04.12.2025 16:30
The shortage of men in Latvia is particularly increasing the difficulties single and young women face in finding partners. The male population is declining due to high alcohol consumption, accidents, and suicide rates. This situation has led to the rise of a service known as "hourly husbands," where repairmen are hired.
A striking social issue has emerged in Latvia in recent years: the decline of the male population. While women in the country enjoy advantages in education, health, and life expectancy, men are dying at younger ages due to alcohol use, workplace accidents, and high suicide rates. This situation has led to a serious "finding a spouse or partner" problem, especially for single women.
29-year-old Dania notes that almost all the staff at the festivals she works at are women, saying:
"There’s no problem, but it would be more balanced if there were a few men around. At least there would be a few people to chat with and flirt."
Her friend Zane mentions that many women are finding partners abroad for this reason:
"Everyone I know is going to other countries to establish their relationships there. It’s really hard to find a man here."
New trend: "One-hour husband" service
The shortage of men has led to the emergence of an interesting service sector in Latvia: the "one-hour husband."
This service allows women to call in a handyman for small repairs and maintenance jobs at home.
For just a few euros, a handyman comes to the house for tasks such as faucet repairs, TV installations, furniture assembly, electrical work, and even heavy lifting.
Companies like Komanda24 send "golden-handed" craftsmen to women’s homes every day of the week.
Remontdarbi.lv has turned this service into a kind of "in-home Uber," directing craftsmen to women who request them within an hour at the latest.
So why are there so few men in Latvia?
Sociologist Baiba Bela explains the decline in the male population as follows:
"The mortality rate for men aged 30-40 is three times higher than that of women. The main reasons for this are alcohol, traffic accidents, and workplace accidents."