Lithuania

A country of beauty and great history along with rich vibrant culture

Lithuania is so small, yet beautiful country in the Baltic region of Europe, which can be characterized as a land of small treasures, where the nature and the remnants of extremely old civilizations meet. Located in the midst of dense forests, calm lakes and long rugged coastline adjacent to Baltic sea, landscapes of Lithuania are a whiff of fresh air to anyone who cherishes nature and is an adventurer. The combination of old and new is also made up of a long history starting in medieval times and a current compassion towards protecting the culture. You are fascinated by historical places, amazing nature or kind people of the country, as well, Lithuania is a dream-like experience which stands to be lived.

To obtain all information about Lithuania, look at its Wikipedia site to see its detailed history as well as general information. To get the official resource and news visit the official site of Lithuania

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Geographical Location

Lithuania is situated right in the middle of Northern Europe and is surrounded by other nations Latvia, which is in the north, Poland, which is in the south and Belarus, which is in the east and south, and the Baltic Sea, which is in the west. It is a significant connecting point between Western Europe and Eastern Europe because of its geographic position. Lithuania is one of the small land in Europe covering a total area of about 65,300 square kilometers. Nonetheless, the small size of this country is enriched with a high geographical diversity with its impressive plains, hills, and valleys, making it so special.

Topography and Natural Landmarks

There is no doubting the beauty that is natural in Lithuania, the landscapes are full of forests, rivers, and lakes. The Curonian Spit is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which runs along the Baltic coast of the Baltic showing exquisite combination of sand dunes, forests as well as beaches. They have many lakes, one of the largest lakes is Lake Drkgsiai and lake Plateliai. Lithuania is also in possession of several national parks, which are guarded, so that visitors can devote time to nature and discover so-called ancient forests, hiking trails and clean flowing rivers.

Medieval and Ancient History

The history of Lithuania starts with the early medieval as the country became one of the last remaining pagan countries in Europe. The 13th century marked the birth of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania that became one of the biggest and most powerful kingdoms in Europe and controlled most of present-day Belarus, Ukraine and Poland. One can still find the remains of this powerful kingdom even today in the architecture, law and the culture of the country.

The Colonial period and Independence

Centuries of foreign occupation can be seen in the history of the fight of Lithuania to be independent. Russia dominated the country throughout the 18 th and19 th centuries and was inherited by the Soviets following the World War II. In 1990, Lithuania became the first Soviet republic to announce that it has broken away, and the USSR was on its way to breaking up. The historical event was a turning point in the democratic and sovereign story of Lithuania.

Contemporary History and Development

Lithuania has recorded a high political and economic growth since the country became independent. In 2004, the country also became a member of NATO and the European Union that empowered its role on the international level. Today, Lithuania is a successful state with a fast-developing economy due to the concentration on innovation/technology/sustainable development.

Diversity based on Ethnicity and Religion

Lithuania is a nation with a high ethnic diversity, even though the largest number of people who occupy it constitute the ethnic Lithuanians. The nation is an amalgamation of many minorities such as Poles, Russians, and Belarusians. Most of the Lithuanians are Roman Catholics, and Catholicism features among the main highlights of tradition and celebration in Lithuania. The Lithuanian language is considered to be one of the most ancient in the whole world and there is the close connection with the national identity of this country.

Traditions and customs

Lithuania has a rich culture that inculcates traditions that have been practiced over the thousands of years through generations. The celebration of the summer solstice, or the Rasos is probably one of the dearest traditions and those people meet up to dance around the bonfires, sing songs and celebrate the longest day of the year. Folk music is also an important component of the culture of Lithuania as it is played using complicated harmonies and traditional instruments such as kanklss.

Religious Festivals

The religious celebrations in Lithuania especially those with the association of catholicism are a colorful element of the Lithuanian culture. The most popular holidays are Christmas and Easter which are celebrated by means of beautiful processions and traditional feasting. Other celebrated holidays are more important: the Feast of the Assumption and St. Casimir who are the patron saints of Lithuania giving a little insight into the spiritual life of the country.

Special Days and National Holidays

The greatest national holiday in Lithuania is the Independence Day which is celebrated on March 11. It is the day in 1990 when Lithuania had declared its independence with the Soviet Union. The day is characterized with parades, cultural events and concerts that portray the pride of the people of a country on its sovereignty and its quest towards freedom.

Agricultural Sector

Back in the past, the economy of Lithuania was mainly agricultural. The industry of agriculture continues to be important, though today the country grows a lot of different crops such as grains, potatoes, and vegetables. It is also a major livestock farmer in which dairy farming is a core part of the farming sector.

Industrial and Manufacturing expansion

Lithuania has moved to more diversified economy, where manufacturing, technology, and services have been leading towards its GDP. The machine, electronics and textiles are major exports of the country. The industrial sector which has expanded greatly in Lithuania, especially in IT and biotechnology has placed the country as an emerging innovative centre of Europe.

Economic Development

Since independence economic development of Lithuania has been impressive. Foreign investment and technological boom have increased in the country. In spite of the problems of unemployment and income inequality, Lithuanian economy is still developing favorably; it is helped by very skilled workforce in the country and geographical positioning within the EU.

Top Things to See in Lithuania

Lithuania is a wonderful country with the breathtaking nature and cultural attractions that need to be on the list of every traveller. There are six attractions that one need not to miss:

1. Curonian Spit

The Curonian Spit is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is known because of its unusual sand dunes and a dense forest. It presents beautiful scenery of the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon so it will be an ideal place to visit to tourists who love the environment and enjoy spending some time outdoors.

2. Island Trakai Castle

Trakai Island Castle is one of the most fantastic medieval castles, located on an island in Lake Galv on. The castle is a very interesting idea of what Lithuania was in the past because there are historical exhibitions and the beauty of the castle placed in the middle of crystal clear waters and wonderful landscapes.

3. The Vilnius Old Town

The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vilnius Old Town is a place with cobblestone street, colorful squares, and outstanding historical buildings such as the Vilnius Cathedral and Gediminas Tower. The district is the mix of the history, culture, and the wonderful buildings where it is so nice to take a relaxing walk.

4. Hill of the Crosses

Hill of Crosses is an emotional place located around the town of Siauliai where thousand crosses are set as the symbol of Lithuanian fight against foreign occupation. It is a strong statement of faith and Lithuanian spirit which is still alive.

5. the National Park of Aukstaiji

Aukštaitija National Park is an embodiment of heaven to the nature lovers characterized by thick forests, calm lakes and villages. It is the best place to take a walk, watch birds and admire the beauty of Lithuanian nature that is pristine, thus ideal destination to escape city noise and adventure in nature.

6. Kaunas Old Town

Kaunas Old Town is a romantic mixture of the old medieval past and contemporary culture. Kaunas castle and Town Hall are some examples of key highlights whereas the Laisves Ala pedestrian street is something that you want to have a nice walk in the middle of the city.

Healthcare System

The healthcare in Lithuania has undergone considerable developments. Healthcare in the country is universal, although in urban settings there are advanced medical organizations, the problem of care distribution still exists in rural regions. Nevertheless, Lithuania has also achieved significant progress overtaking their efforts to enhance health initiatives mainly focusing on chronic illnesses and escalating vaccination rates.

Education System

Lithuania has a very high level of interest in education and this is reflected by the good education system that provides free primary school and secondary school. The country has also some of the most reputable universities such as Vilnius University that is one of the oldest universities in Europa. Lithuania has invested in the education posing the possibility that the future generations shall enjoy quality educational opportunities.

Transport Network

Lithuania has a highly developed transportation network in the form of a well-functioning system of roads, railway, and airports. The largest airport in the country is Vilnius International Airport that has direct connection to some of the biggest cities of Europe. The roads are modern; the problem is the traffic congestion in such cities as Vilnius and Kaunas.

Urban Development

The cities in Lithuania, especially in Vilnius, have experienced a lot of modernization. The nation is concentrated on long-lasting reproduction, and environmentally friendly programs like development of blue energy and cultural advancement of transportation in the large cities are also carried out there.

Ideal Seasons

Late spring and early autumn months between May and September are the most suitable time to visit Lithuania because the weather is mild, and it is most suitable to exercise outside. Summer is also the season when some of the cultural festivals and events are organized, which provides one with the idea of the rich traditions of the country.

Special Events and Festivals

To see Lithuania in its most bubbling form you should come when the most popular festival is taking place, to Kaziuko Mug e (the longest-established fair in Lithuania on the first weekend of March).

Conclusion; the future of Lithuania

The future of Lithuania is bright and at the same time it is extremely concerned with maintaining its cultural heritage and opening itself to modernity. As the nation keeps expanding economically and culturally, it keeps becoming an attractive destination that welcomes anyone who wants to have an experience of history, nature, and innovation mix. Existing traditions along with the commitment to sustainability make Lithuania the country that will achieve success on a global scale in the future.

The commonest questions found are those regarding the existence of natures and the multiplicity of natures.

When should you visit Lithuania?

Lithuania can be best visited during the month of spring and summer (May- September) because during this period the weather is favorable and festivals are held.

Which are the best places in Lithuania?

Its main attractions are the Curonian Spit, Trakai Island Castle, Vilnius Old Town and the Hill of Crosses.

Which languages are used in Lithuania?

It is spoken in Lithuanian with some portion speaking Russian and Polish.

Which sectors of Lithuanian economy are the most important?

The Lithuanian economy is based on manufacturing, technology, agriculture and service sector, as well as the increasing attention to biotechnology and IT.

Is Lithuania safe to tourists?

Lithuania is very safe as you may say and few criminal statistics and founders.

Which are the cultural festivals that I should be experiencing in Lithuania?

Kaziuko Mug and inconcert, the Vilnius International Film Festival, and the celebrations of the summer solstice belong to the most popular cultural events.