Lithuania Geography

What is the terrain and geography like in Lithuania?

Overview

Lithuania, covering an area of 26,173 square miles, is the largest of the three Baltic States, slightly larger than West Virginia. The country lies on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea at approximately the same latitude as Denmark and Scotland. Lithuania's neighbors are Latvia to the north, Belarus to the east and south, and Poland and the Kaliningrad region of the Russian Federation to the south and southwest. Lithuanians believe that the geographical center of the European continent lies 20 kilometers north of Vilnius, the capital.

A country known for its agrarian and wooded beauty, Lithuania is characterized by flat plains and rolling hills. The highest hill, Kruopine, is only 900 feet above sea level. Roughly one-fourth of the territory is covered by woodlands, consisting mainly of pine, spruce, and birch. One of the oldest oak trees in Europe, found in eastern Lithuania, is said to be about 1,500 years old. The forests are home to a variety of animals including elk, foxes, and wild boar; hunting is a popular pastime. Lithuanians especially enjoy mushroom collecting and berry picking.

More than 700 rivers and creeks crisscross Lithuania. The largest river, the Nemunas, was once a strategically important shipping route through Lithuania. Its banks are dotted with castles and fortresses. There are numerous lakes, especially in eastern Lithuania, where the Aukstatija National Park is located. This region is home to the Ignalina nuclear power plant, which exports electricity to other countries in the region.

Geography - note

fertile central plains are separated by hilly uplands that are ancient glacial deposits

Climate

Lithuania's climate is moderate. Summer brings average temperatures of 65°F (afternoon highs in the 70s and 80s) and plentiful rain. July is the warmest month. Summer days are long, with only a few hours of darkness. Winters tend to be cold, damp, and overcast. Temperatures average about 30°F, and days are very short. Average annual precipitation amounts to about 26 inches.

Lithuania Use of Natural Resources

Lithuania Environment

Climate:

Lithuania's climate is moderate. Summer brings average temperatures of 65°F (afternoon highs in the 70s and 80s) and plentiful rain. July is the warmest month. Summer days are long, with only a few hours of darkness. Winters tend to be cold, damp, and overcast. Temperatures average about 30°F, and days are very short. Average annual precipitation amounts to about 26 inches.

Terrain:

lowland, many scattered small lakes, fertile soil

Natural Resources:

peat, arable land

Natural Hazards:

NA

Irrigated Land:

5 Square Miles
13 Square Kilometers

Environmental Issues:

contamination of soil and groundwater with petroleum products and chemicals at military bases

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 Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Lithuania Geography

Geographic Location Europe
Total Area 25,212 Square Miles
65,300 Square Kilometers
Land Area 24,201 Square Miles
62,680 Square Kilometers
Water Area 1,012 Square Miles
2,620 Square Kilometers
Land Boundaries 978 Miles
1,574 Kilometers
Irrigated Land 5 Square Miles
13 Square Kilometers
Border Countries Belarus 502 km, Latvia 453 km, Poland 91 km, Russia (Kaliningrad) 227 km
Coastline 56 Miles
90 Kilometers
Geographic Coordinates 56 00 N, 24 00 E
Terrain lowland, many scattered small lakes, fertile soil
Highest Point 292 Meters
Highest Point Location Juozapines/Kalnas 292 m
Lowest Point Location Baltic Sea 0 m
Natural Resources peat, arable land
Time Zone UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Daylight saving time +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
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