Territory

The Vidzeme Planning Region is the largest planning region in Latvia in terms of territory, covering nearly one-third (19,770 km² or 30.6%) of the country. The Vidzeme Region is classified as a NUTS 3 level region.

The region is home to approximately 273,835 residents, accounting for 14.6% of Latvia’s total population (according to the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia, 2024). At the same time, Vidzeme has the lowest population density in Latvia, with 14 people per km² (compared to the national average of 30 people per km²).

The Vidzeme Planning Region is rich in bioresources (soil, water, etc.), with forests covering 56% of its territory. The region is characterized by high environmental quality, balanced ecosystems, and relatively low levels of pollution. These factors contribute to a high-quality living environment and create favorable conditions for regional development.

Within the Vidzeme Planning Region, particularly in and around the Gauja National Park, the first bioregion in Latvia and the Baltics is being developed. A bioregion is an area where economic activities are carried out in accordance with organic and environmentally friendly principles, along with the implementation of sustainable resource management practices.

The Vidzeme Planning Region boasts a dynamic economic environment where the development of traditional industries intertwines with modern technologies and innovations. The focus is on creating high added value in business processes, products, and services. The region hosts several business support organizations, including the Vidzeme Open Innovation Centre, Vidzeme Business Centre, regional representations of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), the European Digital Innovation Hub, and others.

Vidzemes Augstskola (Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences) plays a significant role in regional growth. In addition to offering a wide range of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, it provides lifelong learning opportunities and collaborates successfully with companies across various industries. Its research activities contribute academic solutions to practical challenges, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of local businesses on both national and international levels.

Vidzeme aims to achieve higher productivity and create more valuable products. Therefore, the region’s economic transformation is strategically directed toward higher added value, increased productivity, and more efficient use of resources.

The region holds a strategically important geographical position: Vidzeme is a border region of the European Union with access to the Baltic Sea. Several significant international transport corridors pass through Vidzeme, including TEN-T (Trans-European Transport Network), Via Hanseatica, Via Baltica, and Rail Baltica. These corridors form strategic development zones essential for the integration of the Baltic Sea region.

Thanks to its geographical location and functional connections, the Vidzeme Planning Region is closely linked with the Riga Planning Region, maintaining strong ties to the capital as the national administrative center and transport hub.