The population of Latvia is actively buying weapons.

In the last two years, the overall situation and increasing security risks in Latvia have prompted more and more people to buy firearms. However, due to restrictions for citizens of Russia and Belarus, sales have changed.

'Due to the fact that non-citizens of Latvia, as well as citizens of the Russian Federation and Belarus, have been deprived of the right to weapons, including sports and hunting firearms, since the beginning of 2023, the State Police has revoked about 1000 storage permits' - stated in the article.

Police officers and weapons dealers report that demand for weapons has increased as people want to better protect themselves due to the war of the aggressor country against Ukraine.

Changes in the number of firearm owners

The number of firearm owners in Latvia has decreased in recent years, but the number of units of weapons owned by residents has increased. According to State Police representative Liga Bagdone, in 2022 the number of owners was 32,132, while in 2024 it decreased to 30,663. However, the number of registered units of weapons increased from 73 to 74,809.

Changes triggered by the situation in Ukraine

After the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the demand for weapon permits increased, as reported by Liga Bagdone. Most firearm owners in Latvia are currently hunters and those who acquired firearms for self-defense and sport.

Chairman of the Latvian Hunters Union Janis Baumanis stated that there are about 20,000 registered hunters in the country, who possess 50,000 units of firearms.

A member of the weapons and ammunition trading company Zommers, Sandra Libeka, emphasized that weapons circulation in Latvia is controlled at a high level. She highlighted the importance of border control and transparency in the process.

Latvian Minister of Defense Andris Spruds supports the call of women to the National Defense Service and considers it necessary to ensure gender equality. He pointed out that this innovation has already been implemented in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, and it will be applied in the future.