Where is Lithuania located?

What countries border Lithuania?

Lithuania Weather

What is the current weather in Lithuania?


Lithuania Facts and Culture

What is Lithuania famous for?

  • Cultural Attributes: Lithuanians are often reserved and sincere. Lithuanians are proud of their heritage but not of the Soviet period. More
  • Family: Many Lithuanians live in apartments and maintain a small cottage in the country, where they can grow fruits and vegetables... More
  • Personal Apperance: Western style clothing is worn. Traditional clothing is worn for festivals. The traditional costume for women is a colorful woven... More
  • Recreation: Basketball is the country's most popular sport. On weekends and during vacations, many families spend time at cottages that they... More
  • Diet: Traditional specialties include skilandis (smoked meat), ðaltibarðèai (cold beet soup), cepelinai (potato dumplings with minced meat filling), védarai (potato sausages)... More
  • Visiting: Drinking vodka (for men only) is common during most social visits. Guests are expected to be punctual. Table manners are... More

Lithuania Facts

What is the capital of Lithuania?

Capital Vilnius
Government Type semi-presidential republic
Currency Euro (EUR)
Total Area 25,212 Square Miles
65,300 Square Kilometers
Location Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Latvia and Russia
Language Lithuanian (official), Polish, Russian
GDP - real growth rate 1.8%
GDP - per capita (PPP) $28,000.00 (USD)

Lithuania Demographics

What is the population of Lithuania?

Ethnic Groups Lithuanian 80.6%, Russian 8.7%, Polish 7%, Belarusian 1.6%, other 2.1%
Nationality Adjective Lithuanian
Nationality Noun Lithuanian(s)
Population 2,731,464
Population Growth Rate -0.28%
Population in Major Urban Areas VILNIUS (capital) 546,000
Predominant Language Lithuanian (official), Polish, Russian
Urban Population 67.1%

Lithuania Government

What type of government does Lithuania have?

  • Executive Branch: chief of state: President Gitanas NAUSEDA (since 12 July 2019) head of government: Prime Minister Saulius SKVERNELIS (since 13 December 2016) cabinet:... More
  • Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal More
  • Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Lithuania dual citizenship recognized: no residency... More
  • National Holiday: Independence Day, 16 February (1918); note - 16 February 1918 was the date Lithuania established its statehood and its concomitant... More
  • Constitution: history: several previous; latest adopted by referendum 25 October 1992, entered into force 2 November 1992 amendments: proposed by at least... More
  • Independence: 11 March 1990 (declared); 6 September 1991 (recognized by the Soviet Union); notable earlier dates: 6 July 1253 (coronation of... More

Lithuania Video

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Lithuania Geography

What environmental issues does Lithuania have?

  • Overview: Lithuania, covering an area of 26,173 square miles, is the largest of the three Baltic States, slightly larger than West... More
  • Climate: Lithuania's climate is moderate. Summer brings average temperatures of 65°F (afternoon highs in the 70s and 80s) and plentiful rain.... More
  • Border Countries: Belarus 502 km, Latvia 453 km, Poland 91 km, Russia (Kaliningrad) 227 km More
  • Environment - Current Issues: contamination of soil and groundwater with petroleum products and chemicals at military bases More
  • Environment - International Agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic... More
  • Terrain: lowland, many scattered small lakes, fertile soil More

Lithuania Economy

How big is the Lithuania economy?

  • Economic Overview: After the country declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1990, Lithuania faced an initial dislocation that is typical during... More
  • Industries: metal-cutting machine tools, electric motors, television sets, refrigerators and freezers, petroleum refining, shipbuilding (small ships), furniture making, textiles, food processing,... More
  • Currency Name and Code: Euro (EUR) More
  • Export Partners: UK 13.4%, Russia 12.1%, Germany 10.4%, Latvia 9.7%, Denmark 5.1%, Sweden 4.2%, France 4.1% More
  • Import Partners: Russia 22.2%, Germany 17.8%, Italy 5.1%, Poland 5% More

Lithuania News and Current Events

What current events are happening in Lithuania?
Source: Google News

Lithuania Travel Information

What makes Lithuania a unique country to travel to?

Country Description

Lithuania is a stable democracy. Tourist facilities in Vilnius, the capital, and to a lesser extent in Kaunas and Klaipeda, are similar to those available in other European cities. In other parts of the country, however, some of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries may not be available.

Crime

Although Lithuania is relatively safe, both violent and non-violent crimes affecting tourists have occured throughout the country. You should maintain the same awareness and practice good personal security that you would in any U.S. metropolitan area. Large amounts of cash and expensive jewelry should be secured in a hotel safe or left at home. Common crimes against foreigners include pick-pocketing and thefts, so personal belongings should be well protected at all times. Thefts from cars and car thefts occur regularly. Valuables should not be left in plain sight in parked vehicles, as there have been increasing reports of car windows being smashed and items stolen. You should avoid walking alone at night or utilize a taxi service arranged by telephone. Isolated ATMs should be avoided after dark. Like in the United States., public inebriation should be avoided as criminals have been known to take advantage of drunken pedestrians. U.S. citizens have reported being robbed and/or scammed while intoxicated.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal to bring back into the United States, you may be breaking local law too.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Lithuania, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own, and criminal penalties vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in Lithuania, but still illegal in the United States; for instance, you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Lithuania, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not.

If you break Lithuanian laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Lithuania are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. For more information about arrest procedures in Lithuania please visit the Embassy’s website. While most authorities will automatically notify the U.S. Embassy if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested, this might not always be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the Embassy as soon as you are arrested or detained.

Medical Facilities and Health Information

Medical care in Lithuania has improved, but medical facilities do not always meet Western standards. There are a few private clinics with medical supplies and services that nearly equal Western European or U.S. standards. Most medical supplies are now widely available, including disposable needles, anesthetics, antibiotics, and other pharmaceuticals; however, hospitals and clinics still suffer from a lack of equipment and resources. Lithuania has highly trained medical professionals, some of whom speak English, but their availability is decreasing as they leave for employment opportunities abroad. Depending on a patient’s condition, an appointment with a specialist may not be available for several weeks. Western-quality dental care can be obtained in major cities. Elderly travelers who require medical care may face difficulties. Most pharmaceuticals sold in Lithuania are from Europe; travelers will not necessarily find the same brands that they use in the United States. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services, particularly if immigration status in Lithuania is unclear.

Tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease are widespread throughout the country. Those intending to visit parks or forested areas in Lithuania are urged to speak with their health care practitioners about immunization. Rabies is also increasingly prevalent in rural areas.

Safety and Security

There have been no incidents of terrorism directed toward U.S. interests in Lithuania. Incidents of anti-Americanism are rare.

Lithuania is not experiencing any civil unrest at this time. However, marches and protests do occur, especially in larger cities. Although such events have generally been peaceful in nature, U.S. citizens are reminded that even gatherings intended to be peaceful can become confrontational. Therefore, we urge you to avoid the areas of demonstrations, if possible, and exercise caution if within the vicinity of any event. You should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

From time to time, especially late at night near bars and night clubs, foreigners have been subject to violent crimes, such as muggings, or have become involved in altercations with inebriated individuals. Racially motivated verbal, and sometimes physical harassment of foreigners and ethnic minorities in major cities have occurred.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions

While in Lithuania, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

You may drive in Lithuania with a U.S. driver’s license for up to 90 days. U.S. citizens who reside in Lithuania for 185 days or more in one calendar year and who wish to continue driving in Lithuania must acquire a Lithuanian driver's license. An applicant for a driver’s license must take both the written and driving exams. The foreign license must be given to the Lithuanian Road Police to be processed by the Consular Department of the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For more information, please visit the Embassy’s website. Roads in Lithuania range from well-maintained two- to four-lane highways connecting major cities, to small dirt roads traversing the countryside. Violation of traffic rules is common. It is not unusual to be overtaken by other automobiles traveling at high speed, even in crowded urban areas. Driving at night-- especially in the countryside--can be particularly hazardous. In summer, older seasonal vehicles and inexperienced drivers can be extra hazards. Drive with caution at all times. Driving whileintoxicated is considered a very serious offense and carries heavy penalties. Be aware that such laws are significantly stricter than in many states in the United States. The speed limit is 50 km/hr in town and 90 km/hr out of town unless otherwise indicated. The phone number for roadside assistance is 8-800-01414 from a regular phone and 1414 from a GSM mobile phone. If you are involved in a traffic accident, be aware that moving the car before the police arrive can result in your being charged with hit and run.

Seatbelts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers. Children under the age of 3 must be seated in the back seat in a child seat appropriate for their age and size. Children under the age of 12 and under 150 cm (approximately 59 inches) may not be seated in the front seat.

During the winter, most major roads are cleared of snow. Winter or all-season tires are required from November 10th through April 1st. Studded tires are not allowed from April 10th through October 31st. Drivers must have at least their low-beam lights on at all times while driving.

Public transportation is generally safe, but you should maintain personal security awareness while on public transportation.

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