Lithuania

We would like to  invite you to visit Lithuania, the largest and most populous of the three Baltic countries. Lithuania has very beautiful countryside, an ancient culture and exciting towns. Whether you are a fan of the countryside, active holidays or the cultural life, where are a lot of things to do and places to visit in Lithuania.

History

 Lithuania was first mentioned in 1009 in the Qedlinburg annals. Lithuania emerged as a state in the early 13th century, and by the beginning of the 15th century, had become one of the most powerful states in Eastern Europe. Lithuanians built castles which are still admired today for their defensive construction. In 1386, Grand Duke Jagello (Jogaila) accepted the Polish crown, introduced Christianity, and established a personal union between Poland and Lithuania. In 1569 the Union of Liublin, sealed the Poland-Lithuania Union as a Commonwealth (Rzecspospolita). In 1795, Lithuania was incorporated into Russia, and its statehood was not restored until February 16, 1918 when Lithuania proclaimed independence.  In 1940 the Soviet Union occupied Lithuania. In 1988, the anti-Communist Sajudis conducted a successful campaign to restore Lithuanian independence. In February 1990, Sajudis won an overwhelming majority in free parliamentary elections, and in March independence was proclaimed. In 2004 Lithuania was accepted into NATO and joined the European Union.

Geography

Lithuania is the biggest of the three Baltic countries, and lies between Latvia in the north, Belarus in the southeast, Poland and Kaliningrad Region in the southwest. Lithuania has a 99 km coastline covered with sand beaches and dunes, and the geographic centre of Europe lies 24 km northwest of Vilnius.

Lithuania regained its independence in 1991, and is now a member of the EU and NATO. It is a parliamentary democracy, and the head of State is the President.