In the northern European country of Latvia, a quiet but fascinating social shift has been taking place — one that has caught the attention of travelers, researchers, and even single men from abroad. While the rest of the world debates dating apps, commitment issues, and modern relationships, Latvia faces a very different challenge: there simply aren’t enough men.
And not just a few missing — the country has one of the largest gender imbalances in Europe, with significantly more women than men. In some regions, the gap is so wide that entire communities are adjusting their lifestyle, traditions, and even business services to cope.
A Nation Where Women Outnumber Men
For years, Latvian women joked about how hard it was to find a stable, reliable partner. But eventually, the joke turned into reality. Many young and middle-aged women realized that they were competing for a very limited number of bachelors.
The reasons for this unusual imbalance remain unclear. Some speculate that lifestyle habits affect male life expectancy. Others believe economic migration plays a role, with young men leaving for better opportunities in other countries. Whatever the cause, the outcome is obvious: Latvia has far more women than men, and the gap keeps growing.
A Creative Solution: Renting “Husbands for a Day”
As the imbalance became more noticeable, a curious trend emerged in several Latvian cities — the rise of “rent-a-husband” services.
These are not romantic services, nor matchmaking agencies. Instead, women can hire a man for an hour or a day to help with tasks that traditionally might require male strength or skills:
fixing a broken cabinet
assembling furniture
carrying heavy items
basic home repairs
yard work
shoveling snow during long winters
For women who live alone — and there are many — this service turned out to be surprisingly useful. What started as a small niche idea soon grew into a mainstream local business. Posters, websites, and apps began advertising temporary helpers labeled as “husbands,” though no marriage or romantic involvement was part of the deal.
One woman interviewed said, “I don’t need a real husband to hang a curtain rod, but I definitely need someone tall enough to help me reach it.”
Another joked, “It’s easier to rent a husband than find one.”
Locals Have Mixed Feelings — But Mostly Humor
Despite the unusual situation, most people in Latvia treat the gender imbalance with humor rather than stress. Cafés and salons are filled with lighthearted conversations about the lack of men.
Some women say, “We don’t need more men — we need better ones.”
Others admit they simply wish there were more people to flirt or socialize with.
Meanwhile, single men — especially foreigners — often find Latvia unexpectedly welcoming. Some joke that the country is a paradise for bachelors, while others describe it as “friendly, peaceful, and full of warmhearted people.”
A Surprising Opportunity for Single Men
Every now and then, stories circulate about foreign men who moved to Latvia and ended up marrying a local woman within months. With so many women seeking long-term stability, newcomers often receive a warmer welcome than they expect.
So, for single men feeling unlucky in love, there’s a growing joke online:
“Forget dating apps — try Riga.”
A Light-Hearted Trend Reflecting Real Social Change
While the idea of “renting husbands” sounds humorous, it reflects a genuine shift in population patterns and daily life. With more women living independently, Latvia has adapted in creative ways, embracing humor and innovation rather than frustration.
Whether this imbalance will change in the future remains unknown. But for now, Latvia stands as an example of how societies evolve — even when the solution is as simple as hiring a “husband for an hour” to fix a leaky tap.