Lithuania, officially known as the Republic of Lithuania, is a country located in the Baltic region of Europe. It is located on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea and shares borders with Latvia to the north, Belarus to the east and south, Poland to the south, and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad to the southwest. The strategic location of Lithuania has played a significant role in shaping its history and culture.
Geography
Climate
Lithuania experiences a temperate climate, with mild summers and cold winters. The coastal regions are moderated by the Baltic Sea, while inland areas have more continental conditions. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with snowfall common in the winter months.
Fauna
Lithuania is home to diverse flora and fauna, with forests covering approximately one-third of the country’s territory. The forests support a variety of wildlife, including deer, wild boar, wolves, and lynx. Birdwatchers will also find an abundance of species, including storks, cranes, and eagles.
Longest Rivers
The Nemunas River, also known as the Nieman River, is the longest river in Lithuania, flowing for approximately 937 kilometers (582 miles) through the country. The Neris River is another important waterway, running through the capital city of Vilnius and playing a significant role in the country’s history and culture.
Highest Mountains
Lithuania is relatively flat, and it does not have any significant mountain ranges. The highest point in the country is Juozapine Hill, reaching an elevation of only 294 meters (965 feet) above sea level.
History
Prehistory
The territory of present-day Lithuania has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, with evidence of early human settlements dating back over 10,000 years. The region was later inhabited by Baltic tribes, who formed the basis of Lithuania’s ethnic and cultural identity.
Medieval Grand Duchy
In the 13th century, Lithuania emerged as a powerful state under the leadership of Grand Duke Mindaugas. The Grand Duchy of Lithuania expanded its territory through conquest and diplomacy, eventually forming a powerful union with the Kingdom of Poland known as the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
Union with Poland
The Union of Lublin in 1569 formalized the relationship between Poland and Lithuania, creating a federal state with a shared monarch and parliament. The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth became one of the largest and most populous countries in Europe, exerting significant influence over the region’s politics, culture, and trade.
Russian Empire and Independence
In the late 18th century, Lithuania came under Russian rule following the partitions of Poland. However, Lithuanian nationalists continued to resist Russian domination, leading to the emergence of a strong nationalist movement in the 19th century. Lithuania declared independence in 1918, following the collapse of the Russian Empire and World War I.
Soviet Occupation and Independence
Lithuania’s independence was short-lived, as the country was occupied by the Soviet Union in 1940 as part of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. The Soviet occupation was followed by a period of Nazi occupation during World War II, before Lithuania was reoccupied by the Soviet Union. Lithuania regained its independence in 1990 following the collapse of the Soviet Union, becoming the first Soviet republic to declare independence.
Demographics
Lithuania has a population of approximately 2.8 million people, making it one of the most populous countries in the Baltic region. The majority of the population is ethnically Lithuanian, with significant minorities of Poles, Russians, and Belarusians. The official language is Lithuanian, which is one of the oldest languages in Europe and belongs to the Baltic language group.
Administrative Divisions
Lithuania is divided into 10 counties (apskritys), each with its own local government and administrative authority.
List of Administrative Divisions with Population
- Vilnius County – Population: 812,000
- Kaunas County – Population: 579,000
- Klaipėda County – Population: 311,000
- Šiauliai County – Population: 275,000
- Panevėžys County – Population: 226,000
- Alytus County – Population: 155,000
- Marijampolė County – Population: 152,000
- Tauragė County – Population: 120,000
- Utena County – Population: 154,000
- Telšiai County – Population: 150,000
10 Largest Cities by Population
- Vilnius
- Kaunas
- Klaipėda
- Šiauliai
- Panevėžys
- Alytus
- Marijampolė
- Mažeikiai
- Jonava
- Utena
Education Systems
Education in Lithuania is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 16. The country has a well-developed education system, with a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy. Lithuania has several universities and colleges offering a wide range of academic programs, with Vilnius University and Kaunas University of Technology being among the top-ranked institutions in the country.
Transportation
Lithuania has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, with modern highways, railways, and airports connecting the country to neighboring countries and major cities in Europe.
Airports
Lithuania has three international airports: Vilnius Airport, Kaunas Airport, and Palanga Airport. These airports serve as important hubs for both domestic and international flights, providing convenient access to Lithuania from destinations around the world.
Railways
Lithuania has a dense railway network operated by Lithuanian Railways, connecting major cities and towns across the country. The total length of railway tracks in Lithuania is approximately 1,800 kilometers, with regular passenger and freight services.
Highways
Lithuania has a network of modern highways and roads, including several major motorways such as the A1, A2, and A5. The total length of paved roads in Lithuania is approximately 21,000 kilometers, providing efficient transportation for both passengers and goods.
Ports
Lithuania has several major ports along its Baltic Sea coastline, including the Port of Klaipėda, which is the largest port in the country. The Port of Klaipėda serves as a key hub for maritime trade and transportation, handling a wide range of cargo and passenger traffic.
Country Facts
- Population: 2.8 million
- Capital: Vilnius
- Language: Lithuanian
- Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
- Ethnicity: Lithuanian, with minorities of Poles, Russians, and Belarusians
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- ISO Country Codes: LT
- International Calling Code: +370
- Top-level Domain: .lt