Lithuania

Lithuania is a country in Northern Europe, the largest of the three Baltic states. It is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, to the east of Sweden and Denmark. It borders Latvia to the north, Belarus to the east and south, Poland to the south, and Kaliningrad Oblast to the southwest.

Lithuania has an estimated population of 3 million and its capital and largest city is Vilnius. The Lithuanians are a Baltic people, and the official language, Lithuanian, is one of only two living languages (together with Latvian) in the Baltic branch of the Indo-European language family.

Lithuania in Europe

Lithuania map

The first thing that you must to see in Lithuania is Trakai Island Castle. Trakai – the only historical national park in Europe and the ancient capital of Lithuania. It is a historic city built on water about 30km west from the capital city of Lithuania – Vilnius. The area is a popular tourist destination. There are 20 lakes in the region. The deepest one is Lake Galvė (46.7m deep) with its 21 islands.

Most beautiful places in Lithuania

Trakai Island Castle

Also, you have to go to Aukstaitija National Park – the oldest and most popular Lithuanian natural treasure. It is offers untouched paradise full of deep green forests and blue lakes, which create extraordinary charm to this country.

Aukstaitija National Park

Other beautiful places which you have to see: • The longest river in Lithuania Nemunas Delta

Natural Park – Venice of Lithuania. • Between Russia and Lithuania you can find

peninsula called Curonian Spit, where is situated a unique national park with sand dunes – Kursiu Nerija National Park - Baltic Sahara in Lithuania.

Delta Natural Park

Kursiu Nerija National Park

• Vilnius – Baroque city and the capital of Lithuania. From the tower of Gediminas Castle visitors are presented with breathtaking views of the baroque Vilnius Old Town. The abundance of churches is particularly eye-catching: it is often said that regardless of where in the Old Town you are, you are always next to a church. From the gothic masterpiece of St. Anne’s to the baroque splendour of Sts. Peter and Paul, the architectural variety demonstrates the rich heritage of the city, drawing from influences of different cultures.

• Kernave. Once a feudal medieval town of great significance and even a capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, today Kernave is an archaeological site and favourite tourist destination in the country.

• Kaunas town hall in the square of the Old Town in Kaunus is situated the Town Hall. It is an old building, dating from the 16th century. Today, after several reconstructions, last of which was in 2005, Kaunas Town Hall is a superb building painted in white with ivory shade, which is used for all kind official ceremonies, meetings and signing of important contracts.

Since Lithuania declared the restoration of its independence on 11 March 1990, it has maintained strong democratic traditions. The Lithuanian head of state is the President, elected directly for a five-year term and serving a maximum of two consecutive terms.

Politics

President of the Republic of Lithuania

Parliament of Lithuania.

Traditionally, Lithuania has been a Roman Catholic country. Although

severely affected by Soviet repression, the Roman Catholic

Church remains the dominant and the most influential denomination.

Lithuania religion

Lithuania Hill of Crosses

Second religion is basketball. Lithuania people love basketball. It is the national sport of

Lithuania. The Lithuania national basketball team has had significant success in international

basketball events. Having won a total of 9 medals in the EuroBasket, the World

Championships and the Olympic Games, formerly Lithuania was even ranked 3rd worldwide in FIBA Rankings (now 5th)..

Arvydas Sabonis was the first Lithuanian to be inducted into the prestigious Naismith Memorial

Basketball Hall of Fame.

OTHER THINGS ABOUT LITHUANIA

Lithuania flag

Lithuania coat of arms

The Geographic Centre of Europe is in Lithuania

Traditional Lithuanian food

Fin