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Economy of Latvia vs Serbia compared: GDP & Debt

Updated on by Georank team

Latvia has a GDP of $43.7B compared to $90.1B for Serbia, ranking 99/197 and 76/197 by economy size, respectively.

Latvia has $20.4B in government debt (46.8% of GDP), compared to $40.1B (44.5% of GDP) in Serbia.

Latvia vs Serbia GDP by year

Latvia
Serbia
1x
Year GDP, current $
Latvia Serbia
2024 $43,684,254,432 $90,097,765,959
2023 $42,779,550,937 $81,343,999,280
2022 $38,003,198,509 $66,809,895,701
2021 $38,183,326,785 $66,159,884,073
2020 $33,379,927,435 $55,874,017,669
2019 $33,099,503,951 $53,864,693,665
2018 $33,247,935,477 $52,787,520,249
2017 $29,391,059,767 $45,972,834,714
2016 $27,117,105,060 $42,225,495,910
2015 $26,344,565,877 $41,297,410,635
2014 $30,277,203,767 $49,114,321,280
2013 $29,152,128,168 $50,455,529,604
2012 $27,116,149,949 $45,103,269,969
2011 $26,575,547,901 $51,251,098,408
2010 $23,468,324,572 $43,536,629,233
2009 $25,691,530,442 $46,955,984,410
2008 $34,135,200,994 $54,220,641,202
2007 $29,420,499,248 $44,888,028,946
2006 $20,434,922,247 $33,298,057,362
2005 $16,306,935,905 $28,334,256,181
2004 $13,827,070,379 $26,845,632,342
2003 $11,244,337,720 $23,593,044,418
2002 $9,249,030,241 $17,930,583,571
2001 $8,190,888,740 $13,599,378,662
2000 $7,761,252,607 $7,326,373,882
1999 $7,324,192,890 $20,878,694,851
1998 $6,974,112,951 $21,004,077,441
1997 $6,349,481,007 $27,153,408,995
1996 $5,799,465,288 $23,277,430,168
1995 $5,608,208,785 $17,921,892,655

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1995–2024, retrieved 2026-04-06).

GeoRank.org/economy/latvia/serbia | CC BY

GDP per capita in Latvia vs Serbia by year

Latvia
GDP per capita

GDP per capita, PPP
Serbia
GDP per capita

GDP per capita, PPP
1x
Year Current $
Latvia Serbia
GDP per capita GDP per capita, PPP GDP per capita GDP per capita, PPP
2024 $23,409 $43,394 $13,679 $32,832
2023 $22,710 $42,576 $12,282 $29,777
2022 $20,221 $40,559 $10,025 $26,143
2021 $20,262 $36,912 $9,681 $23,406
2020 $17,564 $32,741 $8,099 $21,013
2019 $17,295 $32,199 $7,756 $20,587
2018 $17,252 $29,818 $7,560 $18,469
2017 $15,132 $25,764 $6,548 $17,285
2016 $13,839 $24,063 $5,982 $16,455
2015 $13,322 $22,544 $5,820 $15,546
2014 $15,186 $21,554 $6,887 $15,296
2013 $14,484 $20,474 $7,040 $15,247
2012 $13,329 $19,417 $6,263 $14,506
2011 $12,903 $17,680 $7,082 $14,298
2010 $11,188 $16,373 $5,971 $13,320
2009 $11,996 $15,545 $6,414 $13,038
2008 $15,678 $17,443 $7,377 $13,123
2007 $13,371 $16,246 $6,081 $11,685
2006 $9,212 $14,180 $4,493 $10,463
2005 $7,284 $12,826 $3,808 $9,398
2004 $6,110 $11,319 $3,597 $8,715
2003 $4,915 $10,193 $3,154 $8,023
2002 $4,004 $9,569 $2,391 $7,563
2001 $3,505 $8,808 $1,812 $6,803
2000 $3,278 $7,849 $975 $6,416
1999 $3,064 $7,256 $2,769 $5,897
1998 $2,894 $6,922 $2,775 $6,460
1997 $2,610 $6,366 $3,574 $6,040
1996 $2,360 $5,688 $3,054 $5,434
1995 $2,257 $5,391 $2,349 $5,022
1994 - $5,012 - -
1993 - $4,722 - -
1992 - $4,760 - -
1991 - $6,762 - -
1990 - $7,448 - -

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1990–2024, retrieved 2026-04-06).

GeoRank.org/economy/latvia/serbia | CC BY

Latvia's GDP per capita is $23,409, ranking 54/197, compared to $13,679 in Serbia, ranking 73/197. Adjusted for purchasing power (GDP per capita PPP), Latvia ranks 53rd at $43,394, while Serbia ranks 69th at $32,832.

Economic indicators

Latvia Serbia
Gross domestic product
$43.7B
2024
$90.1B
2024
GDP rank
99/197
2024
76/197
2024
GDP growth
-0.05%
2023-2024
3.95%
2023-2024
GDP per capita
$23,409
2024
$13,679
2024
GDP per capita rank
54/197
2024
73/197
2024
GDP per capita, PPP
$43,394
2024
$32,832
2024
GDP per capita PPP rank
53/197
2024
69/197
2024
Government debt
$20.4B
2024
$40.1B
2024
Debt-to-GDP ratio
46.8%
2024
44.5%
2024
Government debt per person
$10,945
2024
$6,084
2024
Government debt per person rank
53/185
2024
73/185
2024
Average annual personal income after taxes
$17,033
2026
$12,252
2026
Market capitalization of domestic companies n/a
$4.06B
2011
Income share by richest 10%
26.2%
2023
24.7%
2022
Income share by poorest 10%
2.6%
2023
2.4%
2022
Government expenditure, % of GDP
44.5%
2024
42.7%
2024
Consumer prices inflation
1.27%
2023-2024
4.67%
2023-2024
Central bank interest rate n/a
5.75%
2024
Unemployment rate
6.88%
2024
7.24%
2024
Population
1829763
6494521

Spending and national debt comparison by year

Latvia
Spending

Debt
Serbia
Spending

Debt
1x
Year % of GDP
Latvia Serbia
Government spending Government debt Government spending Government debt
2024 44.5% 46.8% 42.7% 44.5%
2023 43.1% 44.6% 40.6% 45.7%
2022 43.5% 44.4% 41.4% 50.9%
2021 44.6% 45.9% 44.4% 53.6%
2020 42.6% 44% 46% 54.3%
2019 39% 37.9% 40.2% 49.5%
2018 39.4% 38.3% 39% 51.1%
2017 37.8% 40.3% 38.5% 55.3%
2016 37.4% 41.7% 40.3% 65%
2015 38.7% 38.3% 41% 67.1%
2014 39.2% 43.1% 42.9% 63.5%
2013 38.7% 41.8% 40.6% 54.1%
2012 38.6% 44.4% 43.3% 51.7%
2011 41.2% 46.8% 40% 42%
2010 43.6% 48.2% 41.2% 38.2%
2009 43.6% 37.6% 41.1% 32.6%
2008 38.2% 19.3% 43.7% 29.4%
2007 34.8% 9% 40.6% 30%
2006 35.5% 10.7% 41.3% 37%
2005 35.8% 12.5% 38.9% 50.1%
2004 34.8% 15.3% 37.8% 57.6%
2003 34.4% 15.4% 37.6% 64.4%
2002 35.4% 15.4% 38.6% 68.4%
2001 35% 17.8% 30.5% 95.9%
2000 37% 15.1% 28% 200.6%
1999 40.4% 14.8% - -
1998 38.1% 9.81% - -

Data sources: International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Fiscal Monitor (1998–2024, retrieved 2026-02-20).

GeoRank.org/economy/latvia/serbia | CC BY

In 2024, Latvia's government spending was $19.4B, accounting for 44.5% of its GDP, while Serbia spent $38.4B, or 42.7% of GDP.

Debt-to-GDP ratio is 46.8% in Latvia and 44.5% in Serbia, ranking 116/185 and 121/185, respectively.

Government deficit by year

Deficit/surplus
Latvia

Serbia
1x
Year Deficit/surplus, % of GDP
Latvia Serbia
2024 -1.82% -1.75%
2023 -3.38% -1.21%
2022 -3.94% -0.14%
2021 -5.71% -3.16%
2020 -3.85% -6.91%
2019 -0.39% -0.004%
2018 -0.77% 0.78%
2017 -0.85% 1.32%
2016 -0.41% -1.08%
2015 -1.57% -3.25%
2014 -1.74% -5.61%
2013 -0.58% -4.79%
2012 0.18% -6.11%
2011 -3.38% -3.75%
2010 -6.56% -3.35%
2009 -7.14% -3.3%
2008 -3.29% -4.25%
2007 0.63% -0.8%
2006 -0.48% -0.9%
2005 -1.06% 1.02%
2004 -1.04% 0.06%
2003 -1.67% -2.39%
2002 -2.59% -2.33%
2001 -2.03% 0.32%
2000 -2.57% -0.15%
1999 -3.54% -
1998 -0.66% -

Data sources: International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Fiscal Monitor (1998–2024, retrieved 2026-02-20).

GeoRank.org/economy/latvia/serbia | CC BY

In 2024, Latvia's government deficit, the difference between spending and revenue, was $797M, equivalent to 1.82% of GDP. This compares to Serbia's deficit of $1.58B, or 1.75% of GDP.

Over the past 25 years, Latvia recorded a fiscal deficit in 23 of those years, while Serbia ran a deficit in 20 years. On average, Latvia posted an annual deficit equal to 2.24% of GDP, compared to deficit of 2.07% of GDP for Serbia.

Inflation comparison by year

Inflation
Latvia

Serbia
1x
Year Consumer prices inflation
Latvia Serbia
2024 1.27% 4.67%
2023 8.94% 12.4%
2022 17.3% 12%
2021 3.28% 4.09%
2020 0.22% 1.58%
2019 2.81% 1.85%
2018 2.53% 1.96%
2017 2.93% 3.13%
2016 0.14% 1.12%
2015 0.17% 1.39%
2014 0.62% 2.08%
2013 -0.03% 7.69%
2012 2.26% 7.33%
2011 4.37% 11.1%
2010 -1.08% 6.14%
2009 3.53% 8.12%
2008 15.4% 12.4%
2007 10.1% 6.39%
2006 6.54% 11.7%
2005 6.75% 16.1%
2004 6.19% 11%
2003 2.94% 9.88%
2002 1.94% 19.5%
2001 2.49% 95%
2000 2.65% 71.1%
1999 2.36% 42.5%
1998 4.64% 30.2%
1997 8.45% 23.3%

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1997–2024, retrieved 2026-04-06).

GeoRank.org/economy/latvia/serbia | CC BY

Over the past 28 years, Latvia has recorded an average annual inflation rate of 4.28%, compared with 15.6% in Serbia. In 2024, inflation was 1.27% in Latvia and 4.67% in Serbia.

Top exports between countries

Latvia
Export category Export value
Machinery & equipment $9.41M
Raw materials & minerals $2.86M
Wood & paper products $2.39M
Chemicals & pharma $1.52M
Processed food, beverages & tobacco $882K
Textiles & consumer goods $822K
Animal & marine products $382K
Metals $286K
Raw agricultural goods $275K
Precious metals & jewellery $60K
Serbia
Export category Export value
Machinery & equipment $9.84M
Chemicals & pharma $5.86M
Transport & tourism services $5.85M
Textiles & consumer goods $4.04M
Raw materials & minerals $2.68M
Government & miscellaneous services $2.21M
Wood & paper products $1.75M
Raw agricultural goods $1.52M
Processed food, beverages & tobacco $1.46M
Business & finance services $1.18M

Balance of trade

Latvia Serbia
Current account balance
-$688M
2024
-$4.1B
2024
Current account balance ranking
115/190
2024
162/190
2024
Current account balance, % of GDP
-1.57%
2024
-4.56%
2024
Goods imports
$23.4B
2024
$39.6B
2024
Goods exports
$20.1B
2024
$32.2B
2024
Service imports
$5.86B
2024
$12.6B
2024
Service exports
$8.42B
2024
$15.7B
2024
Imports of goods and services, % of GDP
66.9%
2024
58.1%
2024
Exports of goods and services, % of GDP
65.3%
2024
53.6%
2024

Economic freedom indices

The indices of economic freedom below are issued by the Heritage Foundation. Higher scores indicate stronger economic health.

Latvia Serbia
Economic freedom 71.6 65
Economic freedom ranking 31/197 68/197
Property rights 88.8 57.2
Government integrity 67.7 37.2
Judicial effectiveness 70.9 50.1
Tax burden 70.9 88
Government spending 42.7 48.2
Fiscal health 80.8 94.3
Business freedom 80.7 73.6
Labor freedom 60.5 61.8
Monetary freedom 76.3 73
Trade freedom 79.4 76.6
Investment freedom 80 70
Financial freedom 60 50

Economic freedom comparison by year

Latvia
Serbia
1x
Year Economic freedom index
Latvia Serbia
2026 71.6 65
2025 71.4 64.4
2024 71.5 62.7
2023 72.8 63.5
2022 74.8 65.2
2021 72.3 67.2
2020 71.9 66
2019 70.4 63.9
2018 73.6 62.5
2017 74.8 58.9
2016 70.4 62.1
2015 69.7 60
2014 68.7 59.4
2013 66.5 58.6
2012 65.2 58
2011 65.8 58
2010 66.2 56.9
2009 66.6 56.6
2008 68.3 -
2007 67.9 -
2006 66.9 -
2005 66.3 -
2004 67.4 -
2003 66 43.5
2002 65 46.6
2001 66.4 -
2000 63.4 -
1999 64.2 -
1998 63.4 -
1997 62.4 -
1996 55 -

Data sources: The Heritage Foundation | Economic Freedom Index (1996–2026, retrieved 2026-03-09).

GeoRank.org/economy/latvia/serbia | CC BY

The Economic Freedom Index for Latvia is 71.6, ranking 31/197, compared to 65 for Serbia, ranking 68/197. The chart above displays a comparison of annual changes in economic freedom indexes.

Other economic metrics

Latvia Serbia
Services, % of GDP
64.6%
2024
58.8%
2024
Industry, % of GDP
18.5%
2024
23.1%
2024
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, % of GDP
4.04%
2024
3.17%
2024
GNI, Atlas method
$40.4B
2024
$76.5B
2024
GNI per capita, PPP
$42,660
2024
$30,770
2024
Total reserves including gold
$5.14B
2024
$30.5B
2024
Total reserves ranking
98/177
2024
55/177
2024
Net foreign direct investment
-$1.26B
2024
-$4.93B
2024
Net inflows of foreign direct investment
$1.51B
2024
$5.59B
2024
Net outflows of foreign direct investment
$257M
2024
$661M
2024
Servicing debt to the IMF, % of GNI n/a
12.2%
2024
Poverty at national poverty lines
22.5%
2022
19.7%
2023
Gross capital formation, % of GDP
20.9%
2024
25%
2024

GDP per capita map

1x

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1985–2024, retrieved 2026-04-06); U.S. Census Bureau (1985–2024, retrieved 2026-02-08).

GeoRank.org/economy/latvia/serbia | CC BY

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Data sources:

  1. World Bank | Economy & Growth (1985–2024, retrieved 2026-04-06)
  2. International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Fiscal Monitor (1998–2024, retrieved 2026-02-20)
  3. The Heritage Foundation | Economic Freedom Index (1996–2026, retrieved 2026-03-09)
  4. U.S. Census Bureau (1985–2024, retrieved 2026-02-08)
  5. TradeMap (2016–2024, retrieved 2026-02-08)
  6. United Nations | World Population Prospects (2026, retrieved 2026-03-10)
  7. LivingCost (2026, retrieved 2025-10-14)

Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) — you’re free to copy, share, remix, adapt, and use even commercially as long as you give appropriate credit and clearly indicate if you made changes. Other sources may be subject to different license terms.

The current account balance is the sum of net trade in goods and services, net earnings from cross-border investments, and net transfer payments. It reflects a country's economic transactions with the rest of the world and is a fundamental component of the balance of payments. A surplus indicates that a country exports more than it imports, while a deficit shows the opposite.

Gross National Income (GNI) measures a country's total income. It encompasses income earned by residents, businesses, and foreign sources, defined as employee compensation and investment profits. GNI adds product taxes not included elsewhere and subtracts subsidies. It accounts for income from residents working abroad but excludes earnings from foreigners within the country.

A negative value for Net Foreign Direct Investment indicates a country is a net receiver of investments, as foreign inflows exceed outflows after Balance of Payments adjustments. A positive value indicates a net provider, with outflows exceeding inflows. Inflows are credits (increasing foreign claims on domestic assets), while outflows are debits (increasing domestic assets abroad).

Foreign direct investment (FDI, net inflows) shows how much capital foreign investors bring into a country after accounting for any funds that flow back in the opposite direction. It represents the net value of overseas companies establishing, expanding, or financing businesses in the reporting country. A positive number means more capital entered the country than was withdrawn, while a negative number means foreign investors pulled out more than they invested.

Foreign direct investment (FDI, net outflows) shows how much capital residents of a country invest abroad after accounting for any funds that flow back in the opposite direction. It represents the net value of domestic companies establishing, expanding, or financing businesses in other countries. A positive number means more capital was invested abroad than withdrawn, while a negative number means residents pulled back more than they invested.

Principal and interest payments to the IMF in currency, goods, or services on long-term debt expressed as a share of GNI.

Formerly gross domestic investment, gross capital formation measures the share of a country’s economic output invested in fixed assets, including buildings, machinery, and infrastructure. It indicates how much of the economy is devoted to building productive capacity.