CONFERENCEMigration processes in remote regions of Latvia: the Latgale and Selija borderlands
Zaiga Krisjane
University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences
Elina Apsite-Berina
University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences
Ineta Grine
University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences
Maris Berzins
University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences
Ginta Joca
University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences
DOI: 10.22364/fg.15.23
Keywords: migration, population, peripheral regions
Abstract
This research sheds light on the effects of migration on marginalisation processes in remote regions of Latvia, specifically the rural parishes of Latgale and Selija. The aim of the paper is to analyse the features of migration in peripheral areas by characterising residents of particular territories. The data used in this research has been gathered by surveying local residents in 2014 and 2015 in parishes of Latvia bordering Russia and Lithuania. The main results of the research suggest that inhabitants of peripheral areas have low migration potential as they are considerably immobile. This is influenced by population aging, especially common in areas bordering Russia. Additionally, a number of borderland inhabitants have family members who have moved elsewhere in Latvia or abroad.