For millennia, the southeastern shores of the Baltic Sea were inhabited by variousBaltic tribes. In the 1230s, Lithuanian lands were united for the first time byMindaugas, who formed theKingdom of Lithuania on 6 July 1253. Subsequent expansion and consolidation resulted in theGrand Duchy of Lithuania, which by the 14th century was the largest country in Europe. In 1386, the grand duchy entered into ade factopersonal union with theCrown of the Kingdom of Poland. The two realmswere united into thePolish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1569, forming one of the largest and most prosperous states in Europe. The commonwealth lasted more than two centuries, until neighbouring countriesgradually dismantled it between 1772 and 1795, with theRussian Empire annexing most of Lithuania's territory.
Earliest mention of Lithuania (Litua, on line 7) in the entry for 1009 in the 11th-centuryAnnals of Quedlinburg, Dresden, Sächsische Landesbibliothek, Q.113, fol 31r.
The spelling ofLithuania was a later addition to the original LatinateLituania since 1800 as a form ofhyperforeignism influenced byGreek loanwords with thetheta; it is ultimately fromLithuanian:Lietuva.[28] The first known record ofLietuva is in a 1009 story ofSaint Bruno in theAnnals of Quedlinburg.[29] The chronicle records Latinized form of the name Lietuva:Litua.[30] The true meaning of the name is unknown, and scholars still debate it. There are a few plausible versions.[31]
Lietava, a small stream nearKernavė—the core area of theearly Lithuanian state and a possible first capital of the eventualGrand Duchy of Lithuania—is usually credited as the source of the name.[32] However, the stream is very small, and some find it improbable that such a small and localized body of water could have lent its name to an entire nation. On the other hand, such naming is not unprecedented in world history.[33]
Artūras Dubonis proposed another hypothesis,[34] that Lietuva relates to the wordleičiai (plural ofleitis). From the middle of the 13th century,leičiai were a distinct warrior social group of theLithuanian society subordinate to theLithuanian ruler or the state itself. The wordleičiai is used in 14–16th century historical sources as anethnonym for Lithuanians (but notSamogitians) and is still used, usually poetically or in historical contexts, in theLatvian language, which is closely related to Lithuanian.[35][36][37]
Baltic amber was a valuable trade item, transported from the region of modern-day Lithuania to theRoman Empire through theAmber Road.
The history of Lithuania dates back to settlements founded about 10,000 years ago.[38][39] The first people settled in the territory of Lithuania after theLast Glacial Period in the 10th millennium BC:Kunda,Neman andNarva cultures.[40] They were traveling hunters. In the 8th millennium BC the climate became warmer and forests developed. The inhabitants of what is now Lithuania travelled less and engaged in localhunting, gathering and fresh-water fishing. TheIndo-Europeans, who arrived in the 3rd – 2nd millennium BC, mixed with the local population and formed various Baltic tribes.[41] TheBalts did not maintain close cultural or political contacts with theRoman Empire,[42] while maintaining trade contacts via theAmber Road.
From the 9th to the 11th centuries, coastal Balts were subjected to raids by theVikings.[43] Lithuania comprised mainly the culturally different regions ofSamogitia (known for its early medieval skeletal burials), and further eastAukštaitija, orLithuania proper (known for its early medieval cremation burials). The area was remote and unattractive to outsiders, including traders, which accounts for its separate linguistic, cultural and religious identity and delayed integration into general European patterns and trends.[44] TraditionalLithuanian pagan customs and mythology, with many archaic elements, were long preserved. Rulers' bodies were cremated up until the conversion to Christianity.[45]
Kingdom of Lithuania, Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth
AncientKernavė hillfortsTrakai Island Castle, the former residence of theGrand Dukes.Trakai was the capital of the medieval state.Changes in the territory of Lithuania from the 13th to 15th century. At its peak, Lithuania was the largest state in Europe.[46][47]
The first written record of the name for the country dates back to 1009 AD.[48] Facing theGerman threat,Mindaugas in the middle of the 13th century united a large part of the Baltic tribes and founded the State of Lithuania, while in 1253 he was crowned as the CatholicKing of Lithuania.[49][50] Moreover by taking advantage of the weakened territory of the formerKievan Rus' due to theMongol invasion, Mindaugas incorporatedBlack Ruthenia into Lithuania.[49] After Mindaugas' assassination in 1263, pagan Lithuania was again a target of theChristian crusades of theTeutonic Order andLivonian Order.[51]Traidenis during his reign (1269–1282) reunified all Lithuanian lands and achieved military successes against the crusaders, fighting alongside other Baltic tribes, but was unable to militarily assist theOld Prussians in theirGreat Uprising.[52] Traidenis' main residence was inKernavė.[52]
The mid-17th century was marked with disastrous military losses for Lithuania as during theDeluge most of the territory of Lithuania was annexed by the Tsardom of Russia, andVilnius was captured for the first time by a foreign army and ravaged.[59] In 1655, Lithuania unilaterallyseceded from Poland, declared Swedish KingCharles X Gustav as the Grand Duke of Lithuania and fell under theprotection of the Swedish Empire.[60] However, by 1657 Lithuania was once again a part of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth following the Lithuanian revolt against the Swedes.[61] Vilnius was recaptured from the Russians in 1661.[62]
During theNovember Uprising (1830–1831) the Lithuanians and Poles jointly attempted to restore their statehoods, however the Russian victory resulted in stricter Russification measures: theRussian language was introduced in all government institutions,Vilnius University was closed in 1832, and theories that Lithuania had been a "Western Russian" state since its establishment were propagated.[64] Subsequently, the Lithuanians once again tried to restore statehood by participating in theJanuary Uprising (1863–1864), but yet another Russian victory resulted in even stronger Russification policies with the introduction of theLithuanian press ban, pressure on theCatholic Church in Lithuania andMikhail Muravyov-Vilensky's repressions.[64][65] Lithuanians resisted Russification through an extensive network ofLithuanian book smugglers, secret Lithuanian publishing and homeschooling.[66] Moreover, theLithuanian National Revival, inspired by Lithuanian history, language and culture, laid the foundations for the reestablishment of an independent Lithuania.[67] TheGreat Seimas of Vilnius was held in 1905 and its participants adopted resolutions which demanded a wideautonomy for Lithuania.[64]
DuringWorld War I theGerman Empire annexed Lithuanian territories from the Russian Empire and they became a part ofOber Ost.[68] In 1917, the Lithuanians organized theVilnius Conference which adopted a resolution, featuring the aspiration for the restoration of Lithuania's sovereignty and military alliance with Germany and elected theCouncil of Lithuania.[68] In 1918, the short-livedKingdom of Lithuania was proclaimed; however on 16 February 1918 the Council of Lithuania adopted theAct of Independence of Lithuania which restored Lithuania as a democratic republic with its capital in Vilnius and without any political ties that existed with other nations in the past.[68]
On 11 March 1990, theSupreme Council announced the restoration of Lithuania's independence. Lithuania became the first Soviet-occupied state to announce the restitution of independence.[76] On 20 April 1990, the Sovietsimposed an economic blockade by ceasing to deliver raw materials to Lithuania.[77] Domestic industry and the population started feeling the lack of fuel, essential goods, and even hot water. Although the blockade lasted for 74 days, Lithuania did not renounce its declaration of independence.[78]
Gradually, economic relations were restored. However, tensions peaked again in January 1991. Attempts were made to carry out a coup using theSoviet Armed Forces, the Internal Army of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the USSR Committee for State Security (KGB). Because of the poor economic situation in Lithuania, the forces in Moscow thought the coup d'état would receive strong public support.[79] People flooded to Vilnius to defend theSupreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania and independence. The coup ended with a few casualties and material loss. TheSoviet Army killed 14 people and injured hundreds. A large part of the Lithuanian population participated in theJanuary Events.[80][81][78] On 31 July 1991, Soviet paramilitaries killed 7 Lithuanian border guards on the Belarusian border in what became known as theMedininkai Massacre.[78] On 17 September, Lithuania was admitted to theUnited Nations.[78]
On 25 October 1992, citizens voted in a referendum to adopt thecurrent constitution.[78] On 14 February 1993, during the direct general elections,Algirdas Brazauskas became the first president after the restoration of independence.[78] On 31 August 1993 the last units of the former Soviet Army left Lithuania.[82]
On 31 May 2001, Lithuania joined theWorld Trade Organization.[83] Since March 2004, Lithuania has been part ofNATO.[84] On 1 May 2004, it became a full member of theEuropean Union,[85] and a member of theSchengen Agreement in December 2007.[86] On 1 January 2015,Lithuania joined theeurozone and adopted the European Union's single currency.[87] On 4 July 2018, Lithuania officially joined theOECD.[88] On 24 February 2022, Lithuania declared a state of emergency in response to the 2022Russian invasion of Ukraine.[89] Together with seven other NATO member states, it invoked NATOArticle 4 to hold consultations on security.[90]
Physical map and geomorphological subdivision of Lithuania
Lithuania is located in the Baltic region ofEurope[d] and covers an area of 65,300 km2 (25,200 sq mi).[91] It lies between latitudes53° and57° N, and mostly between longitudes21° and27° E (part of theCuronian Spit lies west of 21°). It has around 99 kilometres (61.5 mi) of sandy coastline, with around 38 kilometres (24 mi) facing the openBaltic Sea. The rest of the coast is sheltered by the Curonian sand peninsula. The warm-water port atKlaipėda lies at the narrow mouth of theCuronian Lagoon (Lithuanian:Kuršių marios), a shallow lagoon extending south toKaliningrad. The country's main and largest river, theNemunas River, and some of its tributaries carry international shipping.
Lithuania lies at the edge of theNorth European Plain. Its landscape was smoothed by the glaciers of thelast ice age, and is a combination of moderate lowlands and highlands. Its highest point isAukštojas Hill at 294 metres (965 ft) in the eastern part of the country. The terrain featuresnumerous lakes and wetlands, and a mixed forest zone covers over 33% of the country.Drūkšiai is the largest lake,Tauragnas is the deepest lake, andAsveja is the longest lake in Lithuania.
Average temperatures on the coast are −2.5 °C (27.5 °F) in January and 16 °C (61 °F) in July. In Vilnius, the average temperatures are −6 °C (21 °F) in January and 17 °C (63 °F) in July. During the summer, 20 °C (68 °F) is common during the day, while 14 °C (57 °F) is common at night; in the past, temperatures have reached as high as 30 or 35 °C (86 or 95 °F). Some winters can be very cold. −20 °C (−4 °F) occurs almost every winter. Winter extremes are −34 °C (−29 °F) in coastal areas and −43 °C (−45 °F) in the east.
The average annual precipitation is 800 mm (31.5 in) on the coast, 900 mm (35.4 in) in the Samogitia highlands, and 600 mm (23.6 in) in the east. Snow occurs every year, and it can snow from October to April. In some years, sleet can fall in September or May. The growing season lasts 202 days in the western part of the country and 169 days in the eastern part. Severe storms are rare in the east but common in the coastal areas. Lithuania experienced a drought in 2002, causing forest andpeat bog fires.[93]
TheAplinkos apsaugos įstatymas (Environmental Protection Act) was adopted in 1992. The law provides the foundations for regulating social relations in the field of environmental protection, establishes the basic rights and obligations of legal and natural persons in preserving the biodiversity, ecological systems, and the landscape.[95] Lithuania agreed to cutcarbon emissions by at least 20% of 1990 levels by 2020 and by at least 40% by 2030, together with all European Union members. Also, by 2020 at least 20% (27% by 2030) of the country's total energy consumption should be from therenewable energy sources.[96] In 2016, Lithuania introduced especially effectivecontainer deposit legislation, which resulted in collecting 92% of all packagings in 2017.[97]
Lithuania does not have high mountains, and its landscape is dominated by blooming meadows, dense forests and fertile fields of cereals. However, it stands out by the abundance ofhillforts, which previously had castles where the ancient Lithuanians burned altars for pagan gods.[98] Lithuania is a particularly watered region with more than 3,000 lakes, mostly in the northeast. The country is also drained by numerous rivers, most notably the longestNemunas.[98] Lithuania is home to two terrestrial ecoregions:Central European mixed forests andSarmatic mixed forests.[99]
Forest has long been one of the most important natural resources. Forests occupy one-third of the territory, and timber-related industrial production accounts for almost 11% of industrial production.[100] There are fivenational parks,[101] 30regional parks,[102] 402 nature reserves,[103] 6strict nature reserves,[104] and 668 state-protected natural heritage objects.[105]
Thewhite stork is the national bird of Lithuania, which has the highest-density stork population in Europe.[106][107]
Ecosystems include natural and semi-natural (forests,bogs, wetlands and meadows) and anthropogenic (agrarian and urban) ecosystems. Among natural ecosystems, forests are particularly important, covering 33% of the country's territory. Wetlands (raised bogs,fens, transitional mires, etc.) cover 7.9% of the country, with 70% of wetlands having been lost due to drainage and peat extraction between 1960 and 1980. Changes in wetland plant communities resulted in the replacement of moss and grass communities by trees and shrubs, and fens not directly affected by land reclamation have become drier as a result of a drop in the water table. There are 29,000 rivers with a total length of 64,000 km; the Nemunas River basin occupies 74% of the territory of the country. Due to the construction of dams, approximately 70% of spawning sites of potentialcatadromous fish species have disappeared. In some cases, river and lake ecosystems continue to be impacted by anthropogeniceutrophication.[108]
Agricultural land comprises 54% of Lithuania's territory (roughly 70% of that is arable land and 30% meadows and pastures), approximately 400,000 ha of agricultural land is not farmed and acts as an ecological niche for weeds and invasive plant species. Habitat deterioration is occurring in regions with very productive and expensive lands as crop areas are expanded. Currently, 18.9% of all plant species, including 1.87% of all known fungi species and 31% of all known species of lichens, are listed in theLithuanian Red Data Book. The list also contains 8% of all fish species.[108]
The wildlife populations have rebounded as hunting became more restricted and urbanization allowed replanting forests (forests already tripled in size since their lows). Currently, Lithuania has approximately 250,000 larger wild animals or 5 per square kilometre. The most prolific large wild animal is theroe deer, with 120,000 of them. They are followed byboars (55,000). Other ungulates are thedeer (~22,000),fallow-deer (~21,000) and the largest one:moose (~7,000). Among the predators,foxes are the most common (~27,000).Wolves are, however, more ingrained into the mythology as there are just 800 in Lithuania. Even rarer are thelynxes (~200). There are about 200,000 rabbits in the forests.[109]
Since Lithuania declared the restoration of its independence on 11 March 1990, it has maintained strong democratic traditions. It held its first independent general elections on 25 October 1992, in which 56.75% of voters supported thenew constitution.[110] There were intense debates concerning the constitution, particularly the role of the president. Aseparate referendum was held on 23 May 1992 to gauge public opinion on the matter, and 41% of voters supported the restoration of thePresident of Lithuania.[110] Through compromise, asemi-presidential system was agreed on.[4]
The Lithuanianhead of state is the president, directly elected for a five-year term and serving a maximum of two terms. The president oversees foreign affairs and national security and is thecommander-in-chief of the military.[111] The president appoints theprime minister and the cabinet, as well as other top civil servants and the judges for all courts except theConstitutional Court.[111] PresidentGitanas Nausėda waselected on 26 May 2019 by winning in all themunicipalities of Lithuania in the second election round.[112] He was re-elected in 2024, winning more than 74% of the run-off votes.[113]
The judges of the Constitutional Court (Konstitucinis Teismas) serve nine-year terms. One-third of the court members is renewed every three years. The judges are appointed by theSeimas on the nomination by the president, chairman of the Seimas, and the chairman of theSupreme Court. The unicameral Lithuanian parliament, the Seimas, has 141 members elected to four-year terms: 71 in single-member constituencies, and the others in a nationwide vote byproportional representation. A party must receive at least 5% of the national vote to be eligible for any of the 70 national seats in the Seimas.[114]
According toInternational IDEA's Global State of Democracy (GSoD) Indices and Democracy Tracker, Lithuania performs in the mid to high range on overall democratic measures, with particular weaknesses in civic engagement and electoral participation.[115]
Commemoration of theAct of the Re-Establishment of the State of Lithuania in the historicalSeimas hall where it was originally signed in 1990. The ceremony is attended by the Lithuanian President, Prime Minister, Chairman of the Seimas and other high-ranking officials.
Each municipality is governed by a municipal council and a mayor, who is a member of the municipal council. The number of members, elected on a four-year term, in each municipal council depends on the size of the municipality and varies from 15 (in municipalities with fewer than 5,000 residents) to 51 (in municipalities with more than 500,000 residents). Members of the council, with the exception of the mayor, are elected using proportional representation. Starting with 2015, the mayor is elected directly by the majority of residents of the municipality.[121] The Social Democratic Party of Lithuania won the most positions in the 2023 elections (358 municipal council seats and 17 mayors).[122]
As of 2024, the number of seats in theEuropean Parliament allocated to Lithuania was 11.[123] Ordinary elections take place on a Sunday on the same day as in other EU countries. Eight political parties gained seats in the2024 elections.[124]
The first attempt to codify the Lithuanian laws was in 1468 when theCasimir's Code was compiled and adopted by Grand DukeCasimir IV Jagiellon.[125] In the 16th century three editions of theStatutes of Lithuania were created with the First Statute being adopted in 1529, the Second Statute in 1566, and the Third Statute in 1588.[125] On 3 May 1791, the Europe's first and the world's secondconstitution was adopted by theGreat Sejm.[126] The Third Statute was partly in force in the territory of Lithuania even until 1840, despite theThird Partition of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1795.[125]
After regaining of independence in 1990, the largely modified Soviet legal codes were in force for about a decade. The current Constitution of Lithuania was adopted on 25 October 1992.[128] In 2001, theCivil Code of Lithuania was passed in Seimas. It was succeeded by the Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code in 2003. The approach to the criminal law is inquisitorial, as opposed to adversarial; it is generally characterised by an insistence on formality and rationalisation, as opposed to practicality and informality. Normative legal act enters into force on the next day after its publication in theTeisės aktų registras, unless it has a later entry into force date.[129] TheEuropean Union law is an integral part of the Lithuanian legal system since 1 May 2004.[130]
After breaking away from the Soviet Union, Lithuiana had a difficult crime situation, however, the law enforcement agencies fought crime over the years, making Lithuania a reasonably safe country.[131] Crime in Lithuania has been declining rapidly.[132] Law enforcement is primarily the responsibility of localLietuvos policija (Lithuanian Police) commissariats. They are supplemented by theLietuvos policijos antiteroristinių operacijų rinktinė Aras (Anti-Terrorist Operations Team of the Lithuanian PoliceAras),Lietuvos kriminalinės policijos biuras (Lithuanian Criminal Police Bureau),Lietuvos policijos kriminalistinių tyrimų centras (Lithuanian Police Forensic Research Center) andLietuvos kelių policijos tarnyba (Lithuanian Road Police Service).[133]
In 2017, there were 63,846 crimes registered in Lithuania. Of these, thefts comprised a large part with 19,630 cases (13.2% less than in 2016). While 2,835 crimes were serious and very serious (crimes that may lead to more than six years imprisonment), which is 14.5% less than in 2016. In total, 129 homicides or attempted homicide occurred (19.9% less than in 2016), while serious bodily harm was registered 178 times (17.6% less than in 2016). Another problematic crimecontraband cases also decreased by 27.2% from 2016. Meanwhile, crimes in electronic data and information technology security fields increased by 26.6%.[134] In the 2024 Special Eurobarometer, 24% of Lithuanians said that corruption affects their daily lives (EU average 27%). Moreover, 83% of Lithuanians regarded corruption as widespread in their country (EU average 68%), and 78% agreed that bribery and the use of connections is often the easiest way of obtaining certain public services (EU average 63%).[135]
Capital punishment in Lithuania was suspended in 1996 and eliminated in 1998.[136] Imprisonment rate in Lithuania is among the highest in the EU, although it has decreased by nearly half between 2013 and 2023.[137] According to scientist Gintautas Sakalauskas, the high imprisonment rate is not because of a high criminality rate in the country, but due to Lithuania's high repression level and mistrust in the society.[138]
The current system of administrative division was established in 1994 and modified in 2000 to meet the requirements of the European Union. The country's10 counties (Lithuanian: singular –apskritis, plural –apskritys) are subdivided into60 municipalities (Lithuanian: singular –savivaldybė, plural –savivaldybės), and further divided into 546elderships (Lithuanian: singular –seniūnija, plural –seniūnijos). There are also 5 distinctcultural regions –Dzūkija,Aukštaitija,Suvalkija,Samogitia andLithuania Minor.
Municipalities have been the most important unit of administration since the system of county governorship (apskrities viršininkas) was dissolved in 2010.[139] Some municipalities are historically called "district municipalities" (often shortened to "district"), while others are called "city municipalities" (sometimes shortened to "city"). Each has its own elected government. The election of municipality councils originally occurred every three years, but now takes place every four years. The council appointselders to govern the elderships. Mayors have been directly elected since 2015; prior to that, they were appointed by the council.[140]
Elderships are the smallest administrative units and do not play a role in national politics. They provide necessary local public services—for example, registering births and deaths in rural areas. They are most active in the social sector, identifying needy individuals or families and organizing and distributing welfare and other forms of relief.[141] Some citizens feel that elderships have no real power and receive too little attention, and that they could otherwise become a source of local initiative for addressing rural problems.[142]
TheNordic Council of Ministers and Lithuania engage in political cooperation to attain mutual goals and to determine new trends and possibilities for joint cooperation. The council's information office aims to disseminateNordic concepts and to demonstrate and promote Nordic cooperation. Together with the five Nordic countries and the two other Baltic countries, it is a member of theNordic Investment Bank (NIB) and cooperates in its NORDPLUS programme, which is committed to education.
Poland was highly supportive of Lithuanian independence, despite thediscriminatory treatment of itsPolish minority.[147][148] The formerSolidarity leader and Polish PresidentLech Wałęsa criticised the government of Lithuania over discrimination against the Polish minority and rejected theOrder of Vytautas the Great.[149] Lithuania maintains warm relations withGeorgia and strongly supports its European Union and NATO aspirations.[150][151][152] During theRusso-Georgian War in 2008, when the Russian troops were occupying the territory of Georgia and approaching towards the Georgian capitalTbilisi, PresidentValdas Adamkus, together with the Polish and Ukrainian presidents, went to Tbilisi by answering to the Georgians request of the international assistance.[153][154] Shortly, Lithuanians and theLithuanian Catholic Church also began collecting financial support for the war victims.[155][156]
Guests of the 2023 Vilnius (NATO) summit in the Courtyard of the Presidential Palace in Vilnius
In 2013, Lithuania was elected to theUnited Nations Security Council for a two-year term,[159] becoming the first Baltic country elected to this post. During its membership, Lithuania actively supportedUkraine and often condemned Russia for thewar in Ukraine, immediately earning Ukrainian esteem.[160][161] As thewar in Donbas progressed, President Dalia Grybauskaitė compared the Russian PresidentVladimir Putin toJosef Stalin and toAdolf Hitler; she also called Russia a "terrorist state".[162]
In 2018 Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia were awarded thePeace of Westphalia Prize [de] for their exceptional model of democratic development and contribution to peace in the continent.[163] In 2019 Lithuania condemned theTurkish offensive into north-eastern Syria.[164] In December 2021, Lithuania reported that in an escalation of the diplomatic spat with China over itsrelations with Taiwan,[165] China had stopped all imports from Lithuania.[166] According to Lithuanian intelligence agencies, in 2023 there was an increase in Chinese intelligence activity against Lithuania, including cyberespionage and increased focus on Lithuania's internal affairs and foreign policy.[167]
The Lithuanian Armed Forces consist of some 20,000 active personnel, which may be supported by reserve forces.[169] Compulsory conscription ended in 2008 but was reintroduced in 2015.[170] As of 2024, the Lithuanian Armed Forces have 30 soldiers and officers participating in nine international operations and European Union training missions deployed inKosovo,Iraq,Central African Republic,Djibouti,Mozambique,Spain,Italy, and in theUnited Kingdom, providing training for Ukrainian soldiers onOperation Interflex.[171][172]
Beginning in summer of 2005, Lithuania was part of theInternational Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, leading aProvincial Reconstruction Team inChaghcharan inGhor Province.Since joining international operations in 1994, Lithuania has lost two soldiers: Lieutenant Normundas Valteris fell in Bosnia, as his patrol vehicle drove over a mine. Sergeant Arūnas Jarmalavičius was fatally wounded during an attack on the camp of his Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan.[174]
The Lithuanian National Defence Policy aims to guarantee the preservation of the independence and sovereignty of the state, the integrity of its land, territorial waters and airspace, and its constitutional order. Its main strategic goals are to defend the country's interests, and to maintain and expand the capabilities of its armed forces so they may contribute to and participate in the missions of NATO and European Union member states.[175]
Thedefense ministry is responsible for combat forces, search and rescue, and intelligence operations. The 5,000border guards fall under the Interior Ministry's supervision and are responsible for border protection, passport and customs duties, and share responsibility with the navy for smuggling and drug trafficking interdiction. A special security department handles VIP protection and communications security. In 2015National Cyber Security Centre of Lithuania was created. Paramilitary organisationLithuanian Riflemen's Union acts as a civilian self-defence institution.
According to NATO, in 2020, Lithuania allocated 2.13% of itsGDP to the national defense.[176] For a long time, especially after the2008 financial crisis, Lithuania lagged behind NATO allies in terms of defence spending. However, it increased funding, exceeding the NATO guideline of 2% in 2019. President Nausėda called for more NATO troops on 22 April 2022, saying NATO should increase its deployment of troops in Lithuania and elsewhere on Europe's eastern flank followingRussia's invasion of Ukraine, during a meeting in Vilnius.[177]
Real GDP per capita development of Estonia, Latvia and LithuaniaLithuanian counties by GDP per capita, 2022[144]Comparison of Lithuania's GDP per capita to rest of the world where countries with higher GDP per capita are marked in red (2022)[178]
Lithuania has an open andmixed economy that is classified as ahigh-income economy by theWorld Bank.[179] As of 2017[update] the three largest sectors were services (63% of GDP), industry (24%) and agriculture (3%).[180] On 1 January 2015, the euro became the national currency, replacinglitas, which had been in circulation since 1993.[181]
Mineral products comprised the largest share of exports (14%) in 2024; other major sectors include machinery and appliances, electrical equipment (14%), chemical products (11%), food, beverages and tobacco products (9%). The largest markets for exports were Latvia (12%), Poland (10%), and Germany (9%).[182] Exports equaled 88% of GDP in 2022.[183]
GDP experienced very high real growth rates for the decade up to 2009, peaking at 11% in 2007. As a result, the country was often termed aBaltic Tiger. However, in 2009 due to the2008 financial crisis, GDP contracted 15%[184] and unemployment rate reached 17.8% in 2010.[185] Growth has since been much slower. According to the IMF, financial conditions are conducive to growth and financial soundness indicators remain strong. The public debt ratio in 2016 was 40% of GDP; it had been 15% in 2008.[186]
On average, more than 95% of allforeign direct investment (FDI) comes from EU countries. Sweden is historically the largest investor with 20% – 30% of FDI.[187] FDI into Lithuania spiked in 2017, reaching its highest ever recorded number of greenfield investment projects. In 2017, Lithuania was third, afterIreland andSingapore by the average job value of investment projects.[188]The US was the leading source country in 2017, 25% of total FDI.[189] Based on the Eurostat's data, in 2017 the value of exports recorded the most rapid growth of Baltic states and across Europe at 17%.[190]
Between 2004 and 2016, one of five Lithuanians emigrated, seeking better opportunities and higher salaries abroad.[191] Long term emigration and economic growth has resulted in a shortage in the labor market[192] and growth in salaries being larger than growth in labor efficiency.[193] Unemployment in 2017 was 8%.[194] As of 2022, median wealth per adult was$32,000 (mean was $70,000), while total national wealth was $147 billion.[195] As of 2023 Q2, the average monthly gross salary was €2,000.[196] Implicit tax rates on labor, capital and corporate income in Lithuania have been among of the lowest in the EU.[197] The nominal personal income tax rate is 20%, with 32% applied on high incomes. The corporate tax rate is 16% for most companies and 6% for small businesses; 7free economic zones operate.[198]
Information technology production is growing, reaching €2 billion in 2016.[199] In 2017, 35[200]financial technology companies came to Lithuania as a result of the government andBank of Lithuania simplifying procedures.[201] Lithuania has granted a total of 39 e-money licenses, second in the EU to the UK. In 2018,Google set up a payment company in Lithuania.[202] Europe's first internationalblockchain centre launched in Vilnius in 2018.[203] Since 2021, Lithuania has issued hundreds of licenses for cryptocurrency exchange and storage operations, making it one of the leading countries in the EU in this sector.[204]
Agriculture has been one of Lithuania's most important occupations for many centuries.[205] Accession to the European Union in 2004 ushered in a new agricultural era. The EU pursues a very high standard of food safety and purity. In 1999, the Seimas adopted a law on product safety, and in 2000 it adopted a law on food.[206][207] The reform of the agricultural market has been carried out on the basis of these two laws.
In 2016, agricultural production was €2.3 billion.Cereal crops occupied the largest part (5710 tons); other significant types include:sugar beet (934 tons),rapeseed (393 tons) andpotatoes (340 tons). Products totaling €4,385 million were exported to foreign markets, of which products for €3,165 million were of Lithuanian origin. Export of agricultural and food products accounted for 19% of all exports of goods.[208]
Organic farming is becoming more popular. The status of organic growers and producers is granted by the public bodyEkoagros. In 2016, there were 2539 such farms that occupied 225,542 hectares. Of these, 43% were cereals, 31% perennial grasses, 14% leguminous crops and 12% others.[209]
Lithuania in 2018 became an Associated Member State ofCERN.[227] Two CERN incubators in Vilnius and Kaunas will be hosted.[228] The most advanced scientific research is being conducted at the Life Sciences Center,[229] Center For Physical Sciences and Technology.[230] From 2011 to 2016, yearly growth of the biotech and life science sector reached 22%. 16 academic institutions, 15 R&D centres (science parks and innovation valleys) and more than 370 manufacturers operate in the life science and biotech industry.[231]
In 2008 the Valley development programme was started aiming to upgrade scientific research infrastructure and encourage business and science cooperation. Five R&D Valleys were launched – Jūrinis (maritime technologies), Nemunas (agro, bioenergy, forestry), Saulėtekis (laser and light, semiconductor), Santara (biotechnology, medicine), Santaka (sustainable chemistry and pharmacy).[232] Lithuanian Innovation Center was created to provide support for innovations and research institutions.[233]
According to theWorld Travel and Tourism Council, the tourism sector contributed approximately €1.7 billion to the national economy in 2023, accounting for 2.3% of the country's GDP. This represents a notable recovery from the downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, although it remains below pre-pandemic levels.[234][235] In 2023, Lithuania welcomed over 1.1 million international visitors, marking a substantial recovery from theCOVID-19 pandemic. Foreign tourists accounted for nearly a third of the total population. The majority of international tourists originated from neighboring countries, notably Belarus and Poland.[236]Domestic tourism has also seen significant growth, with residents making around 12.8 million trips within the country in 2023. Most of these were same-day trips, totaling nearly 10 million.[236]
Key urban centres such as Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda attract numerous visitors because of their rich history and cultural offerings. Vilnius is renowned for itsbaroque architecture and has been recognized as theEuropean Green Capital for 2025.[237] Seaside resorts likePalanga andNeringa are popular for their sandy beaches and unique landscapes. Neringa, part of the Curonian Spit, isUNESCO'sWorld Heritage Site known for its colossal sand dunes and pine forests.[238] Spa towns such asDruskininkai offer wellness retreats, with Druskininkai featuring the largest water park in Eastern Europe and theSnow Arena, one of the largest indoor skiing slopes in Europe.[239]
Lithuania offers diverse outdoor activities. Hot air ballooning is particularly popular in Vilnius andTrakai, providing aerial views of the historic landscapes. Cycling tourism is on the rise, with the country boasting over 3,769 km of bicycle tracks, including 1,988 km of asphalt pavement. The EuroVelo 10 (Baltic Sea Cycle Route) traverses the Curonian Spit, offering views of sand dunes and coastal towns like Palanga andNida.[238] The EuroVelo 11 (East Europe Route) passes through eastern Lithuania, including Vilnius and Trakai, and natural areas likeLabanoras Regional Park.[240] TheNemunas Delta Regional Park is a haven for birdwatchers, hosting over 300 bird species, including rare and endangered ones like thegreater spotted eagle andaquatic warbler.[241] The park's wetlands serve as crucial resting sites for migratory birds.[242]
Communication
Lithuania has a modern, well-developed communications infrastructure. As of 2025, the country's population is approximately 2.8 million, with over 5.5 million active SIM cards, giving a mobile penetration rate exceeding 190%.[243] Mobile phone use is nearly universal, and smartphone adoption has surpassed 85% of the adult population, up from 50% in 2016.[244]
The rollout of 5G networks has progressed rapidly since 2022, with 5G services now covering more than 85% of Lithuania's territory, including urban centers, highways, and key economic regions.[245] The LTE (4G) network remains widespread, covering over 98% of the country and ensuring reliable connectivity even in rural areas.[246]
Internet access has become nearly ubiquitous, with 95% of Lithuanian households connected to broadband services as of 2025. This is a major improvement from 72% in 2017,[247] and well above the previously projected 77% for 2021.[248] Lithuania now ranks among the EU leaders in fixed broadband penetration and average speeds, with average household download speeds exceeding 150 Mbps and mobile download speeds surpassing 100 Mbps.[249]
Usage of fixed phone lines has continued to decline sharply due to the widespread adoption of mobile and internet-based communication, with fewer than 150,000 fixed lines still active nationwide.[250] Meanwhile, the country maintains one of Europe's highest Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) penetration rates — exceeding 55% by 2025, building on its top ranking of 36.8% back in 2016 according to the FTTH Council Europe.[251]
Lithuania is also a regional leader in data infrastructure. There are four TIER III datacenters in the country,[252] and Lithuania ranks among the top 40 globally in data center density, according to Cloudscene's latest data.[253]
The Rural Areas Broadband Network (RAIN) project, initially launched to bring fiber-optic broadband to underserved communities, has expanded significantly. By 2025, it enables over 55 communications operators to offer high-speed internet services to rural households, helping bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas. The project continues to benefit from joint funding by the Lithuanian government and the European Union.[254]
Major telecom operators include Telia Lietuva, Bitė Lietuva, and Tele2, which all provide competitive 4G and 5G services. Huawei maintains a notable presence in Lithuania's telecom infrastructure despite tighter government oversight on foreign technology vendors in strategic sectors.[255]
Rail transport consists of 1,762 km (1,095 mi) of 1,520 mm (4 ft 11.8 in)Russian gauge railway of which 122 km (76 mi) are electrified and 115 km (71 mi) of Europeanstandard gauge lines starting at theLithuania–Poland border.[256] Lithuania received its first railway connection in the middle of the 19th century, when theSaint Petersburg–Warsaw railway was constructed. It included a stretch fromDaugavpils via Vilnius and Kaunas to Virbalis. The first and only still operatingKaunas tunnel was completed in 1860. TheRail Baltica railway will link Kaunas to Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, and Germany.
Among the EU countries, Lithuania has the highest share of total freight transported by rail with 31.7% in 2023.[257] This decreased over 50% since 2018, mainly caused by thesanctions imposed on Belarusian exports andRussia.[258][259] In 2017,Lietuvos Geležinkeliai, a company that operates most railway lines in Lithuania, received EU penalty for breaching EU's antitrust laws and restricting competition in rail freight.[260]
Lithuania has an extensive network of motorways. WEF grades Lithuanian roads at 4.7 / 7.0[261] and Lithuanian road authority (LAKD) at 6.5 / 10.0.[262] Lithuanian trucking companies drew attention in 2016[263] and 2017[264] with huge and record-breaking orders of trucks. Almost 90% of commercial truck traffic is international transports, the highest of any EU country.[265] Transportation is the third largest sector in Lithuanian economy.[266] The sector, in conjunction with privately owned motor vehicles, accounts for 40% of national energy consumption and for 75% of oil usage. The car park is among the oldest within the European Union and constitutes the most significant single source of domesticgreenhouse gas emissions.[267]
ThePort of Klaipėda is the only commercial cargo port in Lithuania. In 2011 45.5 million tons of cargo were handled (includingBūtingė oil terminal figures)[268] Port of Klaipėda is outside of EU's 20 largest ports,[269][270] but it is the eighth largest port in the Baltic Sea region[271][272] with ongoing expansion plans.[273] As of 2022, the LIWA (Lithuanian Inland Waterways Authority,Vidaus vandens keliu direkcija in Lithuanian) is developing a strategy to resurrect cargo shipping on the Nemunas. Its fleet of electric ships will travel 260 km between the Port of Klaipda and the industrial and transportation centre of Kaunas.[274] The project is anticipated to need a €75.7 million initial investment in total. and estimated to eliminate 48 000 truck trips annually.[275][276] The inland river cargo port in Marvelė, linking Kaunas and Klaipėda, received its first cargo in 2019.[277]
Systematic diversification of energy imports and resources is the key energy strategy.[280] Long-term aims were defined in National Energy Independence strategy in 2012.[281] It was estimated that strategic energy independence initiatives will cost €6.3–7.8 billion and provide annual savings of €0.9–1.1 billion.
After the decommissioning of theIgnalina Nuclear Power Plant, Lithuania turned from electricity exporter to electricity importer. As of 2015[update], 66% of electrical power was imported.[282] Unit No. 1 was closed in 2004, as a condition of entry into the European Union; Unit No. 2 was closed down in 2009. Proposals have been made to construct a newVisaginas Nuclear Power Plant.[283] However,a non-binding referendum held in 2012 clouded the prospects for the Visaginas project, as 63% of voters said no to a new nuclear power plant.[284]
Lithuania–Sweden submarine electricity interconnectionNordBalt and Lithuania–Poland electricity interconnectionLitPol Link were launched at the end of 2015.[286] In 2018, synchronising the Baltic states' electricity grid with theSynchronous grid of Continental Europe has started.[287] In 2016, 20.8% of electricity consumed in Lithuania came from renewable sources.[288]
In order to break downGazprom's natural gas monopoly[289][290] the first large scale LNG import terminal (Klaipėda LNG FSRU) in the Baltic region was built in the port of Klaipėda in 2014. The Klaipėda LNG terminal was called Independence, thus emphasising the aim to diversify the energy market of Lithuania. Norwegian companyEquinor supplies 540 million cubic metres (19 billion cubic feet) of natural gas annually from 2015 until 2020.[291] The terminal is able to meet 100 percent of demand, and is projected to meet 90 percent of the demand in Latvia and Estonia.[292]Gas Interconnection Poland–Lithuania, also known as Lithuania–Poland pipeline, became operational in 2022.
Demographics
Population density in Lithuania by elderships (admistrative units)
Since the Neolithic period, thedemographics of Lithuania have stayed fairly homogenous. There is a high probability that the inhabitants of present-day Lithuania have similar genetic compositions to their ancestors,[293][294][295] although without being actually isolated from them.[296] The population has little apparent genetic differences among ethnic subgroups.[297] A 2004 analysis ofMtDNA revealed that Lithuanians are genetically close to theSlavic andFinno-Ugric speaking populations of northern and eastern Europe.Y-chromosome SNPhaplogroup analysis showed Lithuanians to be genetically closest toLatvians andEstonians.[298]
The median age in 2022 was 44 years (male: 41, female: 47).[299] In 2021, the age structure of the population was as follows:
0–14 years, 14.86% (male 214,113/female 203,117)
15–64 years: 65.19% (male 896,400/female 934,467)
65 years and over: 19.95% (male 195,269/female 365,014).[299]
Lithuania has asub-replacement fertility rate: thetotal fertility rate was 1.34 children born per woman in 2021, and the mean age of women at childbirth was 30.3 years. The average age of first childbirth for women was 28.2 years. Thehuman sex ratio is male leaning for the age categories 15–44, with 1.0352 males for every female.[299] As of 2021[update], 25.6% of births were to unmarried women. The meanage at first marriage in 2021 was 28.3 years for women and 30.5 years for men.[299]
The official language isLithuanian, but in some areas there is a significant presence of minority languages such asPolish,Russian,Belarusian andUkrainian. The greatest presence of minorities and the use of these languages are in Šalčininkai, Visaginas, and Vilnius District.[301] In 1941, the Jewish population reached its peak at approximately 250,000 people, making up about 10% of the population. Today, however, it has dwindled to a very small number.Yiddish is spoken by members of the tiny remainingJewish community. The state laws guarantee education in minority languages, and there are numerous publicly funded schools in the areas populated by minorities, with Polish as the language of instruction being the most widely available.[305]
According to the survey carried out within the framework of theLithuanian census of 2021, 85.33% of the population speaks Lithuanian as their native language, 6.8% are native speakers of Russian and 5.1% of Polish. As of 2021[update], 60.6% of residents speak Russian as a foreign language, 31.1% – English, 10.5% – Lithuanian, 8% – German, 7.9% – Polish, 1.9% – French, 2.6% – various others.[306] Most schools teach English as the first foreign language, but students may also study German, French and Spanish; Russian is available as a second foreign language.[307] Around 85% of upper secondary school students were studying English in 2022,[308] and around 80% of people in the 15-19 age group reported knowing English in 2011.[309]
There has been a steady movement of population to the cities since the 1990s, encouraged by the planning of regional centres, such asAlytus,Marijampolė,Utena,Plungė, andMažeikiai. By the early 21st century, about two-thirds of the population lived in urban areas. As of 2021[update], 68.19% of the population lives in urban areas.[299]Functional urban areas includeVilnius (population 708,203),Kaunas (population 391,153), andPanevėžys (population 124,526).[300] The fDI of the Financial Times in their researchCities and Regions of the Future ranked Vilnius fourth in the mid-sized European cities category in the 2018–19 ranking, second in the 2022–23 ranking, second in 2023 ranking while the city claimed 24th spot in the worldwide overall ranking in 2021–22 and Vilnius county was ranked 10th in the small European regions category in 2018–19, fifth in 2022–23, fifth in 2023 rankings.[310][311][312][313]
Lithuania provides free state-funded healthcare to all citizens and registered long-term residents.[315] It co-exists with a significant private healthcare sector. In 2003–2012, the network of hospitals was restructured, as part of wider healthcare service reforms. It started in 2003–2005 with the expansion of ambulatory services and primary care.[316] In 2016, Lithuania ranked 27th in Europe in theEuro health consumer index, a ranking of European healthcare systems based on waiting time, results and other indicators. Lithuania ranked 19th in the 2024 edition of theWorld Happiness Report.[317]
As of 2023[update],life expectancy at birth was 76.0 (70.6 years for males and 81.6 for females)[318] and theinfant mortality rate was 2.99 per 1,000 births.[319] The annual population growth rate increased by 0.3% in 2007. Lithuania has seen a dramatic rise in suicides in the 1990s.[320] The suicide rate has been constantly decreasing since, but it still remains the highest in the EU and one of the highest in theOECD. The suicide rate as of 2019 is 20.2 per 100,000 people.[320]Suicide in Lithuania has been a subject of research, but the main reasons behind the high rate are psychological and economic, including social transformations and economic recessions, alcoholism, lack of tolerance in the society, and bullying.[321]
By 2000, the vast majority of health care institutions were non-profit-making enterprises and a private sector developed, providing mostly outpatient services which are paid for out-of-pocket. TheMinistry of Health also runs a few health care facilities and is involved in the running of the two major Lithuanian teaching hospitals. It is responsible for the State Public Health Centre which manages the public health network including ten county public health centres with their local branches. The tencounties run county hospitals and specialised health care facilities.[322]
There isCompulsory Health Insurance for the Lithuanian residents. There are 5 territorial health insurance funds, covering Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, Šiauliai and Panevėžys. Contributions for people who are economically active are 9% of income.[323] Emergency medical services are provided free of charge to all residents. Access to the secondary and tertiary care, such as hospital treatment, is normally via referral by a general practitioner.[324] Lithuania has one of the lowest health care prices in Europe.[325]
3.7% of the population areEastern Orthodox, mainly among the Russian minority.[3] The community ofOld Believers (0.6% of population) dates back to the 1660s.Protestants are 0.8%, of which 0.6% areLutheran and 0.2% areReformed. Before World War II, according to Losch (1932), the Lutherans were 3.3% of the total population.[326] They were mainly Germans andPrussian Lithuanians in theKlaipėda Region (Memel territory). This populationfled or was expelled after the war, and Protestantism is now mainly represented by ethnic Lithuanians throughout the northern and western parts of the country, as well as in large urban areas. Newly arrivingevangelical churches have established missions since 1990.[327]
Hinduism is a minority religion and a fairly recent development. Hinduism is spread by Hindu organizations:ISKCON,Sathya Sai Baba,Brahma Kumaris andOsho Rajneesh.ISKCON (Lithuanian:Krišnos sąmonės judėjimas) is the largest and the oldest movement as the first Krishna followers date to 1979.[328]Brahma Kumaris maintains the Centre Brahma Kumaris inAntakalnis, Vilnius.
The historical communities ofLipka Tatars maintainIslam as their religion. Lithuania was historically home to a significantJewish community and was an important centre of Jewish scholarship and culture from the 18th century until the eve of World War II. Of the approximately 220,000 Jews who lived in Lithuania in June 1941, almost all were killed duringthe Holocaust.[329][330] The Lithuanian Jewish community numbered about 4,000 at the end of 2009.[331]
Romuva, theneopagan revival of the ancient religious practices, has gained popularity over the years. Romuva claims to continue living pagan traditions, which survived in folklore and customs.[332][333][334] Romuva is apolytheistic pagan faith, which asserts the sanctity of nature and has elements ofancestor worship.[335] According to the2001 census, there were 1,270 people of Baltic faith in Lithuania.[336] That number jumped to 5,118 in the 2011 census and decreased to 3,917 in 2021 census.[337][338]
Vilnius University, one of the oldest universities in the region.[339] It was established byStephen Báthory, King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, in 1579.
The constitution mandates ten-year education ending at age 16 and guarantees a free public higher education for students deemed 'good'.[340] TheMinistry of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania proposes national educational policies and goals that are then voted for in the Seimas. Laws govern long-term educational strategy along with general laws on standards for higher education, vocational training, law and science, adult education, and special education.[341] 5.4% of GDP or 15.4% of total public expenditure was spent for education in 2016.[342]
According to theWorld Bank, the literacy rate among Lithuanians aged 15 years and older is 100%.[343] School attendance rates are above the EU average, and school leave is less common than in the EU. According toEurostat Lithuania leads among other countries of the European Union in people with secondary education (93.3%).[344] Based on OECD data, Lithuania is among the top 5 countries in the world in postsecondary (tertiary) education attainment.[345] As of 2022[update], 58.15% of the population aged 25 to 34, and 33.28% of the population aged 55 to 64 had completed tertiary education.[346] The share of tertiary-educated 25–64-year-olds in STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields in Lithuania were above the OECD average (29% and 26% respectively), similarly to business, administration and law (25% and 23% respectively).[347]
The modern education system has multiple structural problems. Insufficient funding, quality issues, and decreasing student population are the most prevalent. Teacher salaries are below the EU average, despite significant increases since 2011.[348] Low teacher salaries was the primary reason behind national teacher strikes in 2014,[349] 2015,[350] and 2016.[351][352] Salaries in the higher education sector are also low. Many professors have a second job to supplement their income.[353] PISA report from 2022 found that results in math, science and reading were around OECD average, after trailing the OECD average in earlier reports in 2010 and 2015, although the relative improvement was primarily driven by the decrease in performance in the other OECD countries as a result of COVID 19 pandemic.[354][355][356] The population ages 6 to 19 has decreased by 36% between 2005 and 2015. As a result, the student-teacher ratio is decreasing and expenditure per student is increasing, but schools, particularly in rural areas, are forced into reorganizations and consolidations.[342] As with other Baltic nations, in particular Latvia, the large volume of higher education graduates within the country, coupled with the high rate of spoken second languages is contributing to an educationbrain drain.
As of 2008[update], there were 15 public and 6 private universities as well as 16 public and 11 private colleges.[357]Vilnius University is one of theoldest universities in Northern Europe and the largest university in Lithuania.Kaunas University of Technology is the largest technical university in the Baltic States and the second largest university in Lithuania. In an attempt to reduce costs[358] and adapt to sharply decreasing number of high-school students,[359] parliament decided to reduce the number of universities.[360][361] In early 2018, Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences and Aleksandras Stulginskis University were merged intoVytautas Magnus University.[362]
The earliest known Lithuanian glosses (between 1520 and 1530) written in the margins ofJohann Herolt bookLiber Discipuli de eruditione Christifidelium. Words:teprÿdav[ſ]ʒÿ (let it strike),vbagÿſte (indigence).
There are two main dialects:Aukštaitian dialect andSamogitian dialect. Aukštaitian dialect is mainly used in the central, southern and eastern parts of Lithuania while Samogitian dialect is used in the western part of the country.[365] The Samogitian dialect has many completely different words and is even considered a separate language by some linguists.[366] Nowadays, the distinguishing feature between the two dialects is the unequal pronunciation of accented and unaccented two-vowels uo and ie.[365]
Jonas Jablonskis' works and activities are especially important for the Lithuanian literature moving from the use of dialects to a standard Lithuanian language. The linguistic material which he collected was published in the 20 volumes ofAcademic Dictionary of Lithuanian and is still being used in research and in editing of texts and books. He also introduced the letterū into Lithuanian writing.[368]
There is a great deal ofLithuanian literature written inLatin, the main scholarly language of the Middle Ages. The edicts of the King Mindaugas are the prime example of the literature of this kind. The Letters of Gediminas are another crucial heritage of the Lithuanian Latin writings.
One of the first Lithuanian authors who wrote in Latin was earlyRenaissance poetNicolaus Hussovianus. His poemCarmen de statura, feritate ac venatione bisontis (A Song about the Appearance, Savagery and Hunting of the Bison), published in 1523, describes the Lithuanian landscape, way of life and customs, touches on some actual political problems, and reflects the clash of paganism and Christianity. A person under the pseudonymMichalo Lituanus [lt] wrote a treatiseDe moribus tartarorum, lituanorum et moscorum (On the Customs of Tatars, Lithuanians and Muscovites) in the middle of the 16th century. An extraordinary figure in the cultural life of Lithuania in the 16th century was the lawyer and poet of Spanish origin Petrus Roysius Maurus Alcagnicensis. The publicist, lawyer, and mayor of Vilnius,Augustinus Rotundus wrote a no longer existent history of Lithuania in Latin around 1560. loannes Radvanus, a humanist poet of the second half of the 16th century, wrote an epic poem imitating theAeneid ofVergil. HisRadivilias, intended to become the Lithuanian national epic, was published in Vilnius in 1588.[370]
17th century Lithuanian scholars also wrote in Latin –Kazimieras Kojelavičius-Vijūkas [lt],Žygimantas Liauksminas are known for their Latin writings in theology, rhetorics and music.Albertas Kojalavičius-Vijūkas wrote first printed Lithuanian historyHistoria Lithuania. Lithuanian literary works in the Lithuanian language started being published in the 16th century. In 1547Martynas Mažvydas compiled and published the first printed Lithuanian bookKatekizmo prasti žodžiai (The Simple Words of Catechism). He was followed byMikalojus Daukša withKatechizmas. In the 16th and 17th centuries, as in the whole Christian Europe, Lithuanian literature was primarily religious.
During theinterwar period,Art Deco, Lithuanian National Romanticism architectural style buildings were constructed in the temporary capital Kaunas. Its architecture is regarded as one of the finest examples of the European Art Deco and has received theEuropean Heritage Label.[378]
TheLithuanian Art Museum was founded in 1933 and is the largest museum of art conservation and display in Lithuania.[379] Among other important museums are thePalanga Amber Museum, where amber pieces comprise a major part of the collection, National Gallery of Art, presenting collection of Lithuanian art of the 20th and 21st century,National Museum of Lithuania presenting Lithuanian archaeology, history and ethnic culture. In 2018 two private museums were opened –MO Museum devoted to modern and contemporary Lithuanian art andTartle,[380] exhibiting a collection of Lithuanian art heritage and artefacts.
On 28 July 1896,Thomas Edison performed a live photography session held in the Concerts Hall of theBotanical Garden of Vilnius University. Similar American movies were available with the addition of specialphonograph records that also provided sound. In 1909, Lithuanian cinema pioneersAntanas Račiūnas andLadislas Starevich released their first movies. Soon the Račiūnas' recordings of Lithuania's views became very popular among theLithuanian Americans abroad. In 1925, Pranas Valuskis filmed movieNaktis Lietuvoje (Night in Lithuania) aboutLithuanian book smugglers that left the first bright Lithuanian footprint inHollywood. The most significant and mature Lithuanian American movie of the timeAukso žąsis (Golden goose) was created in 1965 byBirutė Pūkelevičiūtė [lt] that featured motifs from theBrothers Grimm fairy tales. In 1940,Romuva Cinema was opened inKaunas and currently is the oldest still operational cinema in Lithuania. After the occupation of the state, movies mostly were used for theSoviet propaganda purposes, nevertheless Almantas Grikevičius, Gytis Lukšas, Henrikas Šablevičius, Arūnas Žebriūnas, Raimondas Vabalas were able to overcome the obstacles and create valuable films. After the restoration of the independence,Šarūnas Bartas,Audrius Stonys,Arūnas Matelis, Audrius Juzėnas,Algimantas Puipa,Janina Lapinskaitė [lt], Dijana and her husband Kornelijus Matuzevičius received success in international movie festivals.[388]
Lithuanians are sometimes described as a "singing folk".[389] Thechoral music traditions are prominent in the country. The long-standingDainų šventė (Lithuanian Song and Dance Festival) is organized starting from 1924. Since 1990, the festival has been organised every four years and summons roughly 30,000 singers and folk dancers of various professional levels and age groups from across the country.[390] In 2008, Lithuanian Song and Dance Festival together with itsLatvian andEstonian versions was inscribed as UNESCOMasterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.[391]
Lithuanian folk music belongs to Baltic music branch which is connected with Neolithiccorded ware culture. Two instrument cultures meet in the areas inhabited by Lithuanians: stringed (kanklių) and wind instrument cultures. Lithuanian folk music is archaic, mostly used for ritual purposes, containing elements ofpaganism faith. There are three ancient styles of singing in Lithuania connected with ethnographical regions:monophony,heterophony andpolyphony. Folk song genres: Sutartinės (Multipart Songs),[392] Wedding Songs, War-Historical Time Songs, Calendar Cycle and Ritual Songs and Work Songs.[393]
The musical education and talent screening, especially for high-caliber individuals, is strong and holds an esteemed reputation.[389] Vilnius is the only city with three choirs laureates (Brevis, Jauna Muzika and Chamber Choir of the Conservatoire) at theEuropean Grand Prix for Choral Singing.[394] The biennial childrens music festivalDainų dainelė has been organized since 1974, promoting singing traditions among the youth alongside other events such asLaumės juosta [lt].Gatvės muzikos diena [lt] (Street Music Day) gathers musicians of various genres annually.[395]Music Information Centre Lithuania collects, promotes and shares information on Lithuanian musical culture.
Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis was a Lithuanian painter and composer. During his short life he created about 200 pieces of music. His works have influenced modern Lithuanian culture. Hissymphonic poemsIn the Forest (Miške) andThe Sea (Jūra) were performed only posthumously. Čiurlionis contributed to symbolism and art nouveau and was representative of the fin de siècle epoch. He has been considered one of the pioneers of abstract art in Europe.[398] Thenations arts academy is named after him.
After the Soviet reoccupation of Lithuania in 1944, the Soviet's censorship continued firmly controlling all artistic expressions in Lithuania, and any violations by criticizing the regime would immediately result in punishments.[401] The first local rock bands started to emerge around 1965 and includedKertukai,Aitvarai andNuogi ant slenksčio in Kaunas, andKęstutis Antanėlis,Vienuoliai, andGėlių Vaikai in Vilnius, among others. Unable to express their opinions directly, the Lithuanian artists began organizing patrioticRoko Maršai and were usingmetaphors in their songs' lyrics, which were easily identified for their true meanings by the locals.[402][403]Postmodernistrock bandAntis and its vocalistAlgirdas Kaušpėdas were one of the most active performers who mocked the Soviet regime by using metaphors. For example, in the songZombiai (Zombies), the band indirectly sang about theRed Army soldiers who occupied the state and its military base inUkmergė.[404][405]Vytautas Kernagis' songKolorado vabalai (Colorado beetles) was also a favourite due to its lyrics in which true meaning of the Colorado beetles was intended to be the Soviets decorated with theRibbons of Saint George.[406]
In the early independence years, rock bandFoje was particularly popular and gathered tens of thousands of spectators to the concerts.[407] After disbanding in 1997, Foje vocalistAndrius Mamontovas remained one of the most prominent Lithuanian performers and an active participant in variouscharity events.[408]Marijonas Mikutavičius is famous for creating unofficial Lithuania sport anthemTrys milijonai (Three millions) and official anthem of theEuroBasket 2011Nebetyli sirgaliai (English version was namedCelebrate Basketball).[409][410]
Lithuanian cuisine features the products suited to the cool and moist northern climate of Lithuania: barley, potatoes, rye, beets, greens, berries, and mushrooms are locally grown, and dairy products are one of its specialties. Fish dishes are very popular in the coastal region.[411] Since it shares its climate and agricultural practices with Northern Europe, Lithuanian cuisine has some similarities to Scandinavian cuisine. Nevertheless, it has its own distinguishing features, which were formed by a variety of influences during the country's long and difficult history.
Dairy products include white cottage cheese (varškės sūris), curd (varškė), soured milk (rūgpienis), sour cream (grietinė), butter (sviestas), and sour cream butterkastinis. Traditional meat products are usually seasoned, matured and smoked – smoked sausages (dešros), lard (lašiniai),skilandis, smoked ham (kumpis). Soups (sriubos)—boletus soup (baravykų sriuba), cabbage soup (kopūstų sriuba), beer soup (alaus sriuba), milk soup (pieniška sriuba), cold-beet soup (šaltibarščiai)—and various kinds of porridges (košės) are part of tradition and daily diet. Freshwater fish, herring, wild berries and mushrooms, honey are highly popular diet to this day.[412][413]
One of the oldest and most fundamental food products is rye bread. Rye bread is eaten every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bread played an important role in family rituals and agrarian ceremonies.[414]
Lithuanians and other nations that once formed part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania share many dishes and beverages.German traditions also influenced Lithuanian cuisine, introducing pork and potato dishes, such as potato pudding (kugelis or kugel) andpotato sausages (vėdarai), as well as the baroque tree cake known asŠakotis. The most exotic of all the influences is Eastern (Karaite) cuisine – thekibinai are popular in Lithuania. Noblemen usually hired French chefs, soFrench cuisine influence came to Lithuania in this way.[415]
Balts were usingmead (midus) for thousands of years.[416] Beer (alus) is the most common alcoholic beverage. Lithuania has a long farmhousebeer tradition, first mentioned in 11th century chronicles. Beer was brewed for ancient Baltic festivities and rituals.[417] Farmhouse brewing survived to a greater extent in Lithuania than anywhere else, and through accidents of history the Lithuanians then developed a commercial brewing culture from their unique farmhouse traditions.[418][419] Lithuania is top 5 by consumption of beer per capita in Europe in 2015, counting 75 active breweries, 32 of them are microbreweries.[420]
Eight Lithuanian restaurants are listed in the White Guide Baltic Top 30.[421] The local „30 geriausių restoranų” guide lists top domestic places,[422] and Lithuanian restaurants appear in the 2024Michelin Guide.[423]
The constitution provides forfreedom of speech andpress, and the government generally respects these rights in practice. An independent press, an effective judiciary, and a functioning democratic political system combine to promote these freedoms. However, the constitutional definition of freedom of expression does not protect certain acts, such as incitement to national, racial, religious, or social hatred, violence and discrimination, or slander, and disinformation. It is a crime to deny or "grossly trivialize" Soviet or Nazi German crimes against Lithuania or its citizens, or to deny genocide, crimes against humanity, or war crimes.[424]
As a result of a thousand-years history, Lithuania has twonational days. The first one is theStatehood Day on 6 July, marking the establishment of the medieval Kingdom of Lithuania in 1253. The creation of modern Lithuanian state is commemorated on 16 February as aLithuanian State Reestablishment Day on which independence from Russia and Germany was declared in 1918.Joninės (previously known asRasos) is a public holiday with pagan roots that celebrates a solstice. There are 13 public holidays (which come with a day off).[426]
^abKulikauskienė, Lina (2002).Lietuvos Respublikos Konstitucija [The Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania] (in Lithuanian). Native History, CD.ISBN978-9986-9216-7-7.
^Veser, Ernst (23 September 1997)."Semi-Presidentialism-Duverger's Concept – A New Political System Model"(PDF) (in English and Chinese). Department of Education, School of Education,University of Cologne. pp. 39–60. Archived fromthe original(PDF) on 24 April 2021. Retrieved23 August 2017.Duhamel has developed the approach further: He stresses that the French construction does not correspond to either parliamentary or the presidential form of government, and then develops the distinction of 'système politique' and 'régime constitutionnel'. While the former comprises the exercise of power that results from the dominant institutional practice, the latter is the totality of the rules for the dominant institutional practice of the power. In this way, France appears as 'presidentialist system' endowed with a 'semi-presidential regime' (1983: 587). By this standard he recognizes Duverger'spléiade as semi-presidential regimes, as well as Poland, Romania, Bulgaria and Lithuania (1993: 87).
^Dubonis, Artūras (1998).Lietuvos didžiojo kunigaikščio leičiai: iš Lietuvos ankstyvųjų valstybinių struktūrų praeities Leičiai of Grand Duke of Lithuania: from the past of Lithuanian stative structures (in Lithuanian). Vilnius: Lietuvos istorijos instituto leidykla.
^Sipavičienė, Audra. (1997).International migration in Lithuania : causes, consequences, strategy. United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. p. 55.ISBN9986523397.OCLC39615701.
^Kudirka, Juozas (1991).The Lithuanians: An Ethnic Portrait. Lithuanian Folk Culture Centre. p. 13.
^Šapoka, Adolfas (1936).Lietuvos istorija(PDF). Kaunas:Šviesa. pp. 13–17.Archived(PDF) from the original on 25 February 2021. Retrieved19 February 2018.
^Gudavičius, Edvardas (1999)Lietuvos Istorija: Nuo Seniausių Laikų iki 1569 Metų (Lithuanian History: From Ancient Times to the Year 1569) Vilnius, page 28,ISBN5-420-00723-1
^"Lithuania breaks away from the Soviet Union".The Guardian. London. 12 March 1990.Archived from the original on 21 September 2019. Retrieved7 June 2018.Lithuania last night became the first republic to break away from the Soviet Union, by proclaiming the restoration of its pre-war independence. The newly-elected parliament, 'reflecting the people's will,' decreed the restoration of 'the sovereign rights of the Lithuanian state, infringed by alien forces in 1940,' and declared that from that moment Lithuania was again an independent state
^Martha Brill Olcott (1990)."The Lithuanian Crisis".www.foreignaffairs.com.Archived from the original on 20 July 2021. Retrieved18 November 2018.For over two years Lithuania has been moving toward reclaiming its independence. This drive reached a crescendo on 11 March 1990, when the Supreme Soviet of Lithuania declared the republic no longer bound by Soviet law. The act reasserted the independence Lithuania had declared more than seventy years before, a declaration unilaterally annulled by the U.S.S.R. in 1940 when it annexed Lithuania as the result of a pact between Stalin and Hitler.
^"Aplinkos apsaugos įstatymas" [Environmental Protection Law].e-tar.lt (in Lithuanian).Archived from the original on 28 April 2018. Retrieved27 April 2018.
^"EU climate action".European Commission. 23 November 2016.Archived from the original on 22 May 2021. Retrieved27 April 2018.
^abcMatulienė, Snieguolė; Spruogis, Ernestas."Lietuvos teisės šaltiniai".Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija (in Lithuanian).Archived from the original on 22 February 2022. Retrieved22 February 2022.
^Gliožaitis, Algirdas."Neumanno-Sasso byla" [The Case of Neumann-Sass].Mažosios Lietuvos enciklopedija (in Lithuanian).Archived from the original on 12 February 2022. Retrieved12 February 2022.
^(in Lithuanian) Indrė Makaraitytė,Europos Sąjungos pinigai kaimo neišgelbės [European Union money will not save the countryside], Atgimimas, Delfi.lt, 16 December 2004. Retrieved 4 June 2006.
^Dencik, Jacob; Spee, Roel (July 2018)."Global Location Trends – 2018 Annual Report: Getting ready for Globalization 4.0"(PDF). IBM Institute for Business Value. p. 7. Archived fromthe original(PDF) on 10 April 2019. Retrieved15 September 2018.Ireland continues to lead the world for attracting high-value investment, generating substantial inward investment with strengths in key high-value sectors such as ICT, financial and business services and life sciences. But Singapore is now a close second, with Lithuania and Switzerland right behind.
^"UBS Global Wealth Databook 2023"(PDF).UBS. Archived fromthe original(PDF) on 27 September 2023. Retrieved30 September 2023. See table 3-1 for all countries, on pages 119-122, for mean and median wealth,Gini coefficient, distribution of adults (%) by wealth range, and number of adults. All of that info (except the Gini coefficient) is also in table 2-2 on pages 109-112. See the end of table 2-2 on page 112 for regional numbers. Page 4 mentions "46 countries lacking sufficient suitable data for wealth estimation". Pages 20-24 (table 2-1) then feature estimates forGDP per adult for said countries, with wealth data quality characterized as "n.a." (not available).
^Milda Šeputytė; Jeremy Kahn (21 December 2018)."Google Payment Expands With E-Money License From Lithuania".www.bloomberg.com. Bloomberg.Archived from the original on 30 September 2019. Retrieved22 December 2018.Google Payment, a company owned by Alphabet Inc., obtained an e-money license in Lithuania, joining a growing number of fintech firms that have secured permission from the Baltic nation to offer financial services across the European Union.
^Kostaki, Irene (31 January 2018)."Lithuania debuts as EU gateway for global blockchain industry".Neweurope.eu. Archived fromthe original on 3 July 2021. Retrieved14 July 2018.The Lithuanian capital Vilnius launched Europe's first international Blockchain Centre on January 27, making it the EU's only hub for the digital ledger. The new hub will help Europe connect with partner Blockchain Centres in Australia, China, Canada, the UK, Belgium, Denmark, Georgia, Gibraltar, Ukraine, Israel, and Latvia.
^"Law on Food".e-seimas.lrs.lt.Archived from the original on 23 June 2021. Retrieved14 April 2018.
^"Žemės ir maisto ūkio 2016 metų apžvalga" [Review of the Agriculture and Food Sector in 2016](PDF).zum.lrv.lt (in Lithuanian). pp. 1–3.Archived(PDF) from the original on 23 June 2021. Retrieved14 April 2018.
^"Marvelės uostą pasiekė pirmasis krovinys!" [The first cargo has arrived at the Marvelė port!].klaipeda.diena.lt (in Lithuanian). 23 April 2019.Archived from the original on 23 June 2021. Retrieved3 May 2019.
^Alissa Mittnik; Chuan-Chao Wang; Saskia Pfrengle; Mantas Daubaras; Gunita Zariņa; Fredrik Hallgren; Raili Allmäe; Valery Khartanovich; Vyacheslav Moiseyev; Mari Tõrv; Anja Furtwängler; Aida Andrades Valtueña; Michal Feldman; Christos Economou; Markku Oinonen; Andrejs Vasks; Elena Balanovska; David Reich; Rimantas Jankauskas; Wolfgang Haak; Stephan Schiffels; Johannes Krause (2018)."The genetic prehistory of the Baltic Sea region".Nature Communications.9 (1): 442.Bibcode:2018NatCo...9..442M.doi:10.1038/s41467-018-02825-9.PMC5789860.PMID29382937.
^"Pradeda veikti Savižudybių prevencijos biuras" [The Suicide Prevention Bureau begins operations] (in Lithuanian). Lithuanian Radio and Television. 5 January 2015.Archived from the original on 23 June 2021. Retrieved19 May 2021.
^"Education in Lithuania"(PDF). European Agency for Development in Special Needs Education. Archived fromthe original(PDF) on 15 December 2010. Retrieved6 April 2010.
^"Mokytojų streikas pavyko" [The teachers' strike was successful].Dienraštis Vakaru ekspresas. 9 December 2015.Archived from the original on 11 May 2021. Retrieved4 January 2018.
^Z. Zinkevičius (1993).Rytų Lietuva praeityje ir dabar. Vilnius:Mokslo ir enciklopedijų leidykla. p. 9.ISBN978-5-420-01085-3....linguist generally accepted that Lithuanian language is the most archaic among live Indo-European languages...{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: publisher location (link)
^"Tartle".tartle.lt.Archived from the original on 16 May 2021. Retrieved1 November 2018.The Art Centre TARTLE opened in Užupis district in Vilnius will provide an opportunity to get acquainted with Lithuanian art treasures and historical artefacts from cultural heritage of the pagan times to the contemporary art. The target of the collection and the art centre is not only to collect and bring back to homeland the Lithuanian cultural and historical heritage scattered all over the world..
^"Lietuvos tapyba".Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija (in Lithuanian).Archived from the original on 12 February 2022. Retrieved12 February 2022.
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^Laurinavičienė, Beatričė (11 April 2024).""Michelin" gido įvertinti restoranai – ir Lietuvoje" [Restaurants recognized by the Michelin Guide – now also in Lithuania].Verslo žinios (in Lithuanian).Archived from the original on 5 June 2024. Retrieved5 June 2024.
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