Being Young in Latvia

© Zifan Zhang - View by the Daugava River in the south of Riga on March 22, 2025.

Dates

2025 - 2025
Author

Zifan Zhang
Location Latvia

Latvia’s youth are reshaping the nation by addressing issues of identity, social divides, mental health, gender equality, and security, thereby bridging the gap between tradition and modernity through dialogue, education, advocacy, and civic engagement.

In today’s complex Latvian society, the young generation is actively reshaping the country’s future. They are addressing identity challenges in various ways, including bridging social divides stemming from the Soviet legacy, tackling the mental health crisis, advocating for gender equality, and engaging with national security concerns.

By fostering religious dialogue, promoting historical education, providing psychological support, championing gender advocacy, and participating in political processes, they are building a more resilient social landscape amidst the tension between tradition and modernity.

Marks Burja, 20, poses for a portrait in his apartment building in Cukurfabrika, a small city near Riga, on Mar 26, 2025. He studied computer engineering but now works in a casino. Like Marks, many graduates in Latvia find themselves in jobs unrelated to their field of study, often due to a lack of experience or skills demanded by employers.

View by the Daugava River in the south of Riga on March 22, 2025.

Mareks Bērziņš, 22, tour guide at KGB building, part of Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, poses for a portrait on March 27, 2025. Being a history student at Latvian University, while his initial career aspirations were communication science or movie making, he found himself drawn to history, particularly the opportunity to educate others about Latvia's past.

Guns in an airsoft shop in Riga. March 20, 2025. Airsoft has become a popular pastime among young Latvians, blending elements of sport, strategy, and a fascination with military history.

College students rehearse Folk Ensemble Rotaļa at VEF Culture Palace in Riga, Latvia, at night on March 26, 2025.

Vladimir Bazarov, 24, servant in Riga Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral, poses for a portrait on March 22, 2025. He fights with the tension between the Latvian heritage and the significant Russian-speaking population, a divide rooted in the country’s Soviet history, which he personally experiences as he is labelled a “fascist” in Russia and an outsider in Latvia.

Young couple kiss in a concert in Riga, Latvia on March 29, 2025.

Diāna Grasmane, 19, poses for a portrait at her home in Riga on March 27, 2025. She is a transgender woman and activist, and she confronts societal norms and challenges in Latvia, using her visibility to advocate for queer and transgender people in transphobic misinformation. She sees herself as a “radical political act” rooted in kindness and respect.

Edgars Rupeiks, a 20-year-old young politician, holds the Latvian flag during the parade commemorating the Victims of the Communist Genocide in Riga on March 23, 2025. Growing up in a single Latvian-speaking family in the Russian-speaking community, he developed a strong connection to his country and its culture. He has been interested in politics since he was a young child.

Young people wait for trains in Riga Central Train Station. March 20, 2025.

Laura Jegorova, 27, poses for a portrait on March 29, 2025. She is a second-year psychology student pursuing her bachelor's degree. Her interest in psychology stems from her own experiences with mental health challenges, giving her a unique understanding of the subject. She hopes to use her knowledge to help others, particularly those with significant mental health struggles.

Airsons RD, 20, boxer, poses for a portrait on March 27, 2025.

Twilight view of Riga. March 24, 2025.

Young people enjoy the Nova Koma concert in Riga on March 29, 2025.