Full country name: Republic of Lithuania
Population: 3.28 million
Capital City: Vilnius
Int. Airports: Vilnius VNO, Kaunas KUN, Palanga PLQ
Baltic Sea Port: Klaipeda
People: LT 84.0%, PL 6,1%, RU 4,9%, other 5%
Language: Lithuanian
Government: Semi-presidential Republic
President: Mrs. Dalia Grybauskaite
Member of: EU, NATO
GDP (total nominal 2009): USD 37.254 billion
GDP Per Capita (2009): USD 11 172
Major Sectors of the Economy (2009): Manufacturing (20%),
Wholesale(17%), Transport and Comunications(13%)
General Information
The Republic of Lithuania, on the east coast of the Baltic Sea, boldly became the first of the Soviet republics to declare its independence in 1990. With a restructured economy it joined the EU in the spring of 2004, and the gates of this fascinating ancient country are now wide open for western tourists and pleasure-seekers. Relatively small, with only 62 miles (100km) of Baltic coastline, and hemmed in by Latvia, Belarus, Poland and part of the Russian Federation, Lithuania has a big heart and wide variety of offerings for visitors, including around 2,500 lakes, 18 sizeable meandering rivers, and forests covering a third of its territory. The country can also boast of being officially the centre of Europe: the National Geographic Institute of France proclaimed a point (now a popular tourist attraction) 15 miles (24km) northwest of the capital, Vilnius, as the geographic centre of the continent in 1989. Vilnius itself is an atmospheric historic city founded in 1323, with a beautiful old quarter that has been declared a UNESCO Heritage Site and is undergoing tasteful renovations. Just a few miles from Vilnius lies Trakai, capital of Lithuania in the Middle Ages, on the shore of the scenic Lake Galve, and a little further west visitors revel in the peaceful Birstonas mineral water spa resort. Lithuania's second largest city, Kaunas, is a cultural centre boasting numerous museums and three theatres among its attractions. On its Baltic coastline Lithuania boasts seaside resorts, the most popular being Palanga and Kursiu, with unspoilt white sandy beaches backed by pine forests. An increasing number of travelers are savoring the delights of this re-discovered Baltic State, which is easily accessible from the main centers of Europe by air and road, and whose people are ready, willing and proud to show off its attributes. The present territory of Lithuania covers 65,300 sq. km, with a land boundary of 747 km. The longest distance from east to west is 373 km, and from north to south 276 km. Approximately ¾ of the country’s territory consists of lowlands and plains. Most of the landscape is attractive, with undulating terrain in the northeast and west. From ancient times Lithuania was alluded to as the land of blue lakes and green forests. Inland water areas cover 4% of the area, forests occupy 27,6%. Lithuania has borders with Latvia (610 km), Belarus (727 km), Poland (110 km), Kaliningrad region (303 km).
Climate
The climate is a mixture of marine and continental. The average mean temperature in July is +18°C and the average mean January temperature is -5°C. With a continental/maritime climate, Vilnius has vast discrepancies between its summer and winter temperatures. In summer the mercury can reach as high as 86°F (30°C), bringing holidaymakers and locals alike into the outdoor bars and cafes to enjoy the long, light evenings. Usually though temperatures are more moderate. Winter, by contrast, is bitterly cold with temperatures dropping below 32°F (0°C) and the rivers often freezing over, making ice-fishing a popular pastime. Rainy days are possible all year round, but most rain falls during mid-summer.
History
Lithuania’s past is rich and marked by complexity. In the multitude of events, and their uniqueness and effect on neighboring nations, Lithuania can be compared to any large state. A Lithuanian engaged in an explanation of the present will often digress into historical comparisons and analogies. The legends, wars, battles and political events have found their way into literary works, folk songs, movies, art works etc. The name of Lithuania appeared in records for the first time in AD 1009, in the Annals of Quedlinburg. In the 13th century Duke Mindaugas united the Lithuanian ethnic lands and established the state of Lithuania. Duke Mindaugas became the first and the only king of Lithuania though he could never see the crown from the Pope of Rome. Grand Duke Gediminas in the 14th century started the long term expansion of Lithuania into the lands of the eastern Slavs. He founded the modern capital city of Vilnius. Grand Duke Vytautas in the 15th century brought the greatest military and political prosperity in the country. In the 16th century Lithuania signed the Union of Lublin with Poland and shared one king also holding the title oh Grand Duke of Lithuania. In the 17th century Lithuania became enmeshed in wars with Russia. In the 18th century after the third partition in 1795 the name of Lithuania disappeared from the political map more than for 100 years. In the 19th century after Napoleon’s campaign against Russia, Czar Nicholas I began to “russify” the country. Lithuania began to recover only towards the end of the 19th century, the period known as the “spring of nations”. At the start of World War I, Lithuania was soon occupied by Germany. In 1918 Lithuania proclaimed its independence. During World War II after signing Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact Lithuania was relegated to the German sphere of influence and later occupied of the Soviet Union. Starting from 1941 the Soviets carried out many Lithuanians to Russia and Siberia. During 1989, the political situation in Lithuania started increasingly to resemble the life of an independent country. In 1990 the Act of the Restauration of Independence was proclaimed. In 1991 after Soviet Army actions 14 peaceful people who defended Lithuania’s independence were killed. Starting from 1993 every five years citizens of the state elect the President of Lithuania.
Religion
Lithuania is a country dominated by the Roman Catholic Church. Over 80% of the population consider themselves Catholics.
Location
PIn 1989, the French National Geographic Institute established and certified the fact that the exact center of Europe is located in Lithuania, 27 km north of Vilnius.
Language
Lithuanian is the official language, but Russian and English are widely spoken. The Lithuanian language is one of the most archaic in Europe. Hearing Lithuanian language for the first time, foreigners say it sounds as if it were being chanted, not spoken. Lithuanian is a representative of the Baltic group of the Indo-European languages. The four ethnic groups of Lithuanians have preserved their dialects, which differ in their phonetic, morphological features, and even in vocabulary.
Time
Local time is GMT +2.
Electricity
European style two-pin sockets at 220 volts AC, 50Hz.
Money
The official currency is the Litas (LTL), which is linked to the euro at a fixed rate of 3.4528 Lt to €1. ATMs are found in Vilnius on the Cirrus and Visa networks, but are rare in smaller towns. Most retailers, hotels, restaurants and the like accept credit cards, and banks and hotels will cash travelers cheques.
Currency
LTL 1.00 = A$ 0.48 C$ 0.41 NZ$ 0.56 £ 0.20 US$ 0.39 R 2.85
Note: These rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.
Entry Requirements
US citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days in any half-year period.
UK citizens: No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days in any half-year period if British passport is endorsed British Citizen, British National (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen or British Subject (with the right of abode in the UK).
Canada citizens: Canadians do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days in any half-year period.
Australia citizens: Australians do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days in any half-year period.
South Africa citizens: South Africans need a visa, unless the traveller already holds a visa for Latvia or Estonia.
Ireland citizens: Irish nationals require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days in any half-year period.
New Zealand citizens: New Zealand nationals require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days in any half-year period.
Passport/Visa Note
Visitors must hold a passport valid for at least three months beyond their stay (unless a member of the EU, in which case passport need only be valid on entry) and a return or onward ticket, as well as sufficient funds and all necessary documentation for onward destinations.
Embassy Or Consulate
Embassy of Lithuania in Washington DC, United States: +1 202 234 5860.
Embassy of Lithuania in London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7486 6401.
Embassy of Lithuania in Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 567 5458.
Consulate of Lithuania in Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)6 253 2062.
Honorary Consul of Lithuania in Cape Town, South Africa: +27 (0)21 406 9208.
US Embassy or Consulate, United States Embassy, Vilnius: +370 (526) 65500.
UK Embassy or Consulate, British Embassy, Vilnius: +370 (524) 62900.
Canadian Embassy or Consulate: Canadian Embassy, Vilnius: +370 (524) 90950.
Australian Embassy or Consulate: Australian Honourary Consul, Vilnius: +370 (521) 23369.
South African Embassy or Consulate: South African Embassy, Copenhagen, Denmark (also responsible for Lithuania): +45 3918 0155.
Health
The only health risks associated with visiting Lithuania are for those intending to visit forested areas, who are advised to have inoculations against rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Travelers are advised to obtain a Hepatitus A vaccine. EU citizens are entitled to emergency medical treatment if they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from their country of origin. Medical facilities are fair and there are plenty of doctors, but equipment and resources are lacking. There are a few private clinics of high standard. Doctors and hospitals usually expect immediate cash payment for services. Travel medical insurance is highly recommended.
Tipping
Tipping is not required as a matter of course, but is appreciated for exceptionally good service. Rounding up the bill to avoid accumulating small change is customary.
Safety
Lithuania is devoid of civil unrest and the terrorism threat is low. Car theft is rife, and there is a risk of mugging, pick-pocketing and bag snatching especially on public transport. Visitors should exercise due care and avoid carrying valuables. It is advisable to carry a copy of your passport for identification purposes. Traffic accidents are common, so extra vigilance is required for driving, especially at night.
Business
Business in Lithuania is usually conducted formally, though the younger generation is less conservative. Face-to-face meetings are key, with good eye contact and a firm handshake upon greeting. Business cards are usually exchanged and it is important to be punctual. Use titles and surnames, unless otherwise indicated. Suits and ties are the norm. Lithuanians are hospitable and friendly and any invitation should be accepted, as this is a good opportunity to forge better business relations and build trust. Meetings tend to start with some small talk and can sometimes end with a summary of the discussions, though decision making and results can be slow. Business hours are usually from 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm Monday to Friday.
Communications
The international dialling code for Lithuania is +370. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK) and the country has three-digit area codes. Vilnius has six different area codes: 521 and 523-527. Local calls can be dialled without the area codes. There are three major mobile GSM network service providers and connections are excellent. The Internet is well established in Lithuania and cities teem with Internet cafes. Small towns and villages have public Internet access points in libraries, post offices and tourist information centers.
Duty Free
Non-EU citizens entering Lithuania may bring in 1 liter of spirits over 22% alcohol content or 2 liters of spirits or aperitifs or sparkling wines with less than 22% alcohol content and 2 liters table wine; 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco. Also permitted duty-free is 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette, and goods of up to 600 Lt per adult or 310 Lt for children under 15 years. Forbidden imports include plants, meat, milk and live birds.
