Lithuania
Visited
At a glance
- Region
- Northern Europe
- Capital
- Vilnius
- Population
- 2.9 million (2024)
- Area
- 65,300 km²
- Languages
- Lithuanian
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Drives on the
- right
- Calling code
- +370
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Before you go
Overview
The Republic of Lithuania is a country located in the Baltic region of Europe. It is on the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, east of Sweden and Denmark. Of the three Baltic counties, it is the largest and most southerly.
The country recorded a population of 2.794 million by 2020 and covers an area of 65,300 km2.
Its capital city is Vilnius known for its baroque architecture in its ancient old town, which is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Other major cities are Kaunas and Klaipeda.
Trakai Castle, located on an island in Lake Galve.
History
Lithuania was formerly occupied by German troops during the Russian rule in the First World War. It was founded in 1918.
Russia recognized the country’s boundaries in 1920. The Soviet Union forced Lithuania to accept their military base. They invaded in 1940 and forcefully assimilated the country into the Soviet Union. They later recognized their independence in 1991 when the country joined the UN.
It was admitted into the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in 2004.
Food & culture
The culture of the country resembles that of Latvia and also has influences from the cultures of the Nordic, German and Slavic.
He crops grown in the country include spring barley, winter rye, winter wheat, spring wheat, oats, potatoes, sugarbeets and pulses.
The common dishes include cepelinai, cold borscht, dark rye bread, stuffed cabbage and potato pancakes.
Wildlife
The common wildlife animals include otters, wolves, badgers, wild boars, ermine, stags, elk and deer.
Festivals & events
The common events include Galapagai Rock Music Festival, Palanga Smelt Festival, Vilnius Festival, Trakai Middle Age Festival and International Vilnius Film Festival.
Things to see
Ther is the Trakai Island Castle on an island on Lake Galve in Trakai in the 14th century.
There is also the Gedimino tower, which is the only remaining part of the upper castle in Vilnius built by Gediminas and alert by Grand Duke Vytautas and Jan Borowski.
Other good places to visit are the Hill of Crosses, Vilnius Old Town and Nerija National Park.
Interesting facts
Lithuania is the only world’s country with an official scent called the scent of Lithuania.
The most popular sport is basketball.
The official language is Lithuanian.
Majority of the population are Roman Catholics.
Cities & towns I’ve visited
Neighbours
My Bucket List goals in Lithuania
None on the list yet. Got a suggestion? Email Dan.