Lithuania is a beautiful country which is located in the south-eastern corner of the Baltic Sea, that is why it belongs among the Baltic states. Lithuania borders on Latvia, Belarus, Poland and the Kaliningrad region of the Russian Federation. Total area is 65, 200 square kilometres. Capital city is Vilnius. Lithuanian landscape has been formed by the glaciers - there are lowlands, Eastern Highlands and uplands (but they are not taller than 300 metres) and a sandy coastline facing the Baltic Sea. The highest point of Lithuania is Kruopine Hill (294 metres). There are also wetlands, lakes and rivers in Lithuania. The longest river is Nemunas. About 28 % of land is covered by woods.

Country is divided into 10 counties. Currency is Lithuanian litas.

History

Lithuania has very rich history. The very first ruler was Mindaugas, who joined small duchies into one powerful state. Lithuania became the largest country in Europe in the fourteenth century.

In eighteenth century Lithuania was occupied by Russia. As a result of this occupation, country gained independence in 1917. During the World War II. there was a nazi occupation and than Lithuania was re-occupied by Soviet Union. People fought against the communist rule and finally, country became free and independent in 1991. In May 2004 Lithuania joined the European Union.

People

Population of Lithuania is 3, 575, 439. It makes from Lithuania the largest Baltic state. But many people were killed during the nazi and Russian occupation. Main religion is roman catholic.

Official language is Lithuanian and many Lithuanians can also communicate in Russian.

What to do

You can visit many national parks to see a virgin nature. You can rent a boat and scour many waterways. You can admire medieval architecture, attend cultural matters, visit galleries and museums.