Latvian Germans are a historical ethnic group that originated from German settlers in the region of Latvia. They played a significant role in the cultural and economic development of the area, particularly during the Teutonic Order period in the Middle Ages. Many Latvian Germans were involved in agriculture, trade, and the administration of the region. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the population of Latvian Germans began to decline due to various factors, including World War I and the subsequent political changes in Eastern Europe. Today, their legacy remains evident in Latvian culture, architecture, and language, although the community itself has significantly diminished.