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Creation and implementation of the complex national development strategy is very significant for sustainable growth of any country. The Parliament of Latvia has focused on increasing quality of life as the basic development goal in its broad multidimensional sense; increasing welfare level, safety and sustainability are pillars of the quality of life concept. Quantitative criteria of the quality of life, which are rooted in the mentality of Latvia´s population, were selected to monitor the implementation of the development model regularly and objectively. Criteria are integrated in the quality of life index. The analysis of development trend in 2003-2013 shows the adequacy of the chosen trend despite of the economic crisis 2007-2009. Recommendations on further structural activities are presented, which should be carried out on national, regional and municipal levels to achieve general increase of the quality of life throughout the country. This book will be valuable to scholars, policy-makers and consultants in public administration and management domains.

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Edvins Karnitis, Prof., Dr. Sc. eng., Dr. h. c. Latvian Academy of Sciences; Leading researcher, University of Latvia. Active in elaboration of national strategic programmes. Maris Kucinskis, Member of the Saeima, Chairman of the Sustainable Development Committee. Supervisor of elaboration of the National Development Plan 2007-2013.

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