Lithuania, situated in Eastern Europe, is a country that was left largely unexplored by the tourists some time back. However, with the world becoming a global village, people have started looking up to the previously unexplored places to spend their holidays. Lithuania, with its rich and inviting national parks, serene lakes, spa resorts, and military heritage sites, has been attracting visitors from far and wide. The 99-km long coastline of the country is home to a number of sandy beaches. Add to this, the World Heritage Sites that the country boasts of and you get a wide variety, as far as tourist attractions are concerned. In the following lines, we have provided a number of fun and interesting facts about Lithuania, to help you know the country better.
Interesting Facts about Lithuania
- The official name of Lithuania is ‘The Republic of Lithuania’.
- Lithuania is situated in Eastern Europe, between Latvia and Russia, and stands bordered by the Baltic Sea, Belarus and Poland.
- Lithuania is one of countries that make up the ‘Baltic States’. However, contrary to what the name suggests, the states do not share political unity.
- The official language of Lithuania is Lithuanian. However, you will find majority of the people speaking Russian and English also.
- Lithuania is spread over an area of approximately 65,300 sq km (25,212 sq miles) and is about the same size as West Virginia.
- The state of Lithuania is an independent, democratic republic and follows Parliamentary democracy.
- The currency of Lithuania is Litas and 1 Litas is equal to 100 centas.
- Lithuania was the last country in Europe to be converted to Christianity. Before Christianity, the country’s religion was ‘Romuva’.
- The capital of Lithuania is Vilnius.
- Juozapines Hill (294 m) forms the highest point in Lithuania, while the largest and longest river in the country is Nemunas.
- Lithuania had only one king during the royal times, King Mindaugas.
- The first publishing house in Lithuania was founded in Vilnius, in 1522, and the first Lithuanian Book was published in 1547.
- The mother of Pope John Paul II was of Lithuanian descent.
- Lithuania was the first Soviet republic to declare independence from the USSR.
- Lithuania joined the United Nations on 17th September 1991 and the European Union on 1st May 2004.
- Lithuania stands divided into 10 counties, 60 municipalities and 500 elderates.
- Kaunas, Klaipëda, Šiauliai and Panevëþys are the largest cities in Lithuania.
