m

mean elevation: 1,305 m

Topic: Iraqhighest point: Cheekha Dar (Kurdish for "Black Tent") 3,611 m

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

mean elevation: 312 m

Topic: Irelandhighest point: Carrauntoohil 1,041 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 118 m

Topic: Isle of Manhighest point: Snaefell 621 m

lowest point: Irish Sea 0 m

Topic: Israelhighest point: Mitspe Shlagim 2,224 m; note - this is the highest named point, the actual highest point is an unnamed dome slightly to the west of Mitspe Shlagim at 2,236 m; both points are on the northeastern border of Israel, along the southern end of the Anti-Lebanon mountain range

lowest point: Dead Sea -431 m

mean elevation: 508 m note - does not include elevation data from the Golan Heights

Topic: Italyhighest point: Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco) de Courmayeur (a secondary peak of Mont Blanc) 4,748 m

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 538 m

Topic: Jamaicahighest point: Blue Mountain Peak 2,256 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 18 m

Topic: Jan Mayenhighest point: Haakon VII Toppen on Beerenberg 2,277

lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m

note: Beerenberg volcano has numerous peaks; the highest point on the volcano rim is named Haakon VII Toppen, after Norway's first king following the reestablishment of Norwegian independence in 1905

Topic: Japanhighest point: Mount Fuji 3,776 m

lowest point: Hachiro-gata -4 m

mean elevation: 438 m

Topic: Jerseyhighest point: Les Platons 136 m

lowest point: English Channel 0 m

Topic: Jordanhighest point: Jabal Umm ad Dami 1,854 m

lowest point: Dead Sea -431 m

mean elevation: 812 m

Topic: Kazakhstanhighest point: Pik Khan-Tengri 7,010 m
note - the northern most 7,000 meter peak in the World

lowest point: Qauyndy Oyysy -132 m

mean elevation: 387 m

Topic: Kenyahighest point: Mount Kenya 5,199 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 762 m

Topic: Kiribatihighest point: unnamed elevation on Banaba 81 m m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 2 m

Topic: Korea, Northhighest point: Paektu-san 2,744 m

lowest point: Sea of Japan 0 m

mean elevation: 600 m

Topic: Korea, Southhighest point: Halla-san 1,950 m

lowest point: Sea of Japan 0 m

mean elevation: 282 m

Topic: Kosovohighest point: Gjeravica/Deravica 2,656 m

lowest point: Drini i Bardhe/Beli Drim (located on the border with Albania) 297 m

mean elevation: 450 m

Topic: Kuwaithighest point: 3.6 km W. of Al-Salmi Border Post 300 m

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

mean elevation: 108 m

Topic: Kyrgyzstanhighest point: Jengish Chokusu (Pik Pobedy) 7,439 m

lowest point: Kara-Daryya (Karadar'ya) 132 m

mean elevation: 2,988 m

Topic: Laoshighest point: Phu Bia 2,817 m

lowest point: Mekong River 70 m

mean elevation: 710 m

Topic: Latviahighest point: Gaizina Kalns 312 m

lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 87 m

Topic: Lebanonhighest point: Qornet es Saouda 3,088 m

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 1,250 m

Topic: Lesothohighest point: Thabana Ntlenyana 3,482 m

lowest point: junction of the Orange and Makhaleng Rivers 1,400 m

mean elevation: 2,161 m

Topic: Liberiahighest point: Mount Wuteve 1,447 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 243 m

Topic: Libyahighest point: Bikku Bitti 2,267 m

lowest point: Sabkhat Ghuzayyil -47 m

mean elevation: 423 m

Topic: Liechtensteinhighest point: Vorder-Grauspitz 2,599 m

lowest point: Ruggeller Riet 430 m

Topic: Lithuaniahighest point: Aukstojas 294 m

lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 110 m

Topic: Luxembourghighest point: Buurgplaatz 559 m

lowest point: Moselle River 133 m

mean elevation: 325 m

Topic: Macauhighest point: Alto Coloane 172 m

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

Topic: Madagascarhighest point: Maromokotro 2,876 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 615 m

Topic: Malawihighest point: Sapitwa (Mount Mlanje) 3,002 m

lowest point: junction of the Shire River and international boundary with Mozambique 37 m

mean elevation: 779 m

Topic: Malaysiahighest point: Gunung Kinabalu 4,095 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 419 m

Topic: Maldiveshighest point: 8th tee, golf course, Villingi Island 5 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 2 m

Topic: Malihighest point: Hombori Tondo 1,155 m

lowest point: Senegal River 23 m

mean elevation: 343 m

Topic: Maltahighest point: Ta'Dmejrek on Dingli Cliffs 253 m

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

Topic: Marshall Islandshighest point: East-central Airik Island, Maloelap Atoll 14 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 2 m

Topic: Mauritaniahighest point: Kediet Ijill 915 m

lowest point: Sebkhet Te-n-Dghamcha -5 m

mean elevation: 276 m

Topic: Mauritiushighest point: Mont Piton 828 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

Topic: Mexicohighest point: Volcan Pico de Orizaba 5,636 m

lowest point: Laguna Salada -10 m

mean elevation: 1,111 m

Topic: Micronesia, Federated States ofhighest point: Nanlaud on Pohnpei 782 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Moldovahighest point: Dealul Balanesti 430 m

lowest point: Dniester (Nistru) 2 m

mean elevation: 139 m

Topic: Monacohighest point: Chemin des Revoires on Mont Agel 162 m

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

Topic: Mongoliahighest point: Nayramadlin Orgil (Khuiten Peak) 4,374 m

lowest point: Hoh Nuur 560 m

mean elevation: 1,528 m

Topic: Montenegrohighest point: Zia Kolata 2,534 m

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 1,086 m

Topic: Montserrathighest point: Soufriere Hills volcano pre-eruption height was 915 m; current lava dome is subject to periodic build up and collapse; estimated dome height was 1,050 m in 2015

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Moroccohighest point: Jebel Toubkal 4,165 m

lowest point: Sebkha Tah -59 m

mean elevation: 909 m

Topic: Mozambiquehighest point: Monte Binga 2,436 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 345 m

Topic: Namibiahighest point: Konigstein on Brandberg 2,573 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 1,141 m

Topic: Nauruhighest point: Command Ridge 70 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Navassa Islandhighest point: 200 m NNW of lighthouse 85 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Nepalhighest point: Mount Everest (highest peak in Asia and highest point on earth above sea level) 8,849 m

lowest point: Kanchan Kalan 70 m

mean elevation: 2,565 m

Topic: Netherlandshighest point: Mount Scenery (on the island of Saba in the Caribbean, now considered an integral part of the Netherlands following the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles) 862 m

lowest point: Zuidplaspolder -7 m

mean elevation: 30 m

note: the highest point on continental Netherlands is Vaalserberg at 322 m

Topic: New Caledoniahighest point: Mont Panie 1,628 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: New Zealandhighest point: Aoraki/Mount Cook 3,724 m; note - the mountain's height was 3,764 m until 14 December 1991 when it lost about 10 m in an avalanche of rock and ice; erosion of the ice cap since then has brought the height down another 30 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 388 m

Topic: Nicaraguahighest point: Mogoton 2,085 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 298 m

Topic: Nigerhighest point: Idoukal-n-Taghes 2,022 m

lowest point: Niger River 200 m

mean elevation: 474 m

Topic: Nigeriahighest point: Chappal Waddi 2,419 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 380 m

Topic: Niuehighest point: unnamed elevation 1.4 km east of Hikutavake 80 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Norfolk Islandhighest point: Mount Bates 319 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: North Macedoniahighest point: Golem Korab (Maja e Korabit) 2,764 m

lowest point: Vardar River 50 m

mean elevation: 741 m

Topic: Northern Mariana Islandshighest point: Agrihan Volcano 965 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Norwayhighest point: Galdhopiggen 2,469 m

lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 460 m

Topic: Omanhighest point: Jabal Shams 3,004 m

lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 310 m

Topic: Pacific Oceanhighest point: sea level

lowest point: Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench -10,924 m
note - the Pacific Ocean is the deepest ocean basin

mean depth: -4,080 m

ocean zones: Composed of water and in a fluid state, the oceans are delimited differently than the solid continents. Oceans are divided into three zones based on depth and light level. Although some sea creatures depend on light to live, others can do without it. Sunlight entering the water may travel about 1,000 m into the oceans under the right conditions, but there is rarely any significant light beyond 200 m.

The upper 200 m (656 ft) of oceans is called the euphotic, or "sunlight," zone. This zone contains the vast majority of commercial fisheries and is home to many protected marine mammals and sea turtles. Only a small amount of light penetrates beyond this depth.

The zone between 200 m (656 ft) and 1,000 m (3,280 ft) is usually referred to as the "twilight" zone, but is officially the dysphotic zone. In this zone, the intensity of light rapidly dissipates as depth increases. Such a minuscule amount of light penetrates beyond a depth of 200 m that photosynthesis is no longer possible.

The aphotic, or "midnight," zone exists in depths below 1,000 m (3,280 ft). Sunlight does not penetrate to these depths and the zone is bathed in darkness.

Topic: Pakistanhighest point: K2 (Mt. Godwin-Austen) 8,611 m

lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 900 m

Topic: Palauhighest point: Mount Ngerchelchuus 242 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Panamahighest point: Volcan Baru 3,475 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 360 m

Topic: Papua New Guineahighest point: Mount Wilhelm 4,509 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 667 m

Topic: Paracel Islandshighest point: unnamed location on Rocky Island 14 m

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

Topic: Paraguayhighest point: Cerro Pero 842 m

lowest point: junction of Rio Paraguay and Rio Parana 46 m

mean elevation: 178 m

Topic: Peruhighest point: Nevado Huascaran 6,746 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 1,555 m

Topic: Philippineshighest point: Mount Apo 2,954 m

lowest point: Philippine Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 442 m

Topic: Pitcairn Islandshighest point: Palwala Valley Point on Big Ridge 347 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Polandhighest point: Rysy 2,499 m

lowest point: near Raczki Elblaskie -2 m

mean elevation: 173 m

Topic: Portugalhighest point: Ponta do Pico (Pico or Pico Alto) on Ilha do Pico in the Azores 2,351 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 372 m

Topic: Puerto Ricohighest point: Cerro de Punta 1,338 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 261 m

Topic: Qatarhighest point: Tuwayyir al Hamir 103 m

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

mean elevation: 28 m

Topic: Romaniahighest point: Moldoveanu 2,544 m

lowest point: Black Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 414 m

Topic: Russiahighest point: Gora El'brus (highest point in Europe) 5,642 m

lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m

mean elevation: 600 m

Topic: Rwandahighest point: Volcan Karisimbi 4,519 m

lowest point: Rusizi River 950 m

mean elevation: 1,598 m

Topic: Saint Barthelemyhighest point: Morne du Vitet 286 m

lowest point: Caribbean Ocean 0 m

Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunhahighest point: Queen Mary's Peak on Tristan da Cunha 859 m; Green Mountain on Ascension Island 818 m; Mount Actaeon on Saint Helena Island 2,060 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevishighest point: Mount Liamuiga 1,156 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Saint Luciahighest point: Mount Gimie 948 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Saint Martinhighest point: Pic du Paradis 424 m

lowest point: Caribbean Ocean 0 m

Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelonhighest point: Morne de la Grande Montagne 240 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadineshighest point: La Soufriere 1,234 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Samoahighest point: Mount Silisili 1,857 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: San Marinohighest point: Monte Titano 739 m

lowest point: Torrente Ausa 55 m

Topic: Sao Tome and Principehighest point: Pico de Sao Tome 2,024 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Topic: Saudi Arabiahighest point: As Sarawat range, 3,000 m

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

mean elevation: 665 m

Topic: Senegalhighest point: unnamed elevation 2.8 km southeast of Nepen Diaka 648 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 69 m

Topic: Serbiahighest point: Midzor 2,169 m

lowest point: Danube and Timok Rivers 35 m

mean elevation: 442 m

Topic: Seychelleshighest point: Morne Seychellois 905 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

Topic: Sierra Leonehighest point: Loma Mansa (Bintimani) 1,948 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 279 m

Topic: Singaporehighest point: Bukit Timah 166 m

lowest point: Singapore Strait 0 m

Topic: Sint Maartenhighest point: Mount Flagstaff 383 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Slovakiahighest point: Gerlachovsky Stit 2,655 m

lowest point: Bodrok River 94 m

mean elevation: 458 m

Topic: Sloveniahighest point: Triglav 2,864 m

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 492 m

Topic: Solomon Islandshighest point: Mount Popomanaseu 2,335 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Somaliahighest point: Mount Shimbiris 2,460 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 410 m

Topic: South Africahighest point: Ntheledi (Mafadi) 3,450 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 1,034 m

Topic: South Georgia and South Sandwich Islandshighest point: Mount Paget (South Georgia) 2,934 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Topic: South Sudanhighest point: Kinyeti 3,187 m

lowest point: White Nile 381 m

Topic: Southern Oceanhighest point: sea level

lowest point: southern end of the South Sandwich Trench -7,434 m unnamed deep

mean depth: -3,270 m

ocean zones: Composed of water and in a fluid state, the oceans are delimited differently than the solid continents. Oceans are divided into three zones based on depth and light level. Although some sea creatures depend on light to live, others can do without it. Sunlight entering the water may travel about 1,000 m into the oceans under the right conditions, but there is rarely any significant light beyond 200 m.

The upper 200 m (656 ft) of oceans is called the euphotic, or "sunlight," zone. This zone contains the vast majority of commercial fisheries and is home to many protected marine mammals and sea turtles. Only a small amount of light penetrates beyond this depth.

The zone between 200 m (656 ft) and 1,000 m (3,280 ft) is usually referred to as the "twilight" zone, but is officially the dysphotic zone. In this zone, the intensity of light rapidly dissipates as depth increases. Such a minuscule amount of light penetrates beyond a depth of 200 m that photosynthesis is no longer possible.

The aphotic, or "midnight," zone exists in depths below 1,000 m (3,280 ft). Sunlight does not penetrate to these depths and the zone is bathed in darkness.

Topic: Spainhighest point: Pico de Teide (Tenerife) on Canary Islands 3,718 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 660 m

Topic: Spratly Islandshighest point: unnamed location on Southwest Cay 6 m

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

Topic: Sri Lankahighest point: Pidurutalagala 2,524 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 228 m

Topic: Sudanhighest point: Jabal Marrah 3,042 m

lowest point: Red Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 568 m

Topic: Surinamehighest point: Juliana Top 1,230 m

lowest point: unnamed location in the coastal plain -2 m

mean elevation: 246 m

Topic: Svalbardhighest point: Newtontoppen 1,717 m

lowest point: Arctic Ocean 0 m

Topic: Swedenhighest point: Kebnekaise South 2,100 m

lowest point: reclaimed bay of Lake Hammarsjon, near Kristianstad -2.4 m

mean elevation: 320 m

Topic: Switzerlandhighest point: Dufourspitze 4,634 m

lowest point: Lake Maggiore 195 m

mean elevation: 1,350 m

Topic: Syriahighest point: Mount Hermon (Jabal a-Shayk) 2,814 m

lowest point: Yarmuk River -66 m

mean elevation: 514 m

Topic: Taiwanhighest point: Yu Shan 3,952 m

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 1,150 m

Topic: Tajikistanhighest point: Qullai Somoniyon 7,495 m

lowest point: Syr Darya (Sirdaryo) 300 m

mean elevation: 3,186 m

Topic: Tanzaniahighest point: Kilimanjaro (highest point in Africa) 5,895 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 1,018 m

Topic: Thailandhighest point: Doi Inthanon 2,565 m

lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m

mean elevation: 287 m

Topic: Timor-Lestehighest point: Foho Tatamailau 2,963 m

lowest point: Timor Sea, Savu Sea, and Banda Sea 0 m

Topic: Togohighest point: Mont Agou 986 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 236 m

Topic: Tokelauhighest point: unnamed location 5 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Tongahighest point: Kao Volcano on Kao Island 1,046 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Trinidad and Tobagohighest point: El Cerro del Aripo 940 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 83 m

Topic: Tunisiahighest point: Jebel ech Chambi 1,544 m

lowest point: Shatt al Gharsah -17 m

mean elevation: 246 m

Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)highest point: Mount Ararat 5,137 m

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 1,132 m

Topic: Turkmenistanhighest point: Gora Ayribaba 3,139 m

lowest point: Vpadina Akchanaya (Sarygamysh Koli is a lake in northern Turkmenistan with a water level that fluctuates above and below the elevation of Vpadina Akchanaya, the lake has dropped as low as -110 m) -81 m

mean elevation: 230 m

Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandshighest point: Blue Hill on Providenciales and Flamingo Hill on East Caicos 48 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Tuvaluhighest point: unnamed location 5 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 2 m

Topic: Ugandahighest point: Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley 5,110 m

lowest point: Albert Nile 614 m

Topic: Ukrainehighest point: Hora Hoverla 2,061 m

lowest point: Black Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 175 m

Topic: United Arab Emirateshighest point: Jabal Bil 'Ays 1,905 m
note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong location of the high elevation

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

mean elevation: 149 m

Topic: United Kingdomhighest point: Ben Nevis 1,345 m

lowest point: The Fens -4 m

mean elevation: 162 m

Topic: United Stateshighest point: Denali 6,190 m (Mount McKinley) (highest point in North America)

lowest point: Death Valley (lowest point in North America) -86 m

mean elevation: 760 m

note: Denali is one of the most striking features on the entire planet; at 20,310 feet, it is the crowning peak of the Alaska Range and the highest mountain on North America; it towers three and one-half vertical miles above its base, making it a mile taller from base to summit than Mt. Everest; Denali's base sits at about 2,000 feet above sea level and rises over three and one-half miles to its 20,310 foot summit; Everest begins on a 14,000-foot high plain, then summits at 29,028 feet.
note: the peak of Mauna Kea (4,207 m above sea level) on the island of Hawaii rises about 10,200 m above the Pacific Ocean floor; by this measurement, it is the world's tallest mountain - higher than Mount Everest (8,850 m), which is recognized as the tallest mountain above sea level

Topic: United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refugeshighest point: Baker Island, unnamed location 8 m; Howland Island, unnamed location 3 m; Jarvis Island, unnamed location 7 m; Johnston Atoll, Sand Island 10 m; Kingman Reef, unnamed location 2 m; Midway Islands, unnamed location less than 13 m; Palmyra Atoll, unnamed location 3 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Uruguayhighest point: Cerro Catedral 514 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 109 m

Topic: Uzbekistanhighest point: Xazrat Sulton Tog' 4,643 m
note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong location and name of the high elevation

lowest point: Sariqamish Kuli -12 m

Topic: Vanuatuhighest point: Tabwemasana 1,877 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Venezuelahighest point: Pico Bolivar 4,978 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 450 m

Topic: Vietnamhighest point: Fan Si Pan 3,144 m

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 398 m

Topic: Virgin Islandshighest point: Crown Mountain 474 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Wake Islandhighest point: unnamed location 8 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Wallis and Futunahighest point: Mont Singavi (on Futuna) 522 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: West Bankhighest point: Khallat al Batrakh 1,020 m

lowest point: Dead Sea -431 m

Topic: Worldhighest point: Mount Everest 8,849 m

lowest point: Denman Glacier (Antarctica) more than -3,500 m (in the oceanic realm, Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench is the lowest point, lying -10,924 m below the surface of the Pacific Ocean)

mean elevation: 840 m

top ten highest mountains (measured from sea level): Mount Everest (China-Nepal) 8,849 m; K2 (Pakistan) 8,611 m; Kanchenjunga (India-Nepal) 8,598 m; Lhotse (Nepal) 8,516 m; Makalu (China-Nepal) 8,463 m; Cho Oyu (China-Nepal) 8,201 m; Dhaulagiri (Nepal) 8,167 m; Manaslu (Nepal) 8,163 m; Nanga Parbat (Pakistan) 8,125 m; Anapurna (Nepal) 8,091 m; note - Mauna Kea (United States) is the world's tallest mountain as measured from base to summit; the peak of this volcanic colossus lies on the island of Hawaii, but its base begins more than 70 km offshore and at a depth of about 6,000 m; total height estimates range from 9,966 m to 10,203 m

top ten highest island peaks: Puncak Jaya (New Guinea) 4,884 m (Indonesia)*; Mauna Kea (Hawaii) 4,207 m (United States); Gunung Kinabalu (Borneo) 4,095 m (Malaysia)*; Yu Shan (Taiwan) 3,952 (Taiwan)*; Mount Kerinci (Sumatra) 3,805 m (Indonesia); Mount Erebus (Ross Island) 3,794 (Antarctica); Mount Fuji (Honshu) 3,776 m (Japan)*; Mount Rinjani (Lombok) 3,726 m (Indonesia); Aoraki-Mount Cook (South Island) 3,724 m (New Zealand)*; Pico de Teide (Tenerife) 3,718 m (Spain)*; note - * indicates the highest peak for that Factbook entry

highest point on each continent: Asia - Mount Everest (China-Nepal) 8,849 m; South America - Cerro Aconcagua (Argentina) 6,960 m; North America - Denali (Mount McKinley) (United States) 6,190 m; Africa - Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) 5,895 m; Europe - El'brus (Russia) 5,633 m; Antarctica - Vinson Massif 4,897 m; Australia - Mount Kosciuszko 2,229 m

highest capital on each continent: South America - La Paz (Bolivia) 3,640 m; Africa - Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) 2,355 m; Asia - Thimphu (Bhutan) 2,334 m; North America - Mexico City (Mexico) 2,240 m; Europe - Andorra la Vella (Andorra) 1,023 m; Australia - Canberra (Australia) 605 m

lowest point on each continent: Antarctica - Denman Glacier more than -3,500 m; Asia - Dead Sea (Israel-Jordan) -431 m; Africa - Lac Assal (Djibouti) -155 m; South America - Laguna del Carbon (Argentina) -105 m; North America - Death Valley (United States) -86 m; Europe - Caspian Sea (Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan-Russia) -28 m; Australia - Lake Eyre -15

lowest capital on each continent: Asia - Baku (Azerbaijan) -28 m; Europe - Amsterdam (Netherlands) -2 m; Africa - Banjul (Gambia); Bissau (Guinea-Bissau), Conakry (Guinea), Djibouti (Djibouti), Libreville (Gabon), Male (Maldives), Monrovia (Liberia), Tunis (Tunisia), Victoria (Seychelles) 0 m; North America - Basseterre (Saint Kitts and Nevis), Kingstown (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines), Panama City (Panama), Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago), Roseau (Dominica), Saint John's (Antigua and Barbuda), Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) 0 m; South America - Georgetown (Guyana) 0 m; Australia - Canberra (Australia) 605 m

Topic: Yemenhighest point: Jabal an Nabi Shu'ayb 3,666 m

lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 999 m

Topic: Zambiahighest point: Mafinga Central 2,330 m

lowest point: Zambezi river 329 m

mean elevation: 1,138 m

Topic: Zimbabwehighest point: Inyangani 2,592 m

lowest point: junction of the Runde and Save Rivers 162 m

mean elevation: 961 m


Topic: Introduction
Background: First colonized by the Spanish, the islands came under British control in the early 19th century. The islands' sugar industry was manned by contract laborers from India between 1845 and 1917, which boosted sugar production as well as the cocoa industry. The discovery of oil on Trinidad in 1910 added another important export. Independence was attained in 1962.First colonized by the Spanish, the islands came under British control in the early 19th century. The islands' sugar industry was manned by contract laborers from India between 1845 and 1917, which boosted sugar production as well as the cocoa industry. The discovery of oil on Trinidad in 1910 added another important export. Independence was attained in 1962.

Topic: Geography
Area: total: 5,128 sq km

land: 5,128 sq km

water: 0 sq km
Climate: tropical; rainy season (June to December)
Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, asphalt

Topic: People and Society
Population: 1,405,646 (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups: East Indian 35.4%, African descent 34.2%, mixed - other 15.3%, mixed - African/East Indian 7.7%, other 1.3%, unspecified 6.2% (2011 est.)
Languages: English (official), Trinidadian Creole English, Tobagonian Creole English, Caribbean Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi), Trinidadian Creole French, Spanish, Chinese
Religions: Protestant 32.1% (Pentecostal/Evangelical/Full Gospel 12%, Baptist 6.9%, Anglican 5.7%, Seventh Day Adventist 4.1%, Presbyterian/Congregational 2.5%, other Protestant 0.9%), Roman Catholic 21.6%, Hindu 18.2%, Muslim 5%, Jehovah's Witness 1.5%, other 8.4%, none 2.2%, unspecified 11.1% (2011 est.)
Population growth rate: 0.14% (2022 est.)

Topic: Government
Government type: parliamentary republic
Capital: name: Port of Spain
Executive branch: chief of state: President Paula-Mae WEEKES (since 19 March 2018)

head of government: Prime Minister Keith ROWLEY (since 9 September 2015)
Legislative branch: description: bicameral Parliament consists of:
Senate (31 seats; 16 members appointed by the ruling party, 9 by the president, and 6 by the opposition party; members serve 5-year terms;)
House of Representatives (42 seats; 41 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and the house speaker - usually designated from outside Parliament; members serve 5-year terms)

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: high-income Caribbean island economy; predominantly driven by oil and gas (80% of exports); growing Venezuelan relations threaten US support; growing tourism; key regional finance hub; rising drug-related crime; high public debt; systemic corruptionhigh-income Caribbean island economy; predominantly driven by oil and gas (80% of exports); growing Venezuelan relations threaten US support; growing tourism; key regional finance hub; rising drug-related crime; high public debt; systemic corruption
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $33.21 billion (2020 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $23,700 (2020 est.)
Agricultural products: poultry, fruit, coconuts, citrus fruit, milk, plantains, maize, oranges, eggs, gourds
Industries: petroleum and petroleum products, liquefied natural gas, methanol, ammonia, urea, steel products, beverages, food processing, cement, cotton textiles
Exports: $9.57 billion (2019 est.)
Exports - partners: United States 33%, Guyana 9%, Spain 6%, China 6% (2019)
Exports - commodities: natural gas, industrial alcohols, crude petroleum, ammonia, iron products, refined petroleum (2019)
Imports: $7.93 billion (2019 est.)
Imports - partners: United States 40%, Guyana 19%, China 6% (2019)
Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, excavation machinery, shipping containers, iron, cars (2019)Page last updated: Wednesday, Jun 01, 2022


IHO 23-4th: Limits of Oceans and Seas, Special Publication 23, Draft 4th Edition 1986, published by the International Hydrographic Bureau of the International Hydrographic Organization.IHO 23-3rd: Limits of Oceans and Seas, Special Publication 23, 3rd Edition 1953, published by the International Hydrographic Organization.ACIC M 49-1: Chart of Limits of Seas and Oceans, revised January 1958, published by the Aeronautical Chart and Information Center (ACIC), United States Air Force.DIAM 65-18: Geopolitical Data Elements and Related Features, Data Standard No. 4, Defense Intelligence Agency Manual 65-18, December 1994, published by the Defense Intelligence Agency.The US Government has not yet adopted a standard for hydrographic codes similar to the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 10-4 country codes. The names and limits of the following oceans and seas are not always directly comparable because of differences in the customers, needs, and requirements of the individual organizations. Even the number of principal water bodies varies from organization to organization.  Factbook users, for example, find the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean entries useful, but none of the following standards include those oceans in their entirety. Nor is there any provision for combining codes or overcodes to aggregate water bodies. The recently delimited Southern Ocean is not included.