Literature Review

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World Edition 2022

Republic of

Lithuania

BACKGROUND

Land and Climate

Lithuania is larger than its Baltic neighbors, Latvia and

Estonia, and is slightly bigger than the U.S. state of West

Virginia. It lies on the western fringe of the east European

plain and has a short coastline on the Baltic Sea. It is a green

country with forests, rolling hills, and thousands of rivers and

lakes. The two longest rivers are the Nemunas and the Neris.

Forests cover about 35 percent of the country and are rich in

wild animals, mushrooms, and berries.

Lithuania has four seasons. Summers are short and rainy,

and July temperatures average 63°F (17°C). Winters are cold

and snowy, with an average temperature in January of 23°F

(-5°C). In winter, children are allowed to stay home from

school when the temperature falls below -13°F (-25°C),

which generally happens at least once a year. The general

climate is comparable to that of southeastern Canada. A

westerly breeze is common.

History

Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Union with Poland

Lithuania’s first inhabitants arrived in the 10th millennium

BC. The first mention of Lithuania is found in a medieval

German manuscript, The Annals of Quedlinburg, in the early

11th century AD. Lithuanians began to form a distinct society

in the early second century. In the mid-1200s, a tribal leader

named Duke Mindaugas united several groups to form the

Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The new state grew in

prominence, especially during the 14th century, when it

annexed neighboring lands (including present-day Belarus,

Ukraine, and parts of Poland and Russia) and was ruled by

strong monarchs. During the 14th century, Lithuania was one

of the largest countries in Europe. Vilnius became the capital

in 1323.

In 1386, reacting to a serious threat from Germanic

invaders, the Grand Duke Jogaila married the Polish crown

princess and became king. This alliance brought Lithuania

into a union with Poland, which strengthened the nations

enough to defeat the German (Teutonic) invaders in 1410;

this conflict was one of the biggest battles of the Middle

Ages. After its union with Poland, Lithuania, one of the last

pagan countries in Europe, adopted Roman Catholicism in

1387 and became increasingly open to Western culture.

Poland and Lithuania tightened their association in 1569

when they united under the Lublin Union and became the

Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

Russian Rule and World War I

After the Polish-Lithuanian state was partitioned by its

neighbors (in 1772, 1793, and 1795), the Grand Duchy of

Lithuania was left largely a part of the Russian Empire, which

controlled Lithuania for more than 120 years. During this

time, Russia implemented a policy known as Russification, in

which it insisted that Lithuanians speak Russian and convert

to the Russian Orthodox Church. Many attempts were made

to regain independence from Russia, but all were

unsuccessful.

During World War I, Germany occupied Lithuania. After

the 1917 Russian Revolution, the Germans allowed Lithuania

to elect its own officials, who in turn declared the country an

independent state in February 1918. In the interwar period

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(1918–39), Lithuania was independent and had a free-market

economy, trading agricultural products with European and

Scandinavian countries. It was also a member of the League

of Nations, a predecessor of the United Nations.

World War II and the Soviet Era

After the start of World War II, the Soviets dismissed

Lithuania's government and officially occupied the entire

nation in 1940. In 1941, Germany broke the

Molotov-Ribbentrop Treaty it had made with Russia by

invading and occupying Lithuania. Gestapo forces killed

thousands of Jews and other Lithuanian citizens and brought

suffering to the entire country. Thousands of Lithuanians fled

to Western Europe and the United States. The Soviets

returned in 1944, and they incorporated the country into the

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).

Thousands of armed guerrilla fighters, known as Forest

Brothers, fought unsuccessfully for independence in the

1940s and 1950s. During this time, Lithuania suffered major

difficulties, including mass deportations. The Soviets

deported many intellectuals and also targeted wealthy citizens

and their families, nationalizing their wealth. Relations were

less confrontational after the 1950s, but Lithuanians never

gave up their goal for independence. Their desires were

realized in 1990 when the freely elected legislature of

Lithuania restored independence. Weakened by various

international and domestic factors, the Soviet government

could not force Lithuania to cancel the declaration.

Independence Reestablished

After the entire USSR collapsed in 1991, Russia recognized

Lithuania's independence, already recognized by many

countries. The government, led by independence hero

Vytautas Landsbergis and members of the political movement

Sajūdis, embarked on an aggressive campaign to reform the

economy and other social structures. Hampered by a poor

global economy, soaring energy prices, and other problems,

progress was slow.

In 1992, voters rejected the Sajūdis leadership in favor of

the Lithuanian Democratic Labor Party, a newly formed

leftist party. The new government slowed privatization and

other reform measures to soften the impact of political and

social change. Governmental efforts, however, were not

enough to prevent a banking crisis at the end of 1995 that led

to the dismissal of the prime minister.

Economic Issues and Ties to the West

The economy's sharp downturn in the wake of the Russian

financial crisis in 1998 and subsequent economic challenges

have hampered political and economic reforms. However, the

country reached major milestones in 2004, when it joined the

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the

European Union (EU). The country adopted the euro as its

currency after joining the eurozone in 2015. Strengthening the

economy and reducing economic inequality remain major

goals for Lithuania.

Lithuania's growing economic and political ties to the

West have led to deteriorating relations with Russia. Ever

since Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine,

which heightened fears of further Russian aggression in

Eastern Europe, Lithuania has prioritized bolstering its

defenses and reducing its dependence on Russian energy

supplies.

THE PEOPLE

Population

Most people (84 percent) in Lithuania are ethnic Lithuanian,

but the country is also home to Poles (7 percent), Russians (6

percent), and Belarusians (1.2 percent). Other minorities

include Ukrainians and Jews. Minority groups have generally

integrated into Lithuanian culture, but Russian and Polish

groups have their own churches and schools. All the nation's

minorities have full citizenship rights and are treated equally.

Vilnius is the capital and largest city, with a population of

over 500,000 people. Other major cities include Kaunas,

Klaipėda, and Šiauliai.

Language

Lietuvių kalba (Lithuanian) is the country's official language.

It is made up of gentle and melodic sounds, expressed by the

32-letter Lithuanian alphabet. As one of the oldest

Indo-European languages still in everyday use, Lithuanian

belongs to the Baltic language group, along with Latvian and

the extinct languages of Yotvingian and Old Prussian. It still

shares some similarities with ancient Greek, Latin, and

Sanskrit. The formation of standard Lithuanian was not

completed until the 19th century because Polish (and

sometimes other languages) had been used as the state

language after the 13th century. By the 17th century,

Lithuanian survived only among rural peasants.

After 1795, when Lithuania and Poland ceased to exist as

independent countries, Russian was introduced and

encouraged among Lithuanians. Printing and teaching in

Lithuanian was forbidden between 1864 and 1904. Europe's

19th-century nationalist movement, however, prompted a

revival of Lithuanian, and it became the state language during

the country's years of independence (1918–40). When the

Soviets took over in 1940, Russian was reintroduced;

therefore, most Lithuanians today can speak Russian. In 1988,

Lithuanian became the national language once again. Today,

Lithuanian is the language used throughout society. In

addition to Russian and Lithuanian, Polish is commonly

spoken. English and German are other popular languages.

Religion

Most Lithuanians (77 percent) belong to the Roman Catholic

Church. Under Soviet occupation, churches were closed,

clergymen repressed, and teachers forbidden to teach religion.

People practiced their faiths mainly at home, and many

silently protested the repression by setting up crosses on the

Hill of Crosses. Once a pagan worship site, the Hill of

Crosses became a place for erecting Christian crosses of

thanksgiving and petition. Though the Soviets bulldozed and

burned the crosses in 1961, 1973, and 1975, the people kept

returning with more crosses, ultimately wearying the Soviets.

In 1990, the Act of Restitution of the Catholic Church

restored the church to prominence and allowed religious

freedom. Pope John Paul II visited in 1993, held Mass on the

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Hill of Crosses, and brought the clergy up to date on the

liturgy of the church. Many other Christian churches operate

in the country, and Muslims and Jews also have active

congregations. Some Lithuanians still practice the area's

traditional pagan religion. Lithuania has long been home to

multiple religions, and people of different faiths generally get

along well.

General Attitudes

Lithuanians tend to be hardworking, patient, and hospitable.

Most Lithuanians value education, family, the arts, nature,

and patriotism. In other people, Lithuanians generally respect

skill, intelligence, and moderate thrift, though "excessive"

frugality may be viewed as stinginess. Lithuanians are often

critical of their personal faults. People tend to be nostalgic for

such things as old friends, youth, and fond memories.

Lithuanians often appear reserved, even somber. They

generally do not speak to or share their feelings with people

they do not know well. However, most Lithuanians are

sincere and full of emotion, even though they do not always

show it outwardly.

The majority of Lithuanians are proud of their heritage but

not of the Soviet period. For the future, they wish to be

politically neutral and peaceful; however, they are willing to

defend themselves to maintain national independence. They

tend to align politically with Western Europe and view it as

their duty to support democracy in other former Soviet states,

such as Ukraine and Georgia.

Many Lithuanians are openly critical and distrustful of

public institutions. They commonly describe their nation as

melancholy, largely because of its history. During the first

decade of independence, people were frustrated and uncertain

about the future, and many Lithuanians today believe that

their country has not progressed quickly enough.

Nevertheless, economic and social advancements have

encouraged more optimistic attitudes in recent decades.

Lithuanian Saying

Šiaučius be batụ, kriaučius be apsiausto. ("Shoemaker

without shoes, shrimp without coat.") This saying means that

when someone works hard for others, they forget about their

own needs.

Personal Appearance

Most Lithuanians deem it important to be clean and stylishly

dressed. Styles are mainly from Europe and the United States.

Although wearing the latest fashions is important, especially

for most younger people and those who live in larger cities,

individuality in dress is equally important. Many young

Lithuanians use fashion and accessories to express

themselves, and some embrace styles according to a particular

subculture, such as goth, punk, or hip-hop.

Because clothing is expensive and the market does not

always meet demand, Lithuanians—especially people in rural

areas and those who prefer a unique style—often wear

second-hand clothing. As Lithuania's economy continues to

integrate with the world's, the use of handmade clothing has

declined. Wealthy people often purchase clothing from

western Europe.

Wool and fur clothing is commonly worn when the

weather is cold. Older rural women wear scarves on their

heads. Most women wear cosmetics sparingly. Lithuania's

national dress is worn only on special occasions.

CUSTOMS AND COURTESIES

Greetings

Among men—less often among women—a handshake is a

customary greeting. A handshake is nearly always used in

professional contacts. Good friends may kiss cheeks and

embrace. Urban Lithuanians do not greet strangers passing on

the street.

The most common terms for greeting are Laba diena

(Good day), Labas rytas (Good morning), Labas vakaras

(Good evening), and Viso gero (Goodbye). Friends use the

more informal Labas (Hello), Viso (Bye), and Iki (Later).

Sveikas (for a man), Sveika (for a woman), and Sveiki (for a

group)—all roughly meaning “How are you?”—are friendly

ways to say hello.

To introduce a man, one uses ponas (Mr.) before the last

name; the female term is ponia (Mrs.) or panelė (Miss). A

person's professional title is also used before the last name

when applicable. Doctors and teachers are respectfully

addressed by title alone, and highly acclaimed artists may be

addressed as maestro. Adults do not address each other by

first name until invited to do so, but young people are called

by their first names.

Gestures

Eye contact is considered vital during conversation. While

conversing, physical contact is rare, and the distance between

people is usually at least the length of an outstretched arm.

Using the hands during conversation is not uncommon,

although it is less formal. It is considered impolite to talk with

one's hands in one's pockets. One might shake the index

finger from side to side to say "no." Pointing at someone with

the index finger is considered rude. Chewing gum in formal

situations is not appropriate.

In Lithuania, there are many gestures that arise from

superstitions. Fearing bad luck, one avoids shaking hands

through a doorway. To prevent something good from being

cursed, Lithuanians may knock on wood or pretend to spit

over their shoulder three times. Whistling indoors is believed

to cause financial problems. Many women avoid putting their

purses on the ground, fearing that their money will run away.

Visiting

People enjoy meeting friends in restaurants and cafés, but

visiting in the home is also popular. Spontaneous visits, even

between friends and neighbors, are not very common, though

unannounced guests are welcomed. Invited guests usually

arrive late.

On special occasions, it is customary to bring something

sweet (like a cake or chocolates) and an odd number of fresh

flowers (even numbers of flowers are reserved for funerals).

Guests should unwrap flowers before giving them to the

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hostess. Dinner guests may also bring wine.

In most formal situations, guests don't sit down until

invited or until the host sits. They may be more casual during

informal gatherings. Hosts usually offer guests refreshments,

which may include coffee or tea and cake or cookies. They

offer an abundance of food to indicate their home's

hospitality, and guests are expected to eat at least a little of

each food presented to them. Among both men and women,

drinking alcohol is typically part of most social visits. The

length of an evening visit depends on the occasion, and it is

considered impolite for a host to ask a guest to leave. If the

hour is late, a host may accompany departing guests outside.

Eating

Lithuanians usually eat three meals each day. Breakfast is

eaten sometime between 7 and 9 a.m., lunch between 12 and

2 p.m., and supper between 6 and 8 p.m. People in rural areas

eat meals as much as two hours earlier. The midday meal is

the main meal. People either go home, eat at work-site

cafeterias, or go to nearby cafés and restaurants.

Meals are taken leisurely and socially. Toasting is reserved

for special occasions, such as birthdays or Christmas

celebrations. Lithuanians eat in the continental style, with the

fork in the left hand and the knife in the right. Leaving food

on the plate is considered impolite, as it suggests that the meal

was not good.

Eating at restaurants is usually reserved for special

occasions. In a restaurant, one must request the bill from the

server and pay at the table. Though uncustomary in the past,

tipping is becoming more common.

LIFESTYLE

Family

Structure

Family is important to most Lithuanians. The average

Lithuanian family has one or two children, though families in

rural areas tend to be larger. Single-parent households have

become more common; more than a quarter of all children are

born to unwed couples.

Parents and Children

Children are expected to help out with household chores, but

they are not expected to get a job until they are 18 or older.

When young people marry, they often rely for a time on

financial support and housing from their parents, though they

work to gain financial independence and their own housing as

soon as possible.

Adult children are usually expected to take care of their

parents. The elderly often struggle to make ends meet because

of small retirement pensions, so many live with their children.

Lithuanians generally do not send their parents to nursing

homes unless their parents have serious medical conditions.

Grandparents usually help raise their grandchildren.

Gender Roles

The father is generally considered the head of the family, but

both parents usually work outside the home and share in

raising children. Women typically do household chores; men

handle repairs. Domestic abuse is a widespread problem,

though women are increasingly reporting abuse to law

enforcement.

Housing

Urban

Newer houses are commonly made of brick, while cement

blocks characterize older, Soviet-era houses. In urban areas,

poorer people live in apartments containing one to four

compact bedrooms. The living room sometimes serves as a

master bedroom, depending on how many people live in the

apartment. Many Soviet-era apartments have been renovated,

but they tend to have much smaller kitchens and bathrooms

than more Western apartments.

Wealthier people tend to live in private houses in the

outskirts of a city or in larger, newly built apartments in the

city center. In these dwellings, living rooms, kitchens, and

dining rooms are often combined into one large space.

Rural

Private houses dominate rural areas. These homes are usually

made of brick and sometimes wood. They typically contain a

single floor and an attic. Roofs are ridged and tiled. Many

middle-class and wealthy people have holiday cabins in

forests or near lakes; this tradition comes from Soviet times,

when city-dwellers would travel to the countryside to garden

and grow their own fruits and vegetables. Rural inhabitants

like to keep small gardens around their houses, in which they

grow fruit and vegetables.

Ownership

Lithuanians highly value home ownership. However, in

recent years, banks have tightened their lending requirements,

making it harder for some people to qualify for mortgages.

Many young people rent apartments while they save for a

down payment on their own home.

Dating and Marriage

Dating and Courtship

Lithuanians generally start dating around the ages of 14 or 15.

Young people often meet at school, on social media, or

through mutual friends. Typical dating activities include

going to movies, dining out, and sightseeing.

Marriage in Society

On average, Lithuanians marry in their late twenties, but

some wait until they are financially secure. It is becoming

more popular to live together before or instead of marrying.

Only foreign same-sex marriages are recognized. Most

Lithuanians do not support same-sex marriage, but attitudes

are changing among the younger generation. Legal marriages

are performed at the city hall, and many couples now have a

church ceremony as well.

Weddings

Traditional Lithuanian weddings, which now occur primarily

in rural areas, are often large and lavish. Although young

people choose their own partners, symbolic matchmakers

have an important role in wedding traditions. After the

wedding ceremony, the wedding party's way home is blocked

by “ropes” of branches and flowers. The groom's friends and

the matchmaker have to “buy” their way out with candy and

alcohol. The last rope is usually stretched across the gate of

the couple's home.

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Parents meet the newlyweds at the door with bread

(representing the staff of life), salt (representing future tears),

midus (a homemade honey liquor representing wealth), and

an evergreen wreath (representing long life). Many other

customs surround the two-day wedding celebration, including

the mock punishment—and eventual rescue—of the

matchmaker for convincing the bride to marry the groom.

In recent decades, smaller weddings have become more

common, especially in urban areas. These weddings tend to

be intimate gatherings with close friends and family.

Wedding receptions usually feature food, music, dance, and

games.

Divorce

Close to half of all marriages in Lithuania end in divorce.

Most people, especially young people, do not look down on

those who have been divorced.

Life Cycle

Birth

Mothers receive 126 days of paid time off work for the birth

of a child; fathers are allowed 28 days of paid leave. In

addition, either parent can take a maximum two-year leave to

tend to their child; the government pays a percentage of the

parent’s previous income during this leave. After a newborn is

taken home from the hospital, relatives and friends visit the

parents and bring presents for the baby.

The name given to the baby must be registered with the

state. Many Christian families baptize their children,

sometimes soon after birth and sometimes much later.

Baptism is often followed with a celebration.

Milestones

Lithuanians are viewed as legal adults once they reach their

18th birthday. At this age, people can vote and drive a car.

Birthday parties are hosted by the person whose birthday it is,

and jubilee years (every 10th year) are seen as the most

special. Name days honoring the saint after whom a person is

named may also be important celebrations.

Death

Upon the death of a person, he or she is laid in an open coffin

for about a day, during which time close relatives stand watch

over the body while friends and acquaintances visit, bringing

sympathies and flowers (in even numbers). The body is never

left alone during the day, although it may be left at night. On

the next day, a Mass is held at a church and the body is buried

in a cemetery. Lithuania also has facilities for cremation, a

practice that is becoming more and more popular.

Diet

Lithuanian cuisine has much in common with eastern

European fare; it also is similar to some Scandinavian foods.

Lithuanians value traditional cuisine, and they eat special

Lithuanian dishes throughout the year. Traditional specialties

include smoked sausage, various cheeses, cepelinai (meat

cooked inside a ball of potato dough, served with a special

sauce), vėdarai (cooked potatoes and sausage stuffed into pig

intestines), and kugelis (potato pudding with a sour cream

sauce). People have adopted many dishes from neighboring

cultures as well, including blynai (pancakes), šaltibarščiai

(cold beet soup), and balandėliai (stuffed cabbage leaves).

Kepta duona su sūriu (fried garlic bread with cheese sauce) is

a popular snack.

Meat and poultry are more common than fish. Potatoes are

prepared in numerous ways. Soup is commonly served with

lunch. Local fruits (apples, pears, plums, and strawberries)

and vegetables (carrots, peas, beets, and cabbage) are also

popular. Lithuanians regularly eat rye bread and dairy

products. Tea, milk, and coffee are the most common drinks,

while beer is the most traditional alcoholic drink.

Recreation

Sports

Basketball is the favorite sport in Lithuania, followed by

soccer, boating (rowing), volleyball, cycling, tennis, and

cross-country skiing. Many men enjoy fishing. Exercising at

local gyms has become popular among many Lithuanians.

Leisure

Visiting friends and family is the most common leisure

activity in Lithuania. Many people like to relax by watching

television, knitting and sewing (for women), gardening, or

playing chess or cards. Many enjoy caring for pets (mostly

dogs and cats), reading, and going to cultural events,

including those involving national dance and song. Young

Lithuanians enjoy going out with friends and dancing at

clubs. Children, particularly in cities, often participate in

extracurricular school activities such as art lessons or sports.

Vacation

Every worker has at least four weeks of paid vacation. People

in the middle class usually spend their vacations in rented

villas located in the countryside. Camping is popular for

family outings, as is picking mushrooms or berries in the

forest and going to the beach. Forests, the Baltic seaside, and

the Curonian Lagoon, a large freshwater lagoon on the Baltic,

are favorite destinations. Wealthier Lithuanians can afford to

rent or own property in other countries; the coast of southern

Europe is popular. Turkey is another popular destination.

The Arts

Lithuania has both private and government-funded museums,

orchestras, theaters, and other arts institutions. Through the

Art Council, the government also provides some funding to

thousands of private organizations to ensure a vibrant art

scene. Dozens of festivals take place each year, sometimes

hosting up to 70,000 participants. The most popular festivals

focus on books, cinema, and classical music.

Folk art is respected in Lithuania. Folklore, riddles, and

local myths are very popular, and their themes are

incorporated into other forms of Lithuanian folk art.

Traditional ballads deal with nature, love, and mythical

creatures. Some music is accompanied by the accordion and a

harp-like instrument, but traditional multipart vocal music is

unaccompanied. Other folk arts include linen goods, straw

baskets, woodcarvings, leather goods, clay or straw

sculptures, and amber or metal jewelry.

Holidays

Official public holidays include New Year's Day (1 January),

Independence Day (16 February), Restoration of Lithuania's

Statehood (11 March), Easter, Mother's Day (first Sunday in

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May), Anniversary of the Coronation of Grand Duke

Mindaugas of Lithuania (6 July), All Saints' Day (1

November), and Christmas (25–26 December).

For the pre-Lent Užgavėnės, people dress in costumes and

children go from house to house asking for treats. Easter is

celebrated with family. Saint John's Day (24 June) marks the

advent of summer. All Saints' Day (1 November) and All

Souls' Day (2 November) are days to remember and honor the

dead. Families traditionally have a 12-course, meatless meal

on Kūčios (Christmas Eve). Various local festivals are held

throughout the year.

SOCIETY

Government

Structure

Lithuania is a semi-presidential republic led by a president

who is directly elected to serve a five-year term as head of

state. The prime minister, who is head of government, is

chosen by the president and must be approved by the 141-seat

Seimas (Parliament), which is the highest body of state

power. Members of the Seimas are elected to four-year terms.

The Supreme Court is made up of 37 judges, who are

nominated by the president and approved by the Seimas and

serve a five-year term. The Constitutional Court consists of 9

judges chosen by the Seimas from among those nominated by

the president, the Seimas chairperson, and the Supreme Court

chairperson for a nine-year term.

Although the country is technically divided into 60

municipalities and 10 counties, Lithuanians tend to identify

with one of four main regions: Dzūkija (southeast), Suvalkija

(southwest), Žemaitija (northwest), or Aukštaitija

(center/northeastern lakes).

Political Landscape

Except for the Communist Party, which is banned, political

parties in Lithuania organize and operate without government

interference. Several political parties are represented in the

Seimas. However, political parties often fail to gain a majority

of seats in the Seimas, so coalitions are usually needed to gain

and maintain power. Political parties frequently shift their

political alliances.

The dominant political parties in recent elections include

the center-right Homeland Union–Lithuanian Christian

Democrats (TS-LKD), the center-right Lithuanian Farmers

and Greens Union (LVŽS), and the center-left Social

Democratic Party of Lithuania (LSDP). Lithuania's Polish and

Russian minorities are represented by the Electoral Action of

Poles in Lithuania–Christian Families Alliance (LLRA-KŠS)

and the Lithuanian Russian Union, respectively. Major

political issues in Lithuania include corruption, economic

inequality, wage growth, emigration, and foreign relations

with Russia.

Government and the People

Despite some progress in recent years, corruption among

government officials remains widespread, and most

Lithuanians view corruption as a serious problem.

Nevertheless, the government of Lithuania generally respects

civil liberties, including freedoms of speech, press, assembly,

and religion. In general, elections are free and fair, though

voting irregularities are sometimes reported. In recent

elections, voter turnout has averaged around half of registered

voters. The voting age is 18.

Economy

Lithuania is an industrial state, producing precision

machinery, manufactured fertilizers, textiles, processed foods,

and light industrial products. The country has few natural

resources, so it depends on imported raw materials. Primary

trading partners include countries in both Western and

Eastern Europe, such as Russia, Poland, Germany, and

Latvia.

After regaining independence in 1990, Lithuania suffered

through years of economic hardship as it transitioned to a

free-market economy. However, reintegration with Western

Europe and neighboring countries has increased revenue,

investment, and productivity in Lithuania. The country joined

the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001 and the

European Union (EU) in 2004. Lithuania today is one of the

fastest growing economies in the EU, in part because of the

government's efforts to attract foreign investment, develop

exports, and enact economic reforms.

Despite progress, Lithuania continues to face economic

challenges. More than 20 percent of Lithuanians live in

poverty, and about 9 percent are unemployed. Many educated

Lithuanians have moved to other countries to find work,

which has left Lithuania with a shortage of skilled workers.

The currency is the eurų (euro).

Transportation and Communications

Many families own a car, though most are purchased used.

Public transportation is convenient. Local buses and trolleys

operate in cities; bus and train services operate in the

countryside. Airlines, trains, and sea ferries connect Lithuania

with various European destinations.

Several daily and weekly private newspapers are available.

Multiple state-run and private radio and television stations

serve the country. The telephone system is extensive and

fairly efficient. Cellular phones are gradually replacing

existing phone lines because the networks are cheaper. The

country has one of the fastest internet connections in Europe,

and internet use is widespread. The constitution guarantees

freedom of speech and freedom of the press, and both are

respected in practice.

Education

Structure and Access

Education at public schools is provided free at all levels, and

it is compulsory from age 7 until 16. Children attend primary

and basic (lower secondary) school for 10 years. After

graduation from basic school, students may begin working,

but most students attend upper secondary school. At this

level, students can choose to focus on vocational training or

to prepare for university studies.

School Life

Most public schools do not require uniforms. In secondary

school, pupils can choose an area of emphasis, such as

humanities, social sciences, or hard sciences. Lithuanian

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students of all ages receive a lot of homework, which may

take a few hours to complete each evening. Many ethnic

minorities have the option of attending schools that teach in

their language, including Russian and Polish.

Higher Education

Students must pass difficult government-administered

entrance exams before advancing to higher education.

Lithuania has dozens of public and private universities,

including Vilnius University (which is over four hundred

years old), the University of Vytautas Magnus, and Kaunas

University of Technology. The state pays for the higher

education of students who achieve high grades and entrance

exam scores.

Health

Lithuania has a free national healthcare system. Serious

conditions and operations are usually treated in state

hospitals. Private health clinics are also available and usually

have shorter waiting lines, but they require additional fees.

The healthcare system provides for most needs, although

newer treatments for rare diseases are sometimes lacking.

Lithuania has one of the highest suicide rates in Europe.

The quick pace of societal change is sometimes blamed, but

alcoholism and a lack of economic opportunity (especially in

rural areas) are also considered to be contributing factors. In

efforts to curb alcohol consumption, the legal drinking age

was increased from age 18 to 20 and the hours for legal sale

of alcohol were reduced.

AT A GLANCE

Contact Information

Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania, 2622 16th Street NW,

Washington, DC 20009; phone (202) 234-5860; web site

http://usa.mfa.lt/usa/en. Lithuania Travel, web site

www.lithuania.travel.

Country and Development Data

Capital Vilnius

Population 2,711,566 (rank=137)

Area (sq. mi.) 25,212 (rank=121)

Area (sq. km.) 65,300

Human Development Index 34 of 189 countries

Gender Inequality Index 33 of 162 countries

GDP (PPP) per capita $36,700

Adult Literacy 100%

Infant Mortality 4 per 1,000 births

Life Expectancy 71 (male); 81 (female)

Currency Euro

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