Riga and Vilnius: the socio-spatial dimensions of rivalry between the largest Baltic cities

This article presents a comparative analysis of the recent trend of socio-spatial transformation in the urban regions of Vilnius and Riga. Based on an analysis of statistical data from the latest population censuses, this research aims to determine the scope and character of the transformations of the metropolitan areas of both cities in the 2010s. The article compares the spatial expansion of the two metropolitan areas and the socio-demographic changes that this expansion has brought about. Similar processes of urban sprawl have led to different socio-demographic changes, although the intensity of spatial transformations is slowing in comparison to the previous decade.