People and Society of Lithuania

Nationality

Lithuanian(s)

Ethnic Groups

Lithuanian 80.6%, Russian 8.7%, Polish 7%, Belarusian 1.6%, other 2.1%

Population

2,857,279

Population in Major Urban Areas

VILNIUS (capital) 546,000

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.

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in Lithuania stands at approximately 76–77 years overall, with a notable gap between men and women. Lithuanian women have a life expectancy of around 80–81 years, while men average closer to 71–72 years — one of the wider gender gaps in the European Union. This disparity is largely attributed to higher rates of cardiovascular disease, alcohol consumption, and lower rates of preventive healthcare engagement among Lithuanian men. Lithuania's overall life expectancy has improved considerably since the country regained independence in 1990, when figures were significantly lower. The transition from a Soviet-era healthcare system to a modern, EU-aligned public health infrastructure has contributed to steady gains over the past three decades. Accession to the European Union in 2004 brought additional investment in healthcare reform, disease prevention programs, and improved access to medical technology. Life expectancy did experience a temporary decline during the COVID-19 pandemic years of 2020–2021, consistent with trends seen across much of Europe, before beginning to recover. Despite this progress, Lithuania still lags behind the EU average life expectancy of roughly 81 years. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death, accounting for a disproportionately high share of mortality compared to Western European neighbors. Stroke, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension are particularly prevalent. Additionally, Lithuania has historically faced elevated rates of suicide, especially among middle-aged men, which has influenced overall life expectancy figures and prompted national mental health initiatives. While suicide rates have declined from their peak levels in the early 2000s, they remain among the higher rates recorded within the EU. Lifestyle factors also play a meaningful role. Smoking rates, heavy alcohol use, and dietary habits centered on high-fat, high-salt foods have been identified as contributors to premature mortality. The Lithuanian government, alongside EU public health agencies, has implemented campaigns to reduce tobacco use, promote physical activity, and improve nutritional awareness. Alcohol consumption in particular has been targeted through stricter regulation of sales, advertising restrictions, and public awareness programs. Younger generations are beginning to benefit from improved living standards, better access to healthcare, and greater health literacy, suggesting that life expectancy figures are likely to continue rising in the coming decades. Urban residents, particularly those in Vilnius and Kaunas, tend to have access to more comprehensive medical services compared to those in rural regions, where healthcare infrastructure remains less developed. Addressing these regional disparities, alongside continued investment in preventive care and chronic disease management, remains a priority for Lithuanian public health policy.

Infant Mortality Rate

Lithuania has achieved a notably low infant mortality rate, reflecting the country's well-developed healthcare infrastructure and strong public health standards. As of recent data, Lithuania's infant mortality rate stands at approximately 3 to 4 deaths per 1,000 live births, placing it among the better-performing nations in Eastern Europe and broadly in line with the European Union average. This low rate is the result of several contributing factors. Lithuania maintains a comprehensive national healthcare system that provides prenatal and postnatal care to expectant mothers, with high rates of skilled attendance at birth and access to neonatal intensive care facilities. Hospital deliveries are essentially universal in the country, minimizing risks associated with childbirth complications. Over the past three decades, Lithuania has seen a dramatic improvement in infant survival rates. In the early 1990s, following the restoration of independence, the infant mortality rate was significantly higher, hovering around 15 to 16 deaths per 1,000 live births. The steady decline since then reflects sustained investment in maternal and child health services, improvements in living standards, and integration with European health norms following Lithuania's accession to the European Union in 2004. Common causes of infant mortality in Lithuania, as in other developed nations, include congenital anomalies, premature birth complications, and respiratory conditions rather than infectious diseases, which remain well-controlled through immunization programs. Lithuania maintains strong vaccination coverage rates, contributing to the near-elimination of many preventable childhood illnesses. Gender differences in infant mortality are consistent with global patterns, with male infants showing a marginally higher mortality rate than female infants. Regional disparities within the country also exist, with rural areas occasionally presenting slightly higher rates compared to urban centers such as Vilnius and Kaunas, where access to specialist neonatal care is more readily available. Overall, Lithuania's infant mortality figures are a positive indicator of the country's healthcare capacity and social welfare investment, and they continue to trend in a favorable direction as part of broader public health development.

Major Infectious Diseases

intermediate

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

• Roman Catholic79.0%
• Other17.0%
• Russian Orthodox4.0%

Lithuanian (official), Polish, Russian

• Lithuanian
• Polish
• Russian

Crime Information

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.