Long-term spatial population data analysis in Latvia: challenges posed by the administrative-territorial reforms

Aleksandrs Dahs, University of Latvia

In modern socio-economic demography, there is a growing interest in research on/about the spatial and temporal aspects of demographic trends. When dealing with spatial population data on the long and mid-term timescales, scholars often face challenges associated with data comparability due to shifts in administrative-territorial boundaries and frequent rearrangements in the national or regional spatial planning. Aim of this study is to provide methodological base for the recalculation and analysis of spatial population data in the framework of changing administrative-territorial division of Latvia. Population census results (1959, 1970, 1979, 1989 and 2000) were recalculated according to the new administrative division. Further, using Latvia as an example, author discusses applications of recalculated data for the exploratory analysis of population trends within the specific country or region and evaluates prospective results of such approach.