Small towns of Latvia: disparities in regional and urban development

The article reports on the results of an economic and sociological study conducted by Institute Sociology Russian Academy Sciences in collaboration with Daugavpils University (Latvia) 2020—2021. aimed to identify reasons for disparity development small towns Latvia. A comprehensive approach was taken integrate territorial, spatial socio-economic analyses. By employing methodology indexing ranking large-scale empirical data characterising all Latvia, authors attempt rate index territorial regions, cities rural settlements developed has been tested State Agency Regional Development Latvia since 2013. collected were then analysed taking into account geographical location towns. research showed that main factors influencing are level business activity role local authorities provision public funding. describes prospects polycentric analyses ways reducing disparities their terms working living conditions residents.