Where is education in a transition economy heading? The case of Latvia

Zane Leduskrasta, University of Latvia

Education is an important precondition for dynamic state and regional development. The demographic situation in Latvia is characterized by population ageing and negative natural movement. Despite the shrinking population the number of students in higher education establishments has been constantly rising since 1993, the ratio of students per 1000 habitants has increased from 138 to 556, and Latvia is ranked 2nd in the world according to this indicator. By calculating the number of potential university entrants the paper aims to assess the future developments of size and structure of student population in Latvia. It also sees how the changes would affect the higher education system.