View source for Lithuania

{{Short description|Country in the Baltic region of Europe}}
{{About|the country|other uses|Lithuania (disambiguation)}}
{{Redirect|Litwa|other uses|Litwa (disambiguation)}}
{{Redirect|Lietuva|newspapers under the name ''Lietuva''|Lietuva (newspaper)}}
{{pp-semi|small=yes}}
{{pp-move|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2022}}
{{Infobox country
| conventional_long_name = Republic of Lithuania
| native_name = {{native name|lt|Lietuvos Respublika}}
| common_name = Lithuania
| image_flag = Flag of Lithuania.svg
| alt_flag = Flag of Lithuania
| image_coat = Coat of arms of Lithuania.svg
| alt_coat = Coat of arms of Lithuania
| national_anthem = <br />{{lang|lt|[[Tautiška giesmė]]}}<br />"National Song"<div style="padding-top:0.5em;">{{center|[[File:Tautiška giesme instumental.ogg]]}}</div>
| image_map = EU-Lithuania.svg
| map_caption = {{map_caption |location_color=dark green |region=Europe |region_color=dark grey |subregion=the European Union |subregion_color=green |legend=EU-Lithuania.svg}}
| capital = [[Vilnius]]
| coordinates = {{Coord|54|41|N|25|19|E|type:city}}
| largest_city = capital
| official_languages = [[Lithuanian language|Lithuanian]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Lithuania's Constitution of 1992 with Amendments through 2019 |url=https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Lithuania_2006.pdf |website=Constitute Project |access-date=30 August 2020 |archive-date=21 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210221121506/https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Lithuania_2006.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>
| ethnic_groups = {{unbulleted list
|82.3% [[Lithuanians]]
|6.2% [[Poles in Lithuania|Poles]]
|5.0% [[Russians in Lithuania|Russians]]
|2.2% [[Ukrainians in Lithuania|Ukrainians]]
|2.1% [[Belarusians in Lithuania|Belarusians]]
|2.2% [[Ethnic minorities in Lithuania|others]]
}}
| ethnic_groups_year = 2025<ref>{{cite web|url=https://osp.stat.gov.lt/en/statistiniu-rodikliu-analize|title=Rodiklių duomenų bazė - Oficialiosios statistikos portalas|website=osp.stat.gov.lt}}</ref>
| religion_year = 2021<ref name="religion-stats">{{cite web|title=Population by religious community indicated, municipalities (2021)|url=https://osp.stat.gov.lt/lt/statistiniu-rodikliu-analize?hash=dadee47b-9204-48d2-a55e-e125d581f1b6#/|publisher=[[Department of Statistics (Lithuania)|Statistics Lithuania]]|language=lt|access-date=2 January 2022|archive-date=2 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102180815/https://osp.stat.gov.lt/lt/statistiniu-rodikliu-analize?hash=dadee47b-9204-48d2-a55e-e125d581f1b6#/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| religion = {{unbulleted list |
{{Tree list}}
* 79.4% [[Christianity]] 
** 74.2% [[Catholic Church in Lithuania|Catholicism]] 
** 5.2% other [[List of Christian denominations|Christian]] 
{{Tree list/end}}
* 6.1% [[Irreligion|no religion]] 
* 0.8% [[Religion in Lithuania|others]] 
* 13.7% no answer}}
| demonym = [[Lithuanians|Lithuanian]]
| government_type = Unitary [[semi-presidential republic]]<ref name="Lina">{{cite book |last=Kulikauskienė |first=Lina |date=2002 |title=Lietuvos Respublikos Konstitucija |trans-title=The Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania |language=lt |publisher=Native History, CD. |isbn=978-9986-9216-7-7 |quote=<!-- Please, provide a quotation if you have access to the book. -->}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Veser |first=Ernst |author-link=<!-- Ernst Veser --> |date=23 September 1997 |title=Semi-Presidentialism-Duverger's Concept – A New Political System Model |url=http://www.rchss.sinica.edu.tw/publication/ebook/journal/11-01-1999/11_1_2.pdf |publisher=Department of Education, School of Education, [[University of Cologne]] |language=en, zh |pages=39–60 |access-date=23 August 2017 |quote=Duhamel has developed the approach further: He stresses that the French construction does not correspond to either parliamentary or the presidential form of government, and then develops the distinction of 'système politique' and 'régime constitutionnel'. While the former comprises the exercise of power that results from the dominant institutional practice, the latter is the totality of the rules for the dominant institutional practice of the power. In this way, France appears as 'presidentialist system' endowed with a 'semi-presidential regime' (1983: 587). By this standard he recognizes Duverger's ''pléiade'' as semi-presidential regimes, as well as Poland, Romania, Bulgaria and Lithuania (1993: 87). |archive-date=24 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424202059/https://www.rchss.sinica.edu.tw/publication/ebook/journal/11-01-1999/11_1_2.pdf}}</ref><ref name="Draft">{{cite journal |last=Shugart |first=Matthew Søberg |author-link=Matthew Søberg Shugart |date=September 2005 |title=Semi-Presidential Systems: Dual Executive and Mixed Authority Patterns |url=http://dss.ucsd.edu/~mshugart/semi-presidentialism.pdf |journal=Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies |location=United States |publisher=University of California, San Diego |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080819200307/http://dss.ucsd.edu/~mshugart/semi-presidentialism.pdf |archive-date=19 August 2008 |access-date=23 August 2017}}</ref><ref name="Dual">{{cite journal |last=Shugart |first=Matthew Søberg |author-link=Matthew Søberg Shugart |date=December 2005 |title=Semi-Presidential Systems: Dual Executive And Mixed Authority Patterns |journal=French Politics |publisher=[[Palgrave Macmillan]] Journals |volume=3 |issue=3 |pages=323–351 |doi=10.1057/palgrave.fp.8200087 |doi-access=free |quote=A pattern similar to the French case of compatible majorities alternating with periods of cohabitation emerged in Lithuania, where Talat-Kelpsa (2001) notes that the ability of the Lithuanian president to influence government formation and policy declined abruptly when he lost the sympathetic majority in parliament. |issn=1476-3419}}</ref>
| leader_title1 = [[President of Lithuania|President]]
| leader_name1 = [[Gitanas Nausėda]]
| leader_title2 = [[Prime Minister of Lithuania|Prime Minister]]
| leader_name2 = [[Inga Ruginienė]]
| leader_title3 = [[List of speakers of the Seimas|Seimas Speaker]]
| leader_name3 = [[Juozas Olekas]]
| legislature = [[Seimas]]
| sovereignty_type = [[History of Lithuania|Formation]]
| established_event1 = [[Name of Lithuania|First mentioned]]
| established_date1 = 9 March 1009
| established_event2 = [[Grand Duchy of Lithuania|Grand Duchy]]
| established_date2 = 1236
| established_event3 = Coronation of [[Mindaugas]]
| established_date3 = 6 July 1253
| established_event4 = [[Union of Krewo|Union with Poland]]
| established_date4 = 2 February 1386
| established_event5 = [[Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth|Commonwealth]] created
| established_date5 = 1 July 1569
| established_event6 = [[Partitions of Poland|Partitioned]]
| established_date6 = 24 October 1795
| established_event7 = [[Act of Independence of Lithuania|Independence reinstated]]
| established_date7 = 16 February 1918
| established_event8 = [[Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic|Soviet occupation]]
| established_date8 = 16 June 1940
| established_event9 = [[Act of the Re-Establishment of the State of Lithuania|Independence restored]]
| established_date9 = 11 March 1990
| area_rank = 121st <!-- Area rank should match [[List of countries and dependencies by area]] -->
| area_km2 = 65,300<ref>[https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/en/web/products-eurostat-news/-/edn-20180216-1 "Eurostat celebrates Lithuania". 16 February 2018.] ''[[Eurostat]]''. Retrieved 28 January 2025.</ref>
| area_sq_mi = 25,212 <!-- Do not remove per [[Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers|WP:MOSNUM]] -->
| percent_water = 1.98 (2015)<ref>{{cite web |title=Surface water and surface water change |access-date=11 October 2020 |publisher=[[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development]] (OECD) |url=https://stats.oecd.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=SURFACE_WATER |archive-date=24 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324133453/https://stats.oecd.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=SURFACE_WATER |url-status=live}}</ref>
| population_estimate = {{IncreaseNeutral}} 2,897,430<ref>{{cite web |url=https://osp.stat.gov.lt/pagrindiniai-salies-rodikliai |title=Pradžia – Oficialiosios statistikos portalas |website=osp.stat.gov.lt |access-date=10 January 2025}}</ref>
| population_estimate_rank = 137th
| population_estimate_year = 2025
| population_density_km2 = 44
| population_density_sq_mi = 114 <!-- Do not remove per [[Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers|WP:MOSNUM]] -->
| population_density_rank = 138th
| GDP_PPP = {{increase}} $161.454 billion<ref name="IMFWEO.LT">{{cite web |url=https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2024/October/weo-report?c=512,914,612,171,614,311,213,911,314,193,122,912,313,419,513,316,913,124,339,638,514,218,963,616,223,516,918,748,618,624,522,622,156,626,628,228,924,233,632,636,634,238,662,960,423,935,128,611,321,243,248,469,253,642,643,939,734,644,819,172,132,646,648,915,134,652,174,328,258,656,654,336,263,268,532,944,176,534,536,429,433,178,436,136,343,158,439,916,664,826,542,967,443,917,544,941,446,666,668,672,946,137,546,674,676,548,556,678,181,867,682,684,273,868,921,948,943,686,688,518,728,836,558,138,196,278,692,694,962,142,449,564,565,283,853,288,293,566,964,182,359,453,968,922,714,862,135,716,456,722,942,718,724,576,936,961,813,726,199,733,184,524,361,362,364,732,366,144,146,463,528,923,738,578,537,742,866,369,744,186,925,869,746,926,466,112,111,298,927,846,299,582,487,474,754,698,&s=NGDPDPC,&sy=2022&ey=2029&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1|title=World Economic Outlook Database, October 2024 Edition. (Lithuania) |publisher=[[International Monetary Fund]] |date=10 April 2024 |access-date=14 July 2024}}</ref>
| GDP_PPP_rank = 88th
| GDP_PPP_year = 2025
| GDP_PPP_per_capita = {{increase}} $55,995<ref name="IMFWEO.LT" />
| GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 39th
| GDP_nominal = {{Increase}} $87.981 billion<ref name="IMFWEO.LT" />
| GDP_nominal_rank = 78th
| GDP_nominal_year = 2025
| GDP_nominal_per_capita = {{increase}} $30,514<ref name="IMFWEO.LT" />
| GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 40th
| Gini = 35.7 <!-- number only -->
| Gini_ref = <ref name="eurogini">{{cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/tessi190/default/table?lang=en|title=Gini coefficient of equivalised disposable income|publisher=[[Eurostat]]|access-date=18 January 2025|archive-date=9 January 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250109104627/https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/tessi190/default/table|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Gini_rank = 
| Gini_year = 2023 <!-- Please use the year to which the data refers, not the publication year-->
| Gini_change = decrease <!-- increase/decrease/steady -->
| HDI = 0.895 <!-- number only -->
| HDI_ref = <ref name="UNHDR">{{cite web|url=https://hdr.undp.org/system/files/documents/global-report-document/hdr2023-24reporten.pdf|title=Human Development Report 2023/24|publisher=[[United Nations Development Programme]]|date=13 March 2024|access-date=13 March 2024|archive-date=13 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313164319/https://hdr.undp.org/system/files/documents/global-report-document/hdr2023-24reporten.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
| HDI_rank = 39th
| HDI_year = 2023
| HDI_change = increase <!-- increase/decrease/steady -->
| currency = [[Euro]] ([[Euro sign|€]])
| currency_code = EUR
| time_zone = [[Eastern European Time|EET]]
| utc_offset = +2
| time_zone_DST = [[Eastern European Summer Time|EEST]]
| utc_offset_DST = +3
| date_format = {{abbr|yyyy|year}}-{{abbr|mm|month}}-{{abbr|dd|day}}{{efn|Lithuania uses [[ISO 8601]] standard for date and time.}}<ref>{{cite web |author1=[[Office of the Chief Archivist of Lithuania]] |title=V-117 Dėl Dokumentų rengimo taisyklių patvirtinimo |url=https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/TAIS.403753/asr |website=e-seimas.lrs.lt |publisher=[[Seimas]] |access-date=6 December 2024 |language=lt-LT |date=4 July 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Kaip trumpuoju būdu rašyti datą? |url=https://www.vlkk.lt/konsultacijos/657-data-datos-rasymas |website=vlkk.lt |publisher=[[Commission of the Lithuanian Language]] |access-date=6 December 2024 |language=lt-LT |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201173919/https://www.vlkk.lt/konsultacijos/657-data-datos-rasymas |archive-date=1 February 2022}}</ref>
| drives_on = right
| calling_code = [[Telephone numbers in Lithuania|+370]]
| cctld = [[.lt]]
}}

'''Lithuania''',{{efn|{{IPAc-en| audio = Lithuania pronunciation RP.ogg|ˌ|l|ɪ|θj|u|ˈ|eɪ|n|i|ə}} {{respell|LITH|ew|AY|nee|ə}};<ref>{{cite book |last=Jones |first=Daniel |author-link=Daniel Jones (phonetician) |editor1-last=Roach |editor1-first=Peter |editor2-last=Setter |editor2-first=Jane |editor2-link=Jane Setter |editor3-last=Esling |editor3-first=John |year=2011 |title=Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary |edition=18th |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-15253-2 |title-link=Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary}}</ref> {{langx|lt|Lietuva}} {{IPA|lt|lʲiətʊˈvɐ|}}}} officially the '''Republic of Lithuania''',{{efn|{{langx|lt|Lietuvos Respublika|links=no}} {{IPA|lt|lʲiətʊˈvoːs rʲɛsˈpʊblʲɪkɐ|}}}} is a country in the [[Baltic region]] of [[Europe]].{{efn|name=location|Various sources classify Lithuania differently for statistical and other purposes. For example, United Nations,<ref name="UN">{{cite web|url=https://unstats.un.org/unsd/methodology/m49/#geo-regions|title=United Nations Statistics Division- Standard Country and Area Codes Classifications (M49)-Geographic Regions|website=Unstats.un.org|access-date=1 September 2017|archive-date=30 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830170949/https://unstats.un.org/unsd/methodology/m49/#geo-regions|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Eurovoc]] (which additionally classifies Lithuania as central and eastern European country),<ref>{{cite web|title=Lithuania - EU Vocabularies - Publications Office of the EU |url=https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/concept/-/resource?uri=http://eurovoc.europa.eu/5709&lang=en |website=op.europa.eu |access-date=9 March 2023 |archive-date=9 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309144010/https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/concept/-/resource?uri=http://eurovoc.europa.eu/5709&lang=en |url-status=live}}</ref> among others, classify it as northern Europe. The [[European Commission]], [[European Bank for Reconstruction and Development]] and the [[Columbia Encyclopedia]] place Lithuania in central Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.strasbourg-europe.eu/lithuania/|title=Lithuania|website=Europe Direct Strasbourg|access-date=16 December 2023|archive-date=15 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215192041/https://www.strasbourg-europe.eu/lithuania/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Lithuania joins the Eurozone|url=https://www.ebrd.com/news/2014/lithuania-joins-the-eurozone.html|work=European Bank for Reconstruction and Development|access-date=16 December 2023|date=29 December 2014|last=Lehmann|first=Alex}}</ref><ref>Lagassé, Paul; Columbia University, eds. (2000). ''The Columbia Encyclopedia'' (6th ed.). New York, NY: Columbia University Press. {{ISBN|978-0-7876-5015-5}}</ref> The [[CIA World Factbook]]<ref name="CIA">{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/lithuania/|publisher=[[CIA World Factbook]]|title=Lithuania|date=22 September 2021|access-date=24 January 2021|archive-date=22 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210622180812/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/lithuania/|url-status=live}}</ref> classifies it as eastern Europe, and ''[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]'' locates it in northeastern Europe.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|title=Lithuania|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Lithuania|encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Britannica|access-date=1 September 2017|archive-date=3 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703032318/https://www.britannica.com/place/Lithuania|url-status=live}}</ref> Usage varies greatly, and controversially,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bershidsky|first1=Leonid|title=Why the Baltics Want to Move to Another Part of Europe|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2017-01-10/why-the-baltics-want-to-move-to-another-part-of-europe|access-date=1 September 2017|work=Bloomberg|date=10 January 2017|url-access=subscription|archive-date=17 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171017213918/https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2017-01-10/why-the-baltics-want-to-move-to-another-part-of-europe|url-status=live}}</ref> in press sources.}} It is one of three [[Baltic states]] and lies on the eastern shore of the [[Baltic Sea]], bordered by [[Latvia]] to the north, [[Belarus]] to the east and south, [[Poland]] to the south, and the Russian [[exclave|semi-exclave]] of [[Kaliningrad Oblast]] to the southwest, with a [[Maritime boundary|maritime border]] with [[Sweden]] to the west. Lithuania covers an area of {{convert|65300|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}, and has a population of 2.9 million. Its capital and largest city is [[Vilnius]]; other major cities include [[Kaunas]], [[Klaipėda]], [[Šiauliai]] and [[Panevėžys]]. [[Lithuanians]] are the [[titular nation]], belong to the ethnolinguistic group of [[Balts]], and speak [[Lithuanian language|Lithuanian]].

For millennia, the southeastern shores of the Baltic Sea were inhabited by various [[Balts|Baltic tribes]]. In the 1230s, Lithuanian lands were united for the first time by [[Mindaugas]], who formed the [[Kingdom of Lithuania]] on 6 July 1253. Subsequent expansion and consolidation resulted in the [[Grand Duchy of Lithuania]], which by the 14th century was the largest country in Europe. In 1386, the grand duchy entered into a ''[[de facto]]'' [[personal union]] with the [[Crown of the Kingdom of Poland]]. The two realms [[Union of Lublin|were united]] into the [[Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth|Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth]] in 1569, forming one of the largest and most prosperous states in Europe. The commonwealth lasted more than two centuries, until neighbouring countries [[Partitions of Poland|gradually dismantled it]] between 1772 and 1795, with the [[Russian Empire]] annexing most of Lithuania's territory.

Towards the end of [[World War I]], Lithuania [[Act of Independence of Lithuania|declared independence]] in 1918, founding the modern Republic of Lithuania. In [[World War II]], Lithuania was occupied [[Soviet occupation of the Baltic states (1940)|by the Soviet Union]], then [[German occupation of Lithuania during World War II|by Nazi Germany]], before being [[Soviet re-occupation of the Baltic states (1944)|reoccupied by the Soviets]] in 1944. [[Lithuanian partisans|Lithuanian armed resistance]] to the Soviet occupation lasted until the early 1950s. On 11 March 1990, a year before the formal [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]], Lithuania became the first Soviet republic to break away when it [[Act of the Re-Establishment of the State of Lithuania|proclaimed the restoration of its independence]].

Lithuania is a [[developed country]] with a [[World Bank high-income economy|high-income]] and [[Economy of Lithuania|an advanced economy]] ranking very high in [[Human Development Index]]. Lithuania ranks highly in [[Digital platform (infrastructure)|digital infrastructure]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://investlithuania.com/news/lithuania-a-growing-cybersecurity-hub-for-global-businesses/|title=Lithuania – a growing cybersecurity hub for global businesses|website=Invest Lithuania|date=17 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://lithuania.lt/governance-in-lithuania/lithuania-rises-in-global-digital-competitiveness-ranking-leading-the-baltics/|title=Lithuania Rises in Global Digital Competitiveness Ranking, Leading the Baltics|website=lithuania.lt|date=26 November 2024}}</ref> [[World Press Freedom Index|press freedom]] and [[World Happiness Report|happiness]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2230346/lithuania-ranked-world-s-happiest-country-for-young-people|title=Lithuania ranked world's happiest country for young people|website=[[Lithuanian National Radio and Television]]|date=21 March 2024}}</ref> It is a member of the [[United Nations]], the [[European Union]], the [[Council of Europe]], the [[Council of the Baltic Sea States]], the [[Eurozone]], the [[Nordic Investment Bank]], the [[International Monetary Fund]], the [[Schengen Agreement]], [[NATO]], [[OECD]] and the [[World Trade Organization]]. It also participates in the [[Nordic-Baltic Eight]] (NB8) regional co-operation format.

==Etymology==
{{Main|Name of Lithuania}}
[[File:Lietuvos vardas. The first name of Lithuania in writing 1009.jpg|thumb|left|Earliest mention of Lithuania (''Litua'', on line 7) in the entry for 1009 in the 11th-century ''Annals of Quedlinburg'', Dresden, Sächsische Landesbibliothek, Q.113, fol 31r.]]
The spelling of ''Lithuania'' was a later addition to the original Latinate ''Lituania'' since 1800 as a form of [[hyperforeignism]] influenced by [[English words of Greek origin|Greek loanwords]] with the [[theta]]; it is ultimately from {{langx|lt|Lietuva}}.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Bammesberger|first=Alfred|author-link=Alfred Bammesberger|date=Mar 2012|title=''Lietuvà'', ''Lithuania'', and Chaucer's ''Lettow''|url=http://www.old.lituanus.org/2012/12_1_01Bammesberger.html|journal=[[Lituanus]]|volume=58|issue=1|pages=5–8}}</ref> The first known record of ''Lietuva'' is in a 1009 story of [[Bruno of Querfurt|Saint Bruno]] in the ''[[Annals of Quedlinburg]]''.<ref>{{cite journal | title=On the Origin of the Name of Lithuania | journal=Lithuanian Quarterly Journal of Arts and Sciences | volume=55 | issue=3 | date=Fall 2009 | first=Tomas | last=Baranauskas | issn=0024-5089}}</ref> The chronicle records Latinized form of the name Lietuva: ''Litua''.<ref>Vilnius. [http://www.vilnius-tourism.lt/index.php/en/39453/ Key dates] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070117201537/http://www.vilnius-tourism.lt/index.php/en/39453/ |date=17 January 2007}}. Retrieved on 18 January 2007.</ref> The true meaning of the name is unknown, and scholars still debate it. There are a few plausible versions.<ref name="VardasVle">{{cite web |last1=Zinkevičius |first1=Zigmas |author-link1=Zigmas Zinkevičius |title=Lietuvos vardas |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/lietuvos-vardas/ |website=[[Vle.lt]] |access-date=12 July 2021 |language=lt |archive-date=4 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704040617/https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/lietuvos-vardas/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Lietava (Neris)|Lietava]], a small stream near [[Kernavė]]—the core area of the [[Duchy of Lithuania|early Lithuanian state]] and a possible first capital of the eventual [[Grand Duchy of Lithuania]]—is usually credited as the source of the name.<ref name=Zigmas2>Zigmas Zinkevičius. Kelios mintys, kurios kyla skaitant Alfredo Bumblausko Senosios Lietuvos istoriją 1009-1795m. Voruta, 2005.</ref> However, the stream is very small, and some find it improbable that such a small and localized body of water could have lent its name to an entire nation. On the other hand, such naming is not unprecedented in world history.<ref name=Zigmas>{{cite journal |first=Zigmas |last=Zinkevičius |url=http://www.voruta.lt/archyvas/74/253 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510083828/https://www.voruta.lt/archyvas/74/253 |archive-date=10 May 2022 |title=Lietuvos vardo kilmė |journal=Voruta |issn=1392-0677 |date=30 November 1999 |volume=3 |issue=669 |language=lt}}</ref>

Artūras Dubonis proposed another hypothesis,<ref>{{cite book|last=Dubonis|first=Artūras|title=Lietuvos didžiojo kunigaikščio leičiai: iš Lietuvos ankstyvųjų valstybinių struktūrų praeities Leičiai of Grand Duke of Lithuania: from the past of Lithuanian stative structures|publisher=Lietuvos istorijos instituto leidykla|location=Vilnius|year=1998|language=lt}}</ref> that Lietuva relates to the word ''[[leičiai]]'' (plural of ''leitis''). From the middle of the 13th century, ''leičiai'' were a distinct warrior social group of the [[Lithuanians|Lithuanian]] society subordinate to the [[List of rulers of Lithuania|Lithuanian ruler]] or the state itself. The word ''leičiai'' is used in 14–16th century historical sources as an [[ethnonym]] for Lithuanians (but not [[Samogitians]]) and is still used, usually poetically or in historical contexts, in the [[Latvian language]], which is closely related to Lithuanian.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dubonis |first1=Artūras |title=Leičiai {{!}} Orbis Lituaniae |url=https://ldkistorija.lt/pasakojimai/leiciai/ |publisher=[[Vilnius University]] |website=LDKistorija.lt |date=30 April 2020 |access-date=13 July 2021 |language=lt |archive-date=13 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713174930/https://ldkistorija.lt/pasakojimai/leiciai/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Čeponis |first1=Tomas |last2=Sakalauskas |first2=Mindaugas |title=Leičiai |publisher=[[Ministry of National Defence (Lithuania)|Ministry of National Defence of Lithuania]] |location=[[Vilnius]] |isbn=978-609-412-143-2 |url=https://kam.lt/download/63818/lei%C4%8Diai%20bro%C5%A1i%C5%ABra%2020x20%20lt%20internetui.pdf |access-date=13 July 2021}}{{Dead link|date=July 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Patackas|first1=Algirdas|title=Lietuva, Lieta, Leitis, arba ką reiškia žodis "Lietuva"|url=https://kultura.lrytas.lt/-12499654771249731456-lietuva-lieta-leitis-arba-k%C4%85-rei%C5%A1kia-%C5%BEodis-lietuva.htm|website=[[Lrytas.lt]]|access-date=11 August 2009|language=lt-LT|archive-date=2 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702013521/https://kultura.lrytas.lt/-12499654771249731456-lietuva-lieta-leitis-arba-k%C4%85-rei%C5%A1kia-%C5%BEodis-lietuva.htm}}</ref>

==History==
<!--- PLEASE DO NOT ADD MINORLY IMPORTANT AND LONG DETAILS ABOUT THE HISTORY OF LITHUANIA HERE TO KEEP THIS SECTION WRITTEN IN SUMMARY STYLE --->
{{main|History of Lithuania}}

===Early history and Baltic tribes===
{{See also|Lithuanian land confederation}}
[[File:Baltic-amber-colours.JPG|thumb|left|Baltic amber was a valuable trade item, transported from the region of modern-day Lithuania to the [[Roman Empire]] through the [[Amber Road]].]]
The history of Lithuania dates back to settlements founded about 10,000 years ago.<ref>{{cite book|title=International migration in Lithuania : causes, consequences, strategy|last=Sipavičienė, Audra.|date=1997|publisher=United Nations Economic Commission for Europe|isbn=9986523397|pages=55|oclc=39615701}}</ref><ref name=kudirka13>{{cite book|title=The Lithuanians: An Ethnic Portrait|last=Kudirka|first=Juozas|authorlink=Juozas Kudirka|publisher=Lithuanian Folk Culture Centre|year=1991|pages=13}}</ref> The first people settled in the territory of Lithuania after the [[Last Glacial Period]] in the 10th millennium BC: [[Kunda culture|Kunda]], [[Neman culture|Neman]] and [[Narva culture]]s.<ref name="PoloméWinter2011">{{cite book|author1=Edgar C. Polomé|author2=Werner Winter|title=Reconstructing Languages and Cultures|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DIj-nZWsX_0C&pg=PA298|year=2011|publisher=Walter de Gruyter|isbn=978-3-11-086792-3|page=298}}</ref> They were traveling hunters. In the 8th millennium BC the climate became warmer and forests developed. The inhabitants of what is now Lithuania travelled less and engaged in local [[Hunter-gatherer|hunting, gathering]] and fresh-water fishing. The [[Indo-European migrations|Indo-Europeans]], who arrived in the 3rd – 2nd millennium BC, mixed with the local population and formed various Baltic tribes.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Šapoka|first1=Adolfas|title=Lietuvos istorija|date=1936|publisher=[[Šviesa]]|location=Kaunas|pages=13–17|url=http://www.partizanai.org/failai/pdf/sapokos-istorija.pdf|access-date=19 February 2018|archive-date=25 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225035041/http://www.partizanai.org/failai/pdf/sapokos-istorija.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Balts]] did not maintain close cultural or political contacts with the [[Roman Empire]],<ref name="MacDonald1996">{{cite book|author=Michael H. MacDonald|title=Europe, a Tantalizing Romance: Past and Present Europe for Students and the Serious Traveler|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BQyk0nJNsxUC&pg=PA174|year=1996|publisher=University Press of America|isbn=978-0-7618-0411-6|page=174}}</ref> while maintaining trade contacts via the [[Amber Road]].

From the 9th to the 11th centuries, coastal Balts were subjected to raids by the [[Vikings]].<ref name="Kasekamp2017">{{cite book|author=Andres Kasekamp|title=A History of the Baltic States|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QDA5DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA9|year=2017|publisher=Macmillan International Higher Education|isbn=978-1-137-57366-7|page=9}}{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> Lithuania comprised mainly the culturally different regions of [[Samogitia]] (known for its early medieval skeletal burials), and further east [[Aukštaitija]], or [[Lithuania proper]] (known for its early medieval cremation burials). The area was remote and unattractive to outsiders, including traders, which accounts for its separate linguistic, cultural and religious identity and delayed integration into general European patterns and trends.<ref name="Ochmański 37">Ochmański (1982), p. 37</ref> Traditional [[Lithuanian mythology|Lithuanian pagan customs and mythology]], with many archaic elements, were long preserved. Rulers' bodies were cremated up until the conversion to Christianity.<ref name="Bumblauskas 24-25">Eidintas et al. (2013), pp. 24–25</ref>

===Kingdom of Lithuania, Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth===
{{Main|Duchy of Lithuania|Kingdom of Lithuania|Grand Duchy of Lithuania}}
[[File:KernavėsPLK.JPG|thumb|left|Ancient [[Kernavė Mounds|Kernavė hillforts]]]]
[[File:Traku pilis by Augustas Didzgalvis.jpg|thumb|left|[[Trakai Island Castle]], the former residence of the [[List of Lithuanian monarchs|Grand Dukes]]. [[Trakai]] was the capital of the medieval state.]]
[[File:Lithuanian state in 13-15th centuries.png|thumb|Changes in the territory of Lithuania from the 13th to 15th century. At its peak, Lithuania was the largest state in Europe.<ref name="Bideleux">{{cite book |last1=Bideleux |first1=Robert |title=A history of Eastern Europe: crisis and change |last2=Jeffries |first2=Ian |date=1998 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-0-415-16111-4 |page=122}}</ref><ref name="USDoS"/>]]
The first written record of the name for the country dates back to 1009 AD.<ref>Gudavičius, Edvardas (1999) ''Lietuvos Istorija: Nuo Seniausių Laikų iki 1569 Metų (Lithuanian History: From Ancient Times to the Year 1569)'' Vilnius, page 28, {{ISBN|5-420-00723-1}}</ref> Facing the [[Livonian Crusade|German threat]], [[Mindaugas]] in the middle of the 13th century united a large part of the Baltic tribes and founded the State of Lithuania, while in 1253 he was crowned as the Catholic [[Kingdom of Lithuania|King of Lithuania]].<ref name="Mindaugas">{{cite web |last1=Gudavičius |first1=Edvardas |title=Mindaugas |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/mindaugas/ |website=[[Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija]] |access-date=3 November 2024 |language=lt}}</ref><ref name="LTHistoryBritannica">{{cite web |title=Lithuania - History |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Lithuania/History |website=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]] |access-date=3 November 2024 |date=21 October 2024}}</ref> Moreover by taking advantage of the weakened territory of the former [[Kievan Rus']] due to the [[Mongol invasion of Kievan Rus'|Mongol invasion]], Mindaugas incorporated [[Black Ruthenia]] into Lithuania.<ref name="Mindaugas"/> After Mindaugas' assassination in 1263, pagan Lithuania was again a target of the [[Lithuanian Crusade|Christian crusades]] of the [[Teutonic Order]] and [[Livonian Order]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gudavičius |first1=Edvardas |last2=Jasas |first2=Rimantas |title=Kryžiaus karai Baltijos regione |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/kryziaus-karai-baltijos-regione/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=3 November 2024 |language=lt}}</ref> [[Traidenis]] during his reign (1269–1282) reunified all Lithuanian lands and achieved military successes against the crusaders, fighting alongside other Baltic tribes, but was unable to militarily assist the [[Old Prussians]] in their [[Prussian uprisings#The Great Prussian uprising (1260–1274)|Great Uprising]].<ref name="Traidenis">{{cite web |title=Traidenis |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/traidenis/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=3 November 2024 |language=lt}}</ref> Traidenis' main residence was in [[Kernavė]].<ref name="Traidenis"/>

From the late 13th century members of the [[Gediminids]] dynasty began ruling Lithuania. Grand Duke [[Gediminas]] consolidated a [[hereditary monarchy]] and established [[Vilnius]] as the [[capital city]] in [[Letters of Gediminas|his letters]]. [[Christianization of Lithuania|Lithuania was christianized]] and incorporated [[East Slavs]]' territories (e.g. principalities of [[Principality of Minsk|Minsk]], [[Principality of Kiev|Kyiv]], [[Principality of Polotsk|Polotsk]], [[Principality of Vitebsk|Vitebsk]], [[Principality of Smolensk|Smolensk]], etc.) significantly expanding the [[Grand Duchy of Lithuania]]'s territory, expanding to ~650,000 km2 in the first half of the 14th century.<ref name="VleLDK">{{cite web |last1=Petrauskas |first1=Rimvydas |title=Lietuvos Didžioji Kunigaikštystė |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/lietuvos-didzioji-kunigaikstyste/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=3 November 2024 |language=lt}}</ref> At the end of the 14th century Lithuania was the largest country in [[Europe]].<ref name="Bideleux"/><ref name="USDoS">{{cite web |title=Lithuania (02/08) |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/lithuania/101494.htm |website=U.S. Department of State}}</ref> In 1385, Lithuania formed a [[dynastic union]] with [[History of Poland during the Jagiellonian dynasty|Poland]] through the [[Union of Krewo]].<ref name="VleLDK"/> By the 15th century [[Patrilineality|patrilineal]] [[Jagiellonian dynasty|members]] of the Lithuanian ruling Gediminids dynasty ruled Lithuania and Poland, as well as [[Kingdom of Hungary (1301–1526)|Hungary]], [[Croatia in personal union with Hungary|Croatia]], [[Kingdom of Bohemia|Bohemia]], and [[Moldavia]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Gediminaičiai |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/gediminaiciai/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=3 November 2024 |language=lt}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Jogailaičiai |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/jogailaiciai/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=3 November 2024 |language=lt}}</ref> Wars with the [[State of the Teutonic Order|Teutonic State]] in [[Polish–Lithuanian–Teutonic War|1409-1411]] and [[Golub War|in 1422]] concluded with the [[Treaty of Melno]].<ref name="VleLDK"/>

In the 15th century the strengthened [[Grand Duchy of Moscow]] renewed the [[Muscovite–Lithuanian Wars]] for the Lithuanian-controlled [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodox]] territories.<ref name="VleLDK"/> Due to the unsuccessful beginning of the [[Livonian War]], loss of land to the [[Tsardom of Russia]], and pressure by monarch [[Sigismund II Augustus]] (a supporter of a close Polish–Lithuanian union), the [[Lithuanian nobility]] agreed to conclude the [[Union of Lublin]] in 1569 with the [[Crown of the Kingdom of Poland]], which created the [[Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth]] with a joint monarch, but Lithuania remained a separate state.<ref name="LUnija">{{cite web |last1=Jasas |first1=Rimantas |title=Liublino unija |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/liublino-unija/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=3 November 2024 |language=lt}}</ref><ref name="VleLDK"/> After concluding the [[real union]], Lithuania and Poland jointly managed to reach [[List of wars involving Lithuania|military successes]] during the Livonian War, [[Polish–Lithuanian occupation of Moscow|occupation of Moscow]] (1610), [[Polish–Swedish War (1600–1611)|war with Sweden (1600–1611)]], [[Smolensk War|Smolensk war with Russia (1632–1634)]], etc.<ref name="VleLDK"/><ref name="LUnija"/> In 1588, [[Sigismund III Vasa]] personally confirmed the [[Statutes of Lithuania#Third Statute|Third Statute of Lithuania]] where it was stated that Lithuania and Poland have equal rights within the Commonwealth and ensured the [[separation of powers]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Andriulis |first1=Vytautas |title=Trečiasis Lietuvos Statutas |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/treciasis-lietuvos-statutas/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=3 November 2024 |language=lt}}</ref> The real union strongly intensified the [[Polonization]] of Lithuania and Lithuanian nobility.<ref>{{cite web |title=Polonizacija |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/polonizacija/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=3 November 2024 |language=lt}}</ref>

The mid-17th century was marked with disastrous military losses for Lithuania as during the [[Deluge (history)|Deluge]] most of the territory of Lithuania was annexed by the Tsardom of Russia, and [[Battle of Vilnius (1655)|Vilnius was captured]] for the first time by a foreign army and ravaged.<ref name="Raila">{{cite web |last1=Raila |first1=Eligijus |title=ATR nelaimių šimtmetis |url=http://www.xn--altiniai-4wb.info/index/details/102 |website=Šaltiniai.info |access-date=3 November 2024 |archive-date=4 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241104151635/http://www.xn--altiniai-4wb.info/index/details/102 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1655, Lithuania unilaterally [[Union of Kėdainiai|seceded from Poland]], declared Swedish King [[Charles X Gustav]] as the Grand Duke of Lithuania and fell under the [[Swedish Lithuania|protection of the Swedish Empire]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Kėdainių sutartis |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/kedainiu-sutartis/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=3 November 2024 |language=lt}}</ref> However, by 1657 Lithuania was once again a part of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth following the Lithuanian revolt against the Swedes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lietuvių sukilimas prieš švedus |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/lietuviu-sukilimas-pries-svedus/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=3 November 2024 |language=lt}}</ref> Vilnius was recaptured from the Russians in 1661.<ref>{{cite web |title=1661 12 03 Vilniaus pilyje kapituliavo rusų įgula |url=https://www.delfi.lt/archive/1661-12-03-vilniaus-pilyje-kapituliavo-rusu-igula.d?id=26316243 |website=DELFI |access-date=3 November 2024 |language=lt}}</ref>

In the second half of the 18th century the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth was three times [[Partitions of Poland|partitioned]] by three neighboring countries which completely [[Dissolution (politics)|dissoluted]] both independent Lithuania and Poland from the political map in 1795 after a failed [[Kościuszko Uprising]] and short-lived [[Vilnius uprising (1794)|recapture of Vilnius]] in 1794.<ref name="VleLDK"/> Most of Lithuania's territory was [[Russian Partition|annexed by the Russian Empire]], while {{Interlanguage link|Užnemunė|lt=Užnemunė|lt}} was annexed by [[Kingdom of Prussia|Prussia]].<ref name="VleLDK"/>

===Efforts to restore statehood===
[[File:Emila Plater conducting Polish scythemen in 1831.jpg|thumb|upright=.8|[[Emilia Plater]] leading peasant [[scythemen]] during the 1831 Uprising against the Russian Empire; often nicknamed as a Lithuanian [[Joan of Arc]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/emilija-plateryte/|title=Emilija Platerytė|website=[[Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija ]]|language=lt}}</ref>]]

Following the annexation the [[Tsarist autocracy|Russian Tsarist]] authorities implemented [[Russification]] policies in Lithuania, which then made a part of a new administrative region [[Northwestern Krai]].<ref name="Vle1795-1914">{{cite web |title=Lietuva Rusijos imperijos valdymo metais (1795–1914) |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/lietuva-rusijos-imperijos-valdymo-metais-1795-1914/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=3 November 2024 |language=lt}}</ref> In 1812 [[Napoleon]] during the [[French invasion of Russia]] established the puppet [[Lithuanian Provisional Governing Commission]] to support his war efforts. After Napoleon's defeat the Russian rule was reinstated in Lithuania.<ref name="Vle1795-1914"/>

During the [[November Uprising]] (1830–1831) the Lithuanians and Poles jointly attempted to restore their statehoods, however the Russian victory resulted in stricter Russification measures: the [[Russian language]] was introduced in all government institutions, [[Vilnius University]] was closed in 1832, and theories that Lithuania had been a "Western Russian" state since its establishment were propagated.<ref name="Vle1795-1914"/> Subsequently, the Lithuanians once again tried to restore statehood by participating in the [[January Uprising]] (1863–1864), but yet another Russian victory resulted in even stronger Russification policies with the introduction of the [[Lithuanian press ban]], pressure on the [[Catholic Church in Lithuania]] and [[Mikhail Muravyov-Vilensky]]'s repressions.<ref name="Vle1795-1914"/><ref name="JIB">{{cite web |title=January Insurrection |url=https://www.britannica.com/event/January-Insurrection |website=Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date=3 November 2024}}</ref> Lithuanians resisted Russification through an extensive network of [[Lithuanian book smugglers]], secret Lithuanian publishing and homeschooling.<ref>{{cite web |title=XX a. pradžioje rusus suerzino paviešinti lietuvių knygnešystės mastai |url=https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/tavo-lrt/15/22153/xx-a-pradzioje-rusus-suerzino-paviesinti-lietuviu-knygnesystes-mastai |website=[[Lithuanian National Radio and Television]] |access-date=3 November 2024 |language=lt |date=28 July 2013}}</ref> Moreover, the [[Lithuanian National Revival]], inspired by Lithuanian history, language and culture, laid the foundations for the reestablishment of an independent Lithuania.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Merkys |first1=Vytautas |title=Lietuvių tautinis judėjimas |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/lietuviu-tautinis-judejimas/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=3 November 2024 |language=lt}}</ref> The [[Great Seimas of Vilnius]] was held in 1905 and its participants adopted resolutions which demanded a wide [[Autonomy#Politics|autonomy]] for Lithuania.<ref name="Vle1795-1914"/>

===Restored statehood and occupations===
{{See also|Occupation of the Baltic states|Guerrilla war in the Baltic states}}

[[File:Signatarai.Signatories of Lithuania.jpg|thumb|Members of the Council of Lithuania after signing the Act of Independence of Lithuania in the [[House of the Signatories]] in 1918]]
[[File:Celebrations of Vilnius return to Lithuania near Vilnius Cathedral in 1939.jpg|thumb|[[Lithuanian Armed Forces]] returning to Vilnius in 1939]]

During [[World War I]] the [[German Empire]] annexed Lithuanian territories from the Russian Empire and they became a part of ''[[Ober Ost]]''.<ref name="Vle1918-1920">{{cite web |last1=Lasinskas |first1=Povilas |title=Nepriklausomos Lietuvos valstybės atkūrimas (1918–1920) |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/nepriklausomos-lietuvos-valstybes-atkurimas-1918-1920/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=3 November 2024 |language=lt}}</ref> In 1917, the Lithuanians organized the [[Vilnius Conference]] which adopted a resolution, featuring the aspiration for the restoration of Lithuania's sovereignty and military alliance with Germany and elected the [[Council of Lithuania]].<ref name="Vle1918-1920"/> In 1918, the short-lived [[Kingdom of Lithuania (1918)|Kingdom of Lithuania]] was proclaimed; however on 16 February 1918 the Council of Lithuania adopted the [[Act of Independence of Lithuania]] which restored Lithuania as a democratic republic with its capital in Vilnius and without any political ties that existed with other nations in the past.<ref name="Vle1918-1920"/> 

In 1918–1920 Lithuanians defended the statehood of Lithuania against [[Lithuanian–Soviet War|Bolsheviks]], [[Lithuanian–Bermontian War|Bermontians]] and [[Polish–Lithuanian War|Poles]] during the [[Lithuanian Wars of Independence]].<ref name="Vle1918-1920" /> The aims of the newly restored Lithuania clashed with [[Józef Piłsudski]]'s plans to create a federation ([[Intermarium]]) in territories previously ruled by the [[Jagiellonian dynasty|Jagiellonians]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Miknys |first1=Rimantas |title=Józef Piłsudski |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/jozef-pilsudski/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=3 November 2024 |language=lt}}</ref> The Lithuanian authorities prevented the [[1919 Polish coup attempt in Lithuania]], and in 1920 during the [[Żeligowski's Mutiny]] the Polish forces captured [[Vilnius Region]] and established a puppet state of the [[Republic of Central Lithuania]], which in 1922 was incorporated into Poland.<ref name="Vle1918-1920" /> Consequently, [[Kaunas]] became the [[temporary capital of Lithuania]] where the [[Constituent Assembly of Lithuania]] was held and other primary Lithuanian institutions operated until 1940.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kauno istorija |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/kauno-istorija/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=3 November 2024 |language=lt}}</ref> In 1923, the [[Klaipėda Revolt]] was organized which unified the [[Klaipėda Region]] with Lithuania.<ref name="Vle1920-1940">{{cite web |last1=Lasinskas |first1=Povilas |title=Lietuvos Respublika 1920–1940 |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/lietuvos-respublika-1920-1940/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=3 November 2024 |language=lt}}</ref> The [[1926 Lithuanian coup d'état]] replaced the democratically elected government and [[Kazys Grinius#President (1926)|president]] with an authoritarian regime led by [[Antanas Smetona]].<ref name="Vle1920-1940" />

In the late 1930s Lithuania accepted the [[1938 Polish ultimatum to Lithuania|1938 Polish ultimatum]], [[1939 German ultimatum to Lithuania|1939 German ultimatum]] and transferred the Klaipėda Region to [[Nazi Germany]]. The 1939 [[Soviet–Lithuanian Mutual Assistance Treaty]] allowed the presence of Soviet troops in Lithuania.<ref name="VleListorija">{{cite web |title=Lietuvos istorija |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/lietuvos-istorija/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=3 November 2024 |language=lt}}</ref> In 1940 Lithuania accepted the [[Soviet ultimatum to Lithuania|Soviet ultimatum]] and recovered the control of its historical capital Vilnius, however, the acceptance resulted in the [[Soviet occupation of the Baltic states (1940)|Soviet occupation of Lithuania]] and its transformation into the [[Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic]].<ref name="VleListorija"/> In 1941 during the [[June Uprising in Lithuania]] it was attempted to restore independent Lithuania and the [[Red Army]] was expelled from its territory, however in a few days Lithuania was [[German occupation of Lithuania during World War II|occupied by Nazi Germany]].<ref name="VleListorija"/> In 1944 Lithuania was [[Soviet re-occupation of the Baltic states (1944)|re-occupied by the Soviet Union]], and [[Political repression in the Soviet Union|Soviet political repressions]] along with [[Soviet deportations from Lithuania]] resumed.<ref name="VleListorija"/> Thousands of [[Lithuanian partisans]] and their supporters attempted to militarily restore independent Lithuania, but their resistance was eventually suppressed in 1953 by the [[Chronology of Soviet secret police agencies|Soviet authorities]] and their [[extermination battalion|collaborators]].<ref name="VleListorija"/> [[Jonas Žemaitis]], the chairman of the [[Union of Lithuanian Freedom Fighters]], was captured and executed in 1954, his successor as chairman [[Adolfas Ramanauskas]] was brutally tortured and executed in 1957.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Juodis |first1=Darius |title=Jonas Žemaitis |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/jonas-zemaitis/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=3 November 2024 |language=lt}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Ramanauskaitė-Skokauskienė |first1=Auksutė |title=Adolfas Ramanauskas |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/adolfas-ramanauskas/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=3 November 2024 |language=lt}}</ref> Since the late 1980s [[Sąjūdis]] movement sought for the restoration of independent Lithuania, and in 1989 the [[Baltic Way]] was held.<ref name="VleListorija"/>

===1990–present===
{{Main|Act of the Re-Establishment of the State of Lithuania}}
{{See also|Singing Revolution}}
{{multiple image
| align = right
| direction = horizontal
| total_width = 375
| header_align = left/right/center
| footer = On 11 March 1990, the [[Supreme Council – Reconstituent Seimas|Supreme Council]] announced the [[Act of the Re-Establishment of the State of Lithuania|restoration of Lithuania's independence]].<ref name="Bell2002">{{cite book|author=Imogen Bell|title=Central and South-Eastern Europe 2003|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4CrpzRJCbckC&pg=PA376|year=2002|publisher=Psychology Press|isbn=978-1-85743-136-0|page=376}}</ref> After refusal to revoke the Act, [[Soviet Army|Soviet forces]] stormed the [[Seimas Palace]] while Lithuanians defended the democratically elected Council. The Act, the first such declaration in the USSR, later was a model and inspiration to other [[Soviet republics]], and strongly influenced the [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]].
| footer_align = left/right/center
| image1 = Seimas Palace during January 13 events in Vilnius Lithuania (2).jpg
| image2 = Act of Restoration of Independence of Lithuania 1990-03-11.png
}}
On 11 March 1990, the [[Supreme Council – Reconstituent Seimas|Supreme Council]] announced the restoration of Lithuania's independence. Lithuania became the first Soviet-occupied state to announce the restitution of independence.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |date=12 March 1990 |title=Lithuania breaks away from the Soviet Union |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/1990/mar/12/eu.politics |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921161738/https://www.theguardian.com/world/1990/mar/12/eu.politics |archive-date=21 September 2019 |access-date=7 June 2018 |website=[[The Guardian]] |quote=Lithuania last night became the first republic to break away from the Soviet Union, by proclaiming the restoration of its pre-war independence. The newly-elected parliament, 'reflecting the people's will,' decreed the restoration of 'the sovereign rights of the Lithuanian state, infringed by alien forces in 1940,' and declared that from that moment Lithuania was again an independent state |location=London}}</ref> On 20 April 1990, the Soviets [[Soviet economic blockade of Lithuania|imposed an economic blockade]] by ceasing to deliver raw materials to Lithuania.<ref>{{cite magazine |author1=Martha Brill Olcott |title=The Lithuanian Crisis |url=https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/russian-federation/1990-06-01/lithuanian-crisis |website=www.foreignaffairs.com |access-date=18 November 2018 |date=1990 |quote=For over two years Lithuania has been moving toward reclaiming its independence. This drive reached a crescendo on 11 March 1990, when the Supreme Soviet of Lithuania declared the republic no longer bound by Soviet law. The act reasserted the independence Lithuania had declared more than seventy years before, a declaration unilaterally annulled by the U.S.S.R. in 1940 when it annexed Lithuania as the result of a pact between Stalin and Hitler. |archive-date=20 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720055455/https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/russian-federation/1990-06-01/lithuanian-crisis |url-status=live}}</ref> Domestic industry and the population started feeling the lack of fuel, essential goods, and even hot water. Although the blockade lasted for 74 days, Lithuania did not renounce its declaration of independence.<ref name="LT1990">{{cite web |last1=Laurinavičius |first1=Česlovas |title=Lietuvos Respublika po 1990 |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/lietuvos-respublika-po-1990/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |language=lt}}</ref>

Gradually, economic relations were restored. However, tensions peaked again in January 1991. Attempts were made to carry out a coup using the [[Soviet Armed Forces]], the Internal Army of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the USSR Committee for State Security ([[KGB]]). Because of the poor economic situation in Lithuania, the forces in Moscow thought the coup d'état would receive strong public support.<ref>{{cite web |title=10 svarbiausių 1991–ųjų sausio įvykių, kuriuos privalote žinoti |trans-title=The 10 most important events of January 1991 that you must know |url=https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/10-svarbiausiu-1991-uju-sausio-ivykiu-kuriuos-privalote-zinoti-56-565845 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625115355/https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/10-svarbiausiu-1991-uju-sausio-ivykiu-kuriuos-privalote-zinoti-56-565845 |archive-date=25 June 2021 |access-date=13 January 2016 |website=15min.lt |language=lt}}</ref> People flooded to Vilnius to defend the [[Supreme Council – Reconstituent Seimas|Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania]] and independence. The coup ended with a few casualties and material loss. The [[Soviet Army]] killed 14 people and injured hundreds. A large part of the Lithuanian population participated in the [[January Events]].<ref name="bbc">{{cite news|title=On This Day 13 January 1991: Bloodshed at Lithuanian TV station|work=BBC News|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/january/13/newsid_4059000/4059959.stm|access-date=13 September 2011|date=13 January 1991|archive-date=9 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109010731/http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/january/13/newsid_4059000/4059959.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| title=Soviet crackdown; Soviet loyalists in charge after attack in Lithuania; 13 dead; curfew is imposed| author=Bill Keller| newspaper=[[The New York Times]]| date=14 January 1991| access-date=18 December 2009| url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/01/14/world/soviet-crackdown-soviet-loyalists-charge-after-attack-lithuania-13-dead-curfew.html?pagewanted=all| archive-date=17 April 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417195108/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/01/14/world/soviet-crackdown-soviet-loyalists-charge-after-attack-lithuania-13-dead-curfew.html?pagewanted=all| url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="LT1990"/> On 31 July 1991, Soviet paramilitaries killed 7 Lithuanian border guards on the Belarusian border in what became known as the [[Medininkai Massacre]].<ref name="LT1990"/> On 17 September, Lithuania was admitted to the [[United Nations]].<ref name="LT1990"/>

On 25 October 1992, citizens voted in a referendum to adopt the [[Constitution of Lithuania|current constitution]].<ref name="LT1990"/> On 14 February 1993, during the direct general elections, [[Algirdas Brazauskas]] became the first president after the restoration of independence.<ref name="LT1990"/> On 31 August 1993 the last units of the former Soviet Army left Lithuania.<ref>{{cite book| author=Richard J. Krickus| chapter=Democratization in Lithuania| editor=K. Dawisha and B. Parrott| title=The Consolidation of Democracy in East-Central Europe| date=June 1997| page=[https://archive.org/details/consolidationofd0000unse/page/344 344]| publisher=Cambridge University Press| chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NRkpNovMd_cC&pg=PA344| isbn=978-0-521-59938-2| url=https://archive.org/details/consolidationofd0000unse/page/344}}</ref>

On 31 May 2001, Lithuania joined the [[World Trade Organization]].<ref>{{cite web |title=WTO - Accessions: Lithuania |url=https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/acc_e/a1_lituanie_e.htm |website=www.wto.org |access-date=30 March 2021 |archive-date=31 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531070148/https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/acc_e/a1_lituanie_e.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> Since March 2004, Lithuania has been part of [[NATO]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Lithuania's membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) |url=https://www.urm.lt/default/en/foreign-policy/lithuania-in-the-region-and-the-world/lithuanias-security-policy/lithuanian-membership-in-nato |website=Urm.lt |access-date=30 March 2021 |date=5 February 2014 |archive-date=17 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417181725/https://www.urm.lt/default/en/foreign-policy/lithuania-in-the-region-and-the-world/lithuanias-security-policy/lithuanian-membership-in-nato}}</ref> On 1 May 2004, it became a full member of the [[European Union]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Membership |url=https://www.urm.lt/default/en/foreign-policy/lithuania-in-the-region-and-the-world/lithuania-member-of-the-european-union/membership |website=Urm.lt |access-date=30 March 2021 |date=6 January 2016 |archive-date=26 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626050010/https://www.urm.lt/default/en/foreign-policy/lithuania-in-the-region-and-the-world/lithuania-member-of-the-european-union/membership}}</ref> and a member of the [[Schengen Agreement]] in December 2007.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lithuania has joined the Schengen Area |url=http://no.mfa.lt/no/en/news/lithuania-has-joined-the-schengen-area |website=mfa.lt |access-date=30 March 2021 |date=16 January 2008 |archive-date=26 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626050010/http://no.mfa.lt/no/en/news/lithuania-has-joined-the-schengen-area}}</ref> On 1 January 2015, [[Lithuania and the euro|Lithuania joined]] the [[eurozone]] and adopted the European Union's single currency.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kropaite |first1=Zivile |title=Lithuania joins Baltic neighbours in euro club |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30635826 |website=BBC News |access-date=30 March 2021 |date=1 January 2015 |archive-date=3 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703111641/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30635826 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 4 July 2018, Lithuania officially joined the [[OECD]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Lithuania officially becomes the 36th OECD member |url=https://lrv.lt/en/news/lithuania-officially-becomes-the-36th-oecd-member |website=lrv.lt |access-date=30 March 2021 |date=5 July 2018 |archive-date=3 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703105900/https://lrv.lt/en/news/lithuania-officially-becomes-the-36th-oecd-member}}</ref> On 24 February 2022, Lithuania declared a state of emergency in response to the 2022 [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Lithuania declares state of emergency after Russia invades Ukraine|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/lithuania-declares-state-emergency-after-russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24/|date=24 February 2022|access-date=8 June 2022|website=Reuters|archive-date=24 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224145525/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/lithuania-declares-state-emergency-after-russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24/|url-status=live}}</ref> Together with seven other NATO member states, it invoked NATO [[North Atlantic Treaty#Article 4|Article 4]] to hold consultations on security.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-europe-russia-vladimir-putin-71bf9d3687e1a04f11dfb895639a13ca |title=NATO vows to defend its entire territory after Russia attack |last=Cook |first=Lorne |website=Associated Press |date=24 February 2022 |access-date=8 June 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224095154/https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-europe-russia-vladimir-putin-71bf9d3687e1a04f11dfb895639a13ca |url-status=live}}</ref> 

==Geography==
{{Main|Geography of Lithuania}}
[[File:LithuaniaPhysicalMap-en.png|thumb|right|Physical map and geomorphological subdivision of Lithuania]]
Lithuania is located in the Baltic region of [[Europe]]{{efn|name=location}} and covers an area of {{convert|65300|km2|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/sr/srb/sra.html?_charset_=UTF-8&allq=Lithuania&exctq=&anyq=&noneq=&fqupdate=&dmn=&fqocct=|title=Lithuania|publisher=[[Canada.ca]]|access-date=18 June 2020|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308023811/https://www.canada.ca/en/sr/srb/sra.html?_charset_=UTF-8&allq=Lithuania&exctq=&anyq=&noneq=&fqupdate=&dmn=&fqocct=|url-status=live}}</ref> It lies between latitudes [[53rd parallel north|53°]] and [[57th parallel north|57° N]], and mostly between longitudes [[21st meridian east|21°]] and [[27th meridian east|27° E]] (part of the [[Curonian Spit]] lies west of 21°). It has around {{convert|99|km|mi|1}} of sandy coastline, with around {{convert|38|km|mi|0}} facing the open [[Baltic Sea]]. The rest of the coast is sheltered by the Curonian sand peninsula. The warm-water port at [[Klaipėda]] lies at the narrow mouth of the [[Curonian Lagoon]] (Lithuanian: ''Kuršių marios''), a shallow lagoon extending south to [[Kaliningrad]]. The country's main and largest river, the [[Nemunas River]], and some of its tributaries carry international shipping.

Lithuania lies at the edge of the [[North European Plain]]. Its landscape was smoothed by the glaciers of the [[last glacial period|last ice age]], and is a combination of moderate lowlands and highlands. Its highest point is [[Aukštojas Hill]] at {{convert|294|m|ft|0}} in the eastern part of the country. The terrain features [[List of lakes of Lithuania|numerous lakes]] and wetlands, and a mixed forest zone covers over 33% of the country. [[Drūkšiai]] is the largest lake, [[Tauragnas]] is the deepest lake, and [[Asveja]] is the longest lake in Lithuania.

After a re-estimation of the boundaries of the European continent in 1989, Jean-George Affholder, a scientist at the [[Institut géographique national (France)|Institut Géographique National]] (French National Geographic Institute), determined that the [[Geographical midpoint of Europe|geographic centre of Europe]] was in Lithuania, at {{coord|54|54|N|25|19|E|type:landmark|name=Purnuškės (centre of gravity)}}, {{convert|26|km|mi}} north of Vilnius.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://geosite.jankrogh.com/other.htm |title=Other Places of Interest: Central Europe |author=Jan S. Krogh |access-date=31 December 2011 |archive-date=2 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102041242/http://geosite.jankrogh.com/other.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> Affholder accomplished this by calculating the [[Center of mass|centre of gravity]] of the [[Geography of Europe|geometrical figure]] of Europe.

===Climate===
{{Main|Geography of Lithuania#Climate}}
Lithuania has a temperate climate with both [[Oceanic climate|maritime]] and [[continental climate|continental]] influences. It is defined as [[humid continental climate|humid continental]] (Dfb) under the [[Köppen climate classification]] (but is close to oceanic in a narrow coastal zone).

Average temperatures on the coast are {{convert|-2.5|C}} in January and {{convert|16|°C|0|abbr=on}} in July. In Vilnius, the average temperatures are {{convert|-6|°C|0|abbr=on}} in January and {{convert|17|°C|0|abbr=on}} in July. During the summer, {{convert|20|°C|0|abbr=on}} is common during the day, while {{convert|14|°C|0|abbr=on}} is common at night; in the past, temperatures have reached as high as {{convert|30|or|35|°C|0|abbr=on}}. Some winters can be very cold. {{convert|-20|°C|0|abbr=on}} occurs almost every winter. Winter extremes are {{convert|-34|°C|0|abbr=on}} in coastal areas and {{convert|-43|°C|0|abbr=on}} in the east.

The average annual precipitation is {{convert|800|mm|1|abbr=on}} on the coast, {{convert|900|mm|1|abbr=on}} in the Samogitia highlands, and {{convert|600|mm|1|abbr=on}} in the east. Snow occurs every year, and it can snow from October to April. In some years, sleet can fall in September or May. The growing season lasts 202 days in the western part of the country and 169 days in the eastern part. Severe storms are rare in the east but common in the coastal areas. Lithuania experienced a drought in 2002, causing forest and [[peat]] bog fires.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Research Note: Effect of drought and fires on the quality of water in Lithuanian rivers |year=2003 |bibcode=2003HESS....7..423S |author=G. Sakalauskiene and G. Ignatavicius |volume=7 |pages=423–427 |journal=Hydrology and Earth System Sciences |doi=10.5194/hess-7-423-2003 |issue=3 |url=https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00304792/file/hess-7-423-2003.pdf |doi-access=free |access-date=1 September 2019 |archive-date=23 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222136/https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00304792/file/hess-7-423-2003.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Biodiversity and conservation===
{{Main|Fauna of Lithuania|Flora of Lithuania|Protected areas of Lithuania}}
{{multiple image
| caption_align = center
| align = right
| direction = vertical
| image1 = Žadvainių ežeras.jpg
| image2 = Nida sand dunes (14573723178).jpg
| caption1 = Lithuanian flatlands with lakes, swamps and forests. Lithuania has thousands of lakes.
| caption2 = Sand dunes of the [[Curonian Spit]] near [[Nida, Lithuania|Nida]], which are the highest drifting sand dunes in Europe ([[UNESCO World Heritage Site]])<ref>{{cite web |title=Nida and The Curonian Spit, The Insider's Guide to Visiting |url=https://www.vanlifetribe.com/nida-guide-baltic-coast/ |website=VanLife Tribe |access-date=3 January 2019 |date=23 September 2016 |archive-date=11 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411032201/https://vanlifetribe.com/nida-guide-baltic-coast/}}</ref>
}}
The ''Aplinkos apsaugos įstatymas'' (Environmental Protection Act) was adopted in 1992. The law provides the foundations for regulating social relations in the field of environmental protection, establishes the basic rights and obligations of legal and natural persons in preserving the biodiversity, ecological systems, and the landscape.<ref>{{cite web |title=Aplinkos apsaugos įstatymas |trans-title=Environmental Protection Law |url=https://www.e-tar.lt/portal/lt/legalAct/TAR.E2780B68DE62/vsPTFQpUEB |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428011804/https://www.e-tar.lt/portal/lt/legalAct/TAR.E2780B68DE62/vsPTFQpUEB |archive-date=28 April 2018 |access-date=27 April 2018 |website=e-tar.lt |language=lt}}</ref> Lithuania agreed to cut [[carbon emissions]] by at least 20% of 1990 levels by 2020 and by at least 40% by 2030, together with all European Union members. Also, by 2020 at least 20% (27% by 2030) of the country's total energy consumption should be from the [[renewable energy]] sources.<ref>{{cite web|title=EU climate action|url=https://ec.europa.eu/clima/citizens/eu_en|website=European Commission|access-date=27 April 2018|date=23 November 2016|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522200534/https://ec.europa.eu/clima/citizens/eu_en|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2016, Lithuania introduced especially effective [[container deposit legislation]], which resulted in collecting 92% of all packagings in 2017.<ref>{{cite web |title=Europa suskubo paskui Lietuvą: kuo skiriasi šalių užstato sistemos? |trans-title=Europe rushed to follow Lithuania: how do countries' deposit systems differ? |url=https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/europa-suskubo-paskui-lietuva-kuo-skiriasi-saliu-uzstato-sistemos-56-968940 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222136/https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/europa-suskubo-paskui-lietuva-kuo-skiriasi-saliu-uzstato-sistemos-56-968940 |archive-date=23 June 2021 |access-date=9 May 2018 |website=15min.lt |language=lt}}</ref>

Lithuania does not have high mountains, and its landscape is dominated by blooming meadows, dense forests and fertile fields of cereals. However, it stands out by the abundance of [[hillfort]]s, which previously had castles where the ancient Lithuanians burned altars for pagan gods.<ref name="gamta">{{cite web|title=Gamta|url=http://www.lithuania.travel/lt/objektai/gamta-/80|website=lithuania.travel|language=lt|access-date=7 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322151518/http://www.lithuania.travel/lt/objektai/gamta-/80|archive-date=22 March 2018}}</ref> Lithuania is a particularly watered region with more than 3,000 lakes, mostly in the northeast. The country is also drained by numerous rivers, most notably the longest [[Nemunas]].<ref name="gamta" /> Lithuania is home to two terrestrial ecoregions: [[Central European mixed forests]] and [[Sarmatic mixed forests]].<ref name="DinersteinOlson2017">{{cite journal|last1=Dinerstein|first1=Eric|last2=Olson|first2=David|last3=Joshi|first3=Anup|last4=Vynne|first4=Carly|last5=Burgess|first5=Neil D.|last6=Wikramanayake|first6=Eric|last7=Hahn|first7=Nathan|last8=Palminteri|first8=Suzanne|last9=Hedao|first9=Prashant|last10=Noss|first10=Reed|last11=Hansen|first11=Matt|last12=Locke|first12=Harvey|last13=Ellis|first13=Erle C|last14=Jones|first14=Benjamin|last15=Barber|first15=Charles Victor|last16=Hayes|first16=Randy|last17=Kormos|first17=Cyril|last18=Martin|first18=Vance|last19=Crist|first19=Eileen|last20=Sechrest|first20=Wes|last21=Price|first21=Lori|last22=Baillie|first22=Jonathan E. M.|last23=Weeden|first23=Don|last24=Suckling|first24=Kierán|last25=Davis|first25=Crystal|last26=Sizer|first26=Nigel|last27=Moore|first27=Rebecca|last28=Thau|first28=David|last29=Birch|first29=Tanya|last30=Potapov|first30=Peter|last31=Turubanova|first31=Svetlana|last32=Tyukavina|first32=Alexandra|last33=de Souza|first33=Nadia|last34=Pintea|first34=Lilian|last35=Brito|first35=José C.|last36=Llewellyn|first36=Othman A.|last37=Miller|first37=Anthony G.|last38=Patzelt|first38=Annette|last39=Ghazanfar|first39=Shahina A.|last40=Timberlake|first40=Jonathan|last41=Klöser|first41=Heinz|last42=Shennan-Farpón|first42=Yara|last43=Kindt|first43=Roeland|last44=Lillesø|first44=Jens-Peter Barnekow|last45=van Breugel|first45=Paulo|last46=Graudal|first46=Lars|last47=Voge|first47=Maianna|last48=Al-Shammari|first48=Khalaf F.|last49=Saleem|first49=Muhammad|display-authors=1|title=An Ecoregion-Based Approach to Protecting Half the Terrestrial Realm|journal=BioScience|volume=67|issue=6|year=2017|pages=534–545|issn=0006-3568|doi=10.1093/biosci/bix014|pmid=28608869|pmc=5451287}}</ref>

Forest has long been one of the most important natural resources. Forests occupy one-third of the territory, and timber-related industrial production accounts for almost 11% of industrial production.<ref>{{cite book|title=Lietuvos gamtinė aplinka, būklė, procesai ir raida|date=2008|publisher=Aplinkos apsaugos agentūra|location=Vilnius|isbn=978-9955-815-27-3|page=167|url=http://files.gamta.lt/aaa/pranesimai/Lietuvos_gamtine_aplinka_bukle_procesai_ir_raida.pdf|access-date=27 April 2018|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222205/http://files.gamta.lt/aaa/pranesimai/Lietuvos_gamtine_aplinka_bukle_procesai_ir_raida.pdf}}</ref> There are five [[List of national parks in the Baltics|national park]]s,<ref>{{cite web|title=Lietuvos nacionaliniai parkai|url=https://aplinka.lt/lietuvos-nacionaliniai-parkai|website=aplinka.lt|access-date=27 April 2018|language=lt-LT|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222205/https://aplinka.lt/lietuvos-nacionaliniai-parkai}}</ref> 30 [[List of regional parks of Lithuania|regional park]]s,<ref>{{cite web|title=Regioniniai parkai|url=http://www.vstt.lt/VI/index.php#r/13|website=vstt.lt|access-date=27 April 2018|archive-date=20 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020225309/http://www.vstt.lt/VI/index.php#r/13}}</ref> 402 nature reserves,<ref>{{cite web|title=Draustiniai|url=http://www.vstt.lt/VI/index.php#r/10|website=vstt.lt|access-date=27 April 2018|archive-date=20 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020225309/http://www.vstt.lt/VI/index.php#r/10}}</ref> 6 [[strict nature reserve]]s,<ref>[https://www.protectedplanet.net/search?country=Lithuania&iucn_category=Ia&main=country Lithuania Ia.] ''Protected Planet''</ref> and 668 state-protected natural heritage objects.<ref>{{cite web |title=Apie gamtos paveldo objektus |trans-title=About objects of natural heritage |url=http://www.vstt.lt/VI/index.php#r/159 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020225309/http://www.vstt.lt/VI/index.php#r/159 |archive-date=20 October 2019 |access-date=27 April 2018 |website=vstt.lt |language=lt}}</ref>
[[File:White Stork-Mindaugas Urbonas-1.jpg|thumb|The [[white stork]] is the national bird of Lithuania, which has the highest-density stork population in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Klimka|first1=Libertas|title=Kodėl gandras – nacionalinis paukštis?|url=http://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/nuomones/10/97041/libertas-klimka-kodel-gandras-nacionalinis-paukstis|website=LRT|date=26 March 2015|access-date=26 March 2015|language=lt}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Storks|url=https://www.lonelyplanet.com/lithuania/eastern-southern-lithuania/background/other-features/eaf58144-ae01-405e-b1bf-7dc3e3590743/a/nar/eaf58144-ae01-405e-b1bf-7dc3e3590743/360111|website=Lonelyplanet.com|access-date=5 May 2018}}</ref>]]
Ecosystems include natural and semi-natural (forests, [[bog]]s, wetlands and meadows) and anthropogenic (agrarian and urban) ecosystems. Among natural ecosystems, forests are particularly important, covering 33% of the country's territory. Wetlands (raised bogs, [[fen]]s, transitional mires, etc.) cover 7.9% of the country, with 70% of wetlands having been lost due to drainage and peat extraction between 1960 and 1980. Changes in wetland plant communities resulted in the replacement of moss and grass communities by trees and shrubs, and fens not directly affected by land reclamation have become drier as a result of a drop in the water table. There are 29,000 rivers with a total length of 64,000&nbsp;km; the Nemunas River basin occupies 74% of the territory of the country. Due to the construction of dams, approximately 70% of spawning sites of potential [[Fish migration|catadromous]] fish species have disappeared. In some cases, river and lake ecosystems continue to be impacted by anthropogenic [[eutrophication]].<ref name="cbd">{{cite web|title=Lithuania – Biodiversity Facts|url=https://www.cbd.int/countries/profile/default.shtml?country=lt#facts|website=cbd.int|access-date=24 February 2018|archive-date=25 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190625190338/https://www.cbd.int/countries/profile/default.shtml?country=lt#facts|url-status=live}}</ref>

Agricultural land comprises 54% of Lithuania's territory (roughly 70% of that is arable land and 30% meadows and pastures), approximately 400,000 ha of agricultural land is not farmed and acts as an ecological niche for weeds and invasive plant species. Habitat deterioration is occurring in regions with very productive and expensive lands as crop areas are expanded. Currently, 18.9% of all plant species, including 1.87% of all known fungi species and 31% of all known species of lichens, are listed in the [[List of extinct and endangered species of Lithuania|Lithuanian Red Data Book]]. The list also contains 8% of all fish species.<ref name="cbd"/>

The wildlife populations have rebounded as hunting became more restricted and urbanization allowed replanting forests (forests already tripled in size since their lows). Currently, Lithuania has approximately 250,000 larger wild animals or 5 per square kilometre. The most prolific large wild animal is the [[roe deer]], with 120,000 of them. They are followed by [[boar]]s (55,000). Other ungulates are the [[deer]] (~22,000), [[fallow-deer]] (~21,000) and the largest one: [[moose]] (~7,000). Among the predators, [[fox]]es are the most common (~27,000). [[Wolve]]s are, however, more ingrained into the mythology as there are just 800 in Lithuania. Even rarer are the [[lynx]]es (~200). There are about 200,000 rabbits in the forests.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fauna of Lithuania|url=http://www.truelithuania.com/tag/fauna-of-lithuania|website=TrueLithuania.com|access-date=24 February 2018|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222334/http://www.truelithuania.com/tag/fauna-of-lithuania|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Government and politics==
{{Main|Politics of Lithuania}}
[[File:Seimas — Parliament of Lithuania.jpg|thumb|[[Seimas]] — Parliament of Lithuania]]

===Government===
Since Lithuania declared the restoration of its independence on 11 March 1990, it has maintained strong democratic traditions. It held its first independent general elections on 25 October 1992, in which 56.75% of voters supported the [[Constitution of Lithuania|new constitution]].<ref name="referenda">{{in lang|lt}} [http://www3.lrs.lt/docs2/QKVXRGNF.DOC Nuo 1991 m. iki šiol paskelbtų referendumų rezultatai][Results of referendums announced from 1991 to the present] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080909201701/http://www3.lrs.lt/docs2/QKVXRGNF.DOC|date=9 September 2008}}, Microsoft Word Document, [[Seimas]]. Retrieved 4 June 2006.</ref> There were intense debates concerning the constitution, particularly the role of the president. A [[1992 Lithuanian presidency referendum|separate referendum]] was held on 23 May 1992 to gauge public opinion on the matter, and 41% of voters supported the restoration of the [[President of Lithuania]].<ref name="referenda" /> Through compromise, a [[Semi-presidential republic|semi-presidential system]] was agreed on.<ref name="Lina" />

{{multiple image
| caption_align = center
| image1 = Gitanas Nauseda crop.png
| width1 = 138
| caption1 = [[Gitanas Nausėda]],<br /><small>[[President of Lithuania|President]] since 2019</small>
| image2 = 
| width2 = 126
| caption2 = [[Inga Ruginienė]],<br /><small>[[Prime Minister of Lithuania|Prime Minister]] since 2025</small>
| image3 = 
| width3 = 126
| caption3 = [[Juozas Olekas]],<br /><small>[[Speaker of the Seimas]] since 2025</small>
}}
The Lithuanian [[head of state]] is the president, directly elected for a five-year term and serving a maximum of two terms. The president oversees foreign affairs and national security and is the [[commander-in-chief]] of the military.<ref name="lrpf">{{cite web |title=Presidential Functions |url=https://www.lrp.lt/en/institution/presidential-functions/20800 |website=lrp.lt |access-date=15 July 2019 |archive-date=10 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510181051/https://www.lrp.lt/en/institution/presidential-functions/20800}}</ref> The president appoints the [[Prime Minister of Lithuania|prime minister]] and the cabinet, as well as other top civil servants and the judges for all courts except the [[Constitutional Court of Lithuania|Constitutional Court]].<ref name="lrpf" /> President [[Gitanas Nausėda]] was [[2019 Lithuanian presidential election|elected on 26 May 2019]] by winning in all the [[municipalities of Lithuania]] in the second election round.<ref name="president2019">{{cite web |title=Rezultatai – Respublikos Prezidento rinkimai 2019 |url=https://rinkimai.maps.lt/rinkimai2019/prezidentas/ |website=rinkimai.maps.lt |access-date=15 July 2019 |archive-date=23 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222741/https://rinkimai.maps.lt/rinkimai2019/prezidentas/ |url-status=live}}</ref> He was re-elected in 2024, winning more than 74% of the run-off votes.<ref>{{cite web |date=26 May 2024 |title=Nausėda claims landslide victory in Lithuania's presidential run-off |url=https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2278660/nauseda-claims-landslide-victory-in-lithuania-s-presidential-run-off |access-date=7 November 2024 |website=lrt.lt}}</ref>

The judges of the Constitutional Court (''Konstitucinis Teismas'') serve nine-year terms. One-third of the court members is renewed every three years. The judges are appointed by the [[Seimas]] on the nomination by the president, chairman of the Seimas, and the chairman of the [[Supreme Court of Lithuania|Supreme Court]]. The unicameral Lithuanian parliament, the Seimas, has 141 members elected to four-year terms: 71 in single-member constituencies, and the others in a nationwide vote by [[proportional representation]]. A party must receive at least 5% of the national vote to be eligible for any of the 70 national seats in the Seimas.<ref name="Seimas">{{cite web|title=Seimo rinkimai|url=http://www.lrs.lt/sip/portal.show?p_r=15405&p_k=1|website=lrs.lt|access-date=14 April 2018|archive-date=20 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420150504/https://www.lrs.lt/sip/portal.show?p_r=15405&p_k=1|url-status=dead}}</ref>

According to [[International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance|International IDEA]]'s Global State of Democracy (GSoD) Indices and Democracy Tracker, Lithuania performs in the mid to high range on overall democratic measures, with particular weaknesses in civic engagement and electoral participation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lithuania {{!}} The Global State of Democracy |url=https://www.idea.int/democracytracker/country/lithuania |access-date=6 October 2025 |website=www.idea.int}}</ref>

===Political parties and elections===
{{Main|Elections in Lithuania}}
Lithuania exhibits a fragmented multi-party system,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tlu.ee/stss/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/stss_nov_2011_saarts.pdf |title=Comparative Party System Analysis in Central and Eastern Europe: the Case of the Baltic States |last1=Saarts |first1=Tõnis |publisher=Studies of Transition States and Societies |access-date=31 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019212154/http://www.tlu.ee/stss/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/stss_nov_2011_saarts.pdf |archive-date=19 October 2016}}</ref> with many small parties in which coalition governments are common. Elections for president take place on the last Sunday no more than two months before the end of current presidential term.<ref name="Constitution">{{cite web |url=http://www3.lrs.lt/home/Konstitucija/Constitution.htm |title=Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania |publisher=The Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania |access-date=31 July 2015 |archive-date=17 January 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060117080458/http://www3.lrs.lt/home/Konstitucija/Constitution.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> Ordinary elections to the Seimas take place on the second Sunday of October every four years.<ref name="Seimas" /> The [[Social Democratic Party of Lithuania]] won the [[2024 Lithuanian parliamentary election]]s and gained 52 of 141 seats in the parliament.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lithuanian Social Democratic leader hails 'historic' election victory |url=https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2399206/lithuanian-social-democratic-leader-hails-historic-election-victory |access-date=28 October 2024 |work=lrt.lt |date=28 October 2024 |archive-date=11 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111173825/https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2399206/lithuanian-social-democratic-leader-hails-historic-election-victory |url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2024, [[Gintautas Paluckas]] was confirmed as the prime minister after the Social Democrats reached a coalition agreement with [[Union of Democrats "For Lithuania"]] and [[Dawn of Nemunas]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/gintautas-paluckas-is-new-lithuania-pm/|title=Gintautas Paluckas confirmed as Lithuania's new prime minister|author=<!-- no byline -->|date=24 November 2024}}</ref> Lithuania was one of the first countries in the world to [[Women's suffrage|grant women a right to vote]] in the elections. Women were allowed to vote by the [[Constitution of Lithuania#Interwar constitutions|1918 Constitution of Lithuania]] and used their newly granted right for the first time in 1919.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baronienė |first1=Daiva |title=Teisę balsuoti Lietuvos moterys gavo vienos pirmųjų pasaulyje |trans-title=Lithuanian women were among the first in the world to gain the right to vote |url=https://www.lzinios.lt/Gimtasis-krastas/teise-balsuoti-lietuvos-moterys-gavo-vienos-pirmuju-pasaulyje/287033 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511092317/https://www.lzinios.lt/Gimtasis-krastas/teise-balsuoti-lietuvos-moterys-gavo-vienos-pirmuju-pasaulyje/287033 |archive-date=11 May 2019 |access-date=11 May 2019 |website=Lzinios.lt |language=lt}}</ref> 

[[File:Re-Establishment of Lithuania commemoration in Seimas (2015).jpg|thumb|Commemoration of the [[Act of the Re-Establishment of the State of Lithuania]] in the historical [[Seimas Palace|Seimas]] hall where it was originally signed in 1990. The ceremony is attended by the Lithuanian President, Prime Minister, Chairman of the Seimas and other high-ranking officials.]]
Each municipality is governed by a municipal council and a mayor, who is a member of the municipal council. The number of members, elected on a four-year term, in each municipal council depends on the size of the municipality and varies from 15 (in municipalities with fewer than 5,000 residents) to 51 (in municipalities with more than 500,000 residents). Members of the council, with the exception of the mayor, are elected using proportional representation. Starting with 2015, the mayor is elected directly by the majority of residents of the municipality.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lietuvos Respublikos savivaldybių tarybų rinkimų įstatymas |trans-title=Law on Municipal Council Elections of the Republic of Lithuania |url=https://www.e-tar.lt/portal/lt/legalAct/TAR.336A4B109EBC/HEexqWkxmV |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414234518/https://www.e-tar.lt/portal/lt/legalAct/TAR.336A4B109EBC/HEexqWkxmV |archive-date=14 April 2018 |access-date=14 April 2018 |website=e-tar.lt |language=lt}}</ref> The Social Democratic Party of Lithuania won the most positions in the 2023 elections (358 municipal council seats and 17 mayors).<ref>{{cite web |title=2023 m. kovo 19 d. savivaldybių tarybų ir merų rinkimai |url=https://www.vrk.lt/savivaldybiu-tarybu-ir-meru-2023/rezultatai?srcUrl=/rinkimai/1304/2/1920/rezultatai/lt/rezultataiSavPartKoalBalsuIrMandSk.html |website=vrk.lt}}</ref>

As of 2024, the number of seats in the [[European Parliament]] allocated to Lithuania was 11.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.europarl.europa.eu/infographic/meps-seats/index_en.html |title=Distribution of seats in the European Parliament |publisher=European Parliament}}</ref> Ordinary elections take place on a Sunday on the same day as in other EU countries. Eight political parties gained seats in the [[2024 European Parliament election in Lithuania|2024 elections]].<ref>{{cite web |title=2024 m. birželio 9 d. rinkimai į Europos Parlamentą |trans-title=Elections to the European Parliament on June 9, 2024 |url=https://www.vrk.lt/2024-europos-parlamento/rezultatai?srcUrl=/rinkimai/1546/1/2146/rezultatai/lt/rezultataiEpIsrinktiNariai.html |website=vrk.lt |language=lt}}</ref>

===Law and law enforcement===
{{Main|Law of Lithuania}}
[[File:Statut Vialikaha Kniastva Litoŭskaha. Статут Вялікага Княства Літоўскага (1588) (2).jpg|thumb|upright|[[Statutes of Lithuania]] were the central piece of Lithuanian law in 1529–1795.]]
The first attempt to codify the Lithuanian laws was in 1468 when the [[Casimir's Code]] was compiled and adopted by Grand Duke [[Casimir IV Jagiellon]].<ref name="LawVle">{{cite web |last1=Matulienė |first1=Snieguolė |last2=Spruogis |first2=Ernestas |title=Lietuvos teisės šaltiniai |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/lietuvos-teises-saltiniai/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=22 February 2022 |language=lt |archive-date=22 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222211158/https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/lietuvos-teises-saltiniai/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In the 16th century three editions of the [[Statutes of Lithuania]] were created with the First Statute being adopted in 1529, the Second Statute in 1566, and the Third Statute in 1588.<ref name="LawVle" /> On 3 May 1791, the Europe's first and the world's second [[Constitution of 3 May 1791|constitution]] was adopted by the [[Great Sejm]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Gegužės trečiosios konstitucija |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/geguzes-treciosios-konstitucija/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=22 February 2022 |language=lt |archive-date=22 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222211200/https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/geguzes-treciosios-konstitucija/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The Third Statute was partly in force in the territory of Lithuania even until 1840, despite the [[Partitions of Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth|Third Partition of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth]] in 1795.<ref name="LawVle" />

In 1934–1935, Lithuania held the [[Trial of Neumann and Sass|first mass trial of the Nazis in Europe]]; the convicted were sentenced to imprisonment in a heavy labor prison and capital punishments.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gliožaitis |first1=Algirdas |title=Neumanno-Sasso byla |trans-title=The Case of Neumann-Sass |url=https://www.mle.lt/straipsniai/neumanno-sasso-byla |website=Mažosios Lietuvos enciklopedija |access-date=12 February 2022 |language=lt |archive-date=12 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212210419/https://www.mle.lt/straipsniai/neumanno-sasso-byla |url-status=live}}</ref>

After regaining of independence in 1990, the largely modified Soviet legal codes were in force for about a decade. The current Constitution of Lithuania was adopted on 25 October 1992.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lietuvos Konstitucija|url=http://www3.lrs.lt/home/Konstitucija/Konstitucija.htm|website=lrs.lt|access-date=17 February 2018|archive-date=12 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612091928/https://www.lrs.lt/home/Konstitucija/Konstitucija.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2001, the [[Civil Code of Lithuania]] was passed in Seimas. It was succeeded by the Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code in 2003. The approach to the criminal law is inquisitorial, as opposed to adversarial; it is generally characterised by an insistence on formality and rationalisation, as opposed to practicality and informality. Normative legal act enters into force on the next day after its publication in the ''Teisės aktų registras'', unless it has a later entry into force date.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nuo 2014 m. sausio 1 d. teisės aktai oficialiai skelbiami Teisės aktų registre |trans-title=Since January 1, 2014, legal acts have been officially published in the Register of Legal Acts |url=http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter/w5_show?p_r=4443&p_d=143651&p_k=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623223041/https://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter/w5_show?p_r=4443&p_d=143651&p_k=1 |archive-date=23 June 2021 |access-date=24 February 2018 |website=3.lrs.lt |language=lt}}</ref> The [[European Union law]] is an integral part of the Lithuanian legal system since 1 May 2004.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nacionalinės teisės aktų derinimo su Europos Sąjungos teise metodiniai nurodymai |trans-title=Methodological guidelines for the harmonization of national legal acts with European Union law |url=http://www.etd.lt/index.php?189546198 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218090653/http://www.etd.lt/index.php?189546198 |archive-date=18 February 2018 |access-date=22 October 2004 |website=etd.lt |language=lt}}</ref>

After breaking away from the Soviet Union, Lithuiana had a difficult crime situation, however, the law enforcement agencies fought crime over the years, making Lithuania a reasonably safe country.<ref>{{cite web |title=LRT dokumentikos ciklas "Nematoma Lietuvos istorija" – apie valstybės pergalę prieš mafiją |trans-title=LRT documentary series "The Invisible History of Lithuania" – about the state's victory over the mafia |url=http://www.lrt.lt/televizija/anonsai/22093/lrt-dokumentikos-ciklas-nematoma-lietuvos-istorija-apie-valstybes-pergale-pries-mafija |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228223636/http://www.lrt.lt/televizija/anonsai/22093/lrt-dokumentikos-ciklas-nematoma-lietuvos-istorija-apie-valstybes-pergale-pries-mafija |archive-date=28 February 2018 |access-date=5 September 2016 |website=LRT |language=lt}}</ref> Crime in Lithuania has been declining rapidly.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.osac.gov/Pages/ContentReportDetails.aspx?cid=21469|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508011825/https://www.osac.gov/Pages/ContentReportDetails.aspx?cid=21469|archive-date=8 May 2017|title=Lithuania 2017 Crime & Safety Report|date=8 May 2017}}</ref> Law enforcement is primarily the responsibility of local ''Lietuvos policija'' (Lithuanian Police) commissariats. They are supplemented by the ''Lietuvos policijos antiteroristinių operacijų rinktinė Aras'' (Anti-Terrorist Operations Team of the Lithuanian Police ''Aras''), ''Lietuvos kriminalinės policijos biuras'' (Lithuanian Criminal Police Bureau), ''Lietuvos policijos kriminalistinių tyrimų centras'' (Lithuanian Police Forensic Research Center) and ''Lietuvos kelių policijos tarnyba'' (Lithuanian Road Police Service).<ref>{{cite web|title=Lietuvos policija|url=https://policija.lrv.lt/|website=policija.lrv.lt|access-date=31 March 2018|language=lt|archive-date=30 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630082829/https://policija.lrv.lt/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2017, there were 63,846 crimes registered in Lithuania. Of these, thefts comprised a large part with 19,630 cases (13.2% less than in 2016). While 2,835 crimes were serious and very serious (crimes that may lead to more than six years imprisonment), which is 14.5% less than in 2016. In total, 129 homicides or attempted homicide occurred (19.9% less than in 2016), while serious bodily harm was registered 178 times (17.6% less than in 2016). Another problematic crime [[contraband]] cases also decreased by 27.2% from 2016. Meanwhile, crimes in electronic data and information technology security fields increased by 26.6%.<ref>{{cite web |title=Užregistruota ir ištirta nusikalstamų veikų (2017 / Sausis – Gruodis) |trans-title=Registered and investigated criminal offenses (2017 / January – December) |url=https://www.ird.lt/lt/paslaugos/nusikalstamu-veiku-zinybinio-registro-nvzr-paslaugos/ataskaitos-1/nusikalstamumo-ir-ikiteisminiu-tyrimu-statistika-1/view_item_datasource?id=6763&datasource=18743 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801190249/https://www.ird.lt/lt/paslaugos/nusikalstamu-veiku-zinybinio-registro-nvzr-paslaugos/ataskaitos-1/nusikalstamumo-ir-ikiteisminiu-tyrimu-statistika-1/view_item_datasource?id=6763&datasource=18743 |archive-date=1 August 2018 |access-date=31 March 2018 |website=Ird.lt |language=lt}}</ref> In the 2024 Special Eurobarometer, 24% of Lithuanians said that corruption affects their daily lives (EU average 27%). Moreover, 83% of Lithuanians regarded corruption as widespread in their country (EU average 68%), and 78% agreed that bribery and the use of connections is often the easiest way of obtaining certain public services (EU average 63%).<ref>{{cite web |title=Citizens' attitudes towards corruption in the EU in 2024 |url=https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/api/deliverable/download/file?deliverableId=93518 |publisher=Europa.eu |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref> 

[[Capital punishment in Lithuania]] was suspended in 1996 and eliminated in 1998.<ref>{{cite web |title=Siūlymas grąžinti mirties bausmę pripažintas prieštaraujančiu Konstitucijai |trans-title=The proposal to reinstate the death penalty was declared unconstitutional |url=https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/siulymas-grazinti-mirties-bausme-pripazintas-priestaraujanciu-konstitucijai.d?id=62993028 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417181834/https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/siulymas-grazinti-mirties-bausme-pripazintas-priestaraujanciu-konstitucijai.d?id=62993028 |archive-date=17 April 2021 |access-date=9 October 2013 |website=DELFI.lt |language=lt}}</ref> Imprisonment rate in Lithuania is among the highest in the EU, although it has decreased by nearly half between 2013 and 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Number of prisoners increased by 3.2% in 2023 |url=https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/w/ddn-20250505-1 |publisher=Eurostat |access-date=14 August 2025 | date=5 May 2025}}</ref> According to scientist Gintautas Sakalauskas, the high imprisonment rate is not because of a high criminality rate in the country, but due to Lithuania's high repression level and mistrust in the society.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kuo mažiau pasitikėjimo, tuo pilnesni kalėjimai: Lietuva kalinių skaičiumi pirmauja |trans-title=The less trust, the fuller the prisons: Lithuania leads in number of prisoners |url=https://www.lzinios.lt/lzinios/lietuva/kuo-maziau-pasitikejimo-tuo-pilnesni-kalejimai-lietuva-kaliniu-skaiciumi-pirmauja/248403 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812032325/http://lzinios.lt/lzinios/Lietuva/kuo-maziau-pasitikejimo-tuo-pilnesni-kalejimai-lietuva-kaliniu-skaiciumi-pirmauja/248403 |archive-date=12 August 2017 |access-date=8 August 2017 |website=LZINIOS.lt |language=lt}}</ref>

===Administrative divisions===
{{Main|Administrative divisions of Lithuania}}
{{See also|Counties of Lithuania|Municipalities of Lithuania|Elderships of Lithuania|Cultural regions of Lithuania}}
{{Map of Counties of Lithuania|50px|float=right}}
[[File:Detailed map of etnograpic regions of Lithuania.jpg|thumb|350px|Cultural regions of Lithuania divided by [[Municipalities of Lithuania|municipalities]] and [[Elderships of Lithuania|elderships]]:<br />{{legend|#94b6ba|[[Lithuania Minor]] (Mažoji Lietuva)}}
{{legend|#e0979d|[[Samogitia]] (Žemaitija)}}
{{legend|#9ac8a1|[[Aukštaitija|Highland]] (Aukštaitija)}}
{{legend|#dcb278|[[Dzūkija|Dainava]] (Dzūkija)}}
{{legend|#e0e59d|[[Suvalkija|Sudovia]] (Suvalkija)}}]]
The current system of administrative division was established in 1994 and modified in 2000 to meet the requirements of the European Union. The country's [[Counties of Lithuania|10 counties]] (Lithuanian: singular – ''apskritis'', plural – ''apskritys'') are subdivided into [[Municipalities of Lithuania|60 municipalities]] (Lithuanian: singular – ''savivaldybė'', plural – ''savivaldybės''), and further divided into 546 [[Elderships of Lithuania|elderships]] (Lithuanian: singular – ''seniūnija'', plural – ''seniūnijos''). There are also 5 distinct [[Cultural regions of Lithuania|cultural regions]] – [[Dzūkija]], [[Aukštaitija]], [[Suvalkija]], [[Samogitia]] and [[Lithuania Minor]].

Municipalities have been the most important unit of administration since the system of county governorship (''apskrities viršininkas'') was dissolved in 2010.<ref name="county">{{in lang|lt}} [http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter3/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=349513 (Republic of Lithuania Annul Law on County Governing)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205162011/http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter3/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=349513 |date=5 February 2016}}, [[Seimas]] law database, 7 July 2009, Law no. XI-318.</ref> Some municipalities are historically called "district municipalities" (often shortened to "district"), while others are called "city municipalities" (sometimes shortened to "city"). Each has its own elected government. The election of municipality councils originally occurred every three years, but now takes place every four years. The council appoints [[elder (administrative title)|elders]] to govern the elderships. Mayors have been directly elected since 2015; prior to that, they were appointed by the council.<ref>{{in lang|lt}} Justinas Vanagas, [http://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/seimas-iteisino-tiesioginius-meru-rinkimus.d?id=65139619 Seimo Seimas įteisino tiesioginius merų rinkimus] [The Seimas legalized direct mayoral elections]  {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014091111/https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/seimas-iteisino-tiesioginius-meru-rinkimus.d?id=65139619|date=14 October 2017}}, Delfi.lt, 26 June 2014. Retrieved 26 March 2015.</ref>

Elderships are the smallest administrative units and do not play a role in national politics. They provide necessary local public services—for example, registering births and deaths in rural areas. They are most active in the social sector, identifying needy individuals or families and organizing and distributing welfare and other forms of relief.<ref name="elderates">{{in lang|lt}} [http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter2/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=146527 Lietuvos Respublikos vietos savivaldos įstatymo pakeitimo įstatymas] [Law amending the law on local self-government of the Republic of Lithuania] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130919182519/http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter2/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=146527|date=19 September 2013}}, [[Seimas]] law database, 12 October 2000, Law no. VIII-2018. Retrieved 3 June 2006.</ref> Some citizens feel that elderships have no real power and receive too little attention, and that they could otherwise become a source of local initiative for addressing rural problems.<ref>{{in lang|lt}} Indrė Makaraitytė, [https://web.archive.org/web/20131020060635/http://www.delfi.lt/archive/europos-sajungos-pinigai-kaimo-neisgelbes.d?id=5663231 Europos Sąjungos pinigai kaimo neišgelbės] [European Union money will not save the countryside], Atgimimas, Delfi.lt, 16 December 2004. Retrieved 4 June 2006.</ref>

{| class="sortable wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%;"
|-
! style="width:170px;"|County !! style="width:70px;"|Area (km<sup>2</sup>)!! style="width:50px;"|Population (2023)<ref name="Population">{{cite web|title=Resident population at the beginning of the year|url=https://osp.stat.gov.lt/statistiniu-rodikliu-analize?indicator=S3R167#/|access-date=15 December 2023|archive-date=8 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230508162636/https://osp.stat.gov.lt/statistiniu-rodikliu-analize?indicator=S3R167#/|url-status=live}}</ref>!! style="width:50px;"|GDP (billion EUR)<ref name="Counties">{{cite web|title=BENDRASIS VIDAUS PRODUKTAS PAGAL APSKRITIS 2022 M.|url=https://osp.stat.gov.lt/informaciniai-pranesimai?articleId=11709298|website=osp.stat.gov.lt|access-date=15 December 2023|archive-date=15 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215154029/https://osp.stat.gov.lt/informaciniai-pranesimai?articleId=11709298|url-status=live}}</ref>!! style="width:50px;"|GDP per capita (EUR)<ref name="Counties" /> 
|-
| [[Alytus County]]
| 5,425
| 135,367
| 1.8
| 13,600
|-
| [[Kaunas County]]
| 8,089
| 580,333
| 13.7
| 23,900
|-
| [[Klaipėda County]]
| 5,209
| 336,104
| 7.0
| 21,300
|-
| [[Marijampolė County]]
| 4,463
| 135,891
| 2.0
| 14,400
|-
| [[Panevėžys County]]
| 7,881
| 211,652
| 3.6
| 17,100
|-
| [[Šiauliai County]]
| 8,540
| 261,764
| 4.6
| 17,600
|-
| [[Tauragė County]]
| 4,411
| 90,652
| 1.2
| 13,200
|-
| [[Telšiai County]]
| 4,350
| 131,431
| 2.2
| 16,900
|-
| [[Utena County]]
| 7,201
| 125,462
| 1.7
| 13,800
|-
| [[Vilnius County]]
| 9,731
| 851,346
| 29.4
| 35,300
|-
! Lithuania
! 65,300
! 2,860,002
! 67.4
! 23,800
|}

===Foreign relations===
{{Main|Foreign relations of Lithuania}}

Lithuania became a member of the United Nations on 18 September 1991, and is a signatory to a number of its organizations and other international agreements. It is also a member of the [[European Union]], the [[Council of Europe]], [[Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe]], as well as [[NATO]] and its adjunct North Atlantic Coordinating Council. Lithuania gained membership in the [[World Trade Organization]] on 31 May 2001, and joined the [[OECD]] on 5 July 2018,<ref name="Lithuania's accession to the OECD">{{cite web|url=http://www.oecd.org/countries/lithuania/lithuania-accession-to-the-oecd.htm|publisher=[[OECD]]|title=Lithuania's accession to the OECD|date=5 July 2016|access-date=6 July 2016|archive-date=5 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705150906/https://www.oecd.org/countries/lithuania/lithuania-accession-to-the-oecd.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> while also seeking membership in other Western organizations. Lithuania has established diplomatic relations with 149 countries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.urm.lt/index.php?949836981 |title=Ministry of Foreign Affairs: List of countries with which Lithuania has established diplomatic relations |website=Urm.lt |access-date=2 January 2011 |archive-date=9 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209094022/http://www.urm.lt/index.php?949836981}}</ref> During the second half of 2013, Lithuania assumed the role of the [[presidency of the Council of the European Union|presidency of the European Union]]. Lithuania is active in developing cooperation among northern European countries. It is a member of the interparliamentary [[Baltic Assembly]], the intergovernmental [[Baltic Council of Ministers]] and the [[Council of the Baltic Sea States]].

[[File:Lithuania presidency EU stamp 2013.jpg|thumb|right|Stamp dedicated to Lithuania's presidency of the European Union]]
Lithuania cooperates with Nordic and the two other Baltic countries through the [[Nordic-Baltic Eight]] format. A similar format, NB6, unites Nordic and Baltic members of EU. NB6's focus is to discuss and agree on positions before presenting them to the Council of the European Union and at the meetings of EU foreign affairs ministers. The [[Council of the Baltic Sea States]] (CBSS) was established in [[Copenhagen]] in 1992 as an informal regional political forum. Its main aim is to promote integration and to close contacts between the region's countries. The members of CBSS are [[Iceland]], [[Sweden]], [[Denmark]], [[Norway]], [[Finland]], [[Germany]], Lithuania, [[Latvia]], [[Estonia]], [[Poland]], [[Russia]], and the European Commission. Its observer states are [[Belarus]], [[France]], [[Italy]], [[Netherlands]], [[Romania]], [[Slovakia]], [[Spain]], the [[United States]], the [[United Kingdom]], and [[Ukraine]].

The [[Nordic Council|Nordic Council of Ministers]] and Lithuania engage in political cooperation to attain mutual goals and to determine new trends and possibilities for joint cooperation. The council's information office aims to disseminate [[Nordic countries|Nordic]] concepts and to demonstrate and promote Nordic cooperation. Together with the five Nordic countries and the two other Baltic countries, it is a member of the [[Nordic Investment Bank|Nordic Investment Bank (NIB)]] and cooperates in its NORDPLUS programme, which is committed to education.

[[File:Bachelet en Consejo de Seguridad de la ONU (2015).jpg|thumb|Lithuania was a member of the [[United Nations Security Council]]. Its representatives are on the right side.]]
Poland was highly supportive of Lithuanian independence, despite the [[Lithuanization|discriminatory treatment]] of its [[Poles in Lithuania|Polish minority]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Situation of Polish minorities in Lithuania is a discrimination of EU citizens |url=http://media.efhr.eu/2017/05/09/situation-polish-minorities-lithuania-discrimination-eu-citizens/ |work=[[European Foundation of Human Rights]] |date=9 May 2017 |access-date=18 October 2019 |archive-date=27 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627224730/https://media.efhr.eu/2017/05/09/situation-polish-minorities-lithuania-discrimination-eu-citizens/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=20 January 2014 |title=Dyskryminacja Polaków na Litwie. Zbierają pieniądze na grzywnę |trans-title=Discrimination against Poles in Lithuania. They are collecting money for a fine |url=https://www.polskieradio.pl/5/3/Artykul/1028881,Dyskryminacja-Polakow-na-Litwie-Zbieraja-pieniadze-na-grzywne |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222405/https://www.polskieradio.pl/5/3/Artykul/1028881,Dyskryminacja-Polakow-na-Litwie-Zbieraja-pieniadze-na-grzywne |archive-date=23 June 2021 |access-date=18 October 2019 |work=[[Polskie Radio]] |language=pl}}</ref> The former [[Solidarity (Polish trade union)|Solidarity]] leader and Polish President [[Lech Wałęsa]] criticised the government of Lithuania over discrimination against the Polish minority and rejected the [[Order of Vytautas the Great]].<ref>"[http://thenews.pl/1/10/Artykul/54645,Walesa-declines-Lithuanian-honour Walesa declines Lithuanian honour] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014092518/http://thenews.pl/1/10/Artykul/54645,Walesa-declines-Lithuanian-honour |date=14 October 2017}}". Radio Poland. 7 September 2011.</ref> Lithuania maintains warm relations with [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] and strongly supports its European Union and NATO aspirations.<ref>{{cite web |title=Valdo Adamkaus bulvaras Gruzijoje |trans-title=Valdas Adamkus Boulevard in Georgia |url=http://global.truelithuania.com/lt/tag/valdas-adamkus-boulevard-in-anaklia-georgia/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623223004/http://global.truelithuania.com/lt/tag/valdas-adamkus-boulevard-in-anaklia-georgia/ |archive-date=23 June 2021 |access-date=16 January 2018 |website=True Lithuania |language=lt-LT}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Premjeras: Lietuvą ir Gruziją sieja daugiau nei paprasta draugystė |trans-title=Prime Minister: Lithuania and Georgia are bound by more than just ordinary friendship |url=https://ministraspirmininkas.lrv.lt/lt/naujienos/premjeras-lietuva-ir-gruzija-sieja-daugiau-nei-paprasta-draugyste |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222740/https://ministraspirmininkas.lrv.lt/lt/naujienos/premjeras-lietuva-ir-gruzija-sieja-daugiau-nei-paprasta-draugyste |archive-date=23 June 2021 |access-date=30 March 2017 |website=MinistrasPirmininkas.LRV.lt |language=lt}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=L. Linkevičius: esame pasirengę remti Gruziją ruošiantis ES Rytų partnerystės viršūnių susitikimui |trans-title=L. Linkevičius: We are ready to support Georgia in preparing for the EU Eastern Partnership summit |url=https://ua.mfa.lt/default/lt/naujienos/l-linkevicius-esame-pasirenge-remti-gruzija-ruosiantis-es-rytu-partnerystes-virsuniu-susitikimui- |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222040/https://ua.mfa.lt/default/lt/naujienos/l-linkevicius-esame-pasirenge-remti-gruzija-ruosiantis-es-rytu-partnerystes-virsuniu-susitikimui- |archive-date=23 June 2021 |access-date=8 February 2017 |website=ua.mfa.lt |language=lt}}</ref> During the [[Russo-Georgian War]] in 2008, when the Russian troops were occupying the territory of Georgia and approaching towards the Georgian capital [[Tbilisi]], President [[Valdas Adamkus]], together with the Polish and Ukrainian presidents, went to Tbilisi by answering to the Georgians request of the international assistance.<ref>{{cite web |title=V.Adamkus išskrenda į rusų okupuojamą Gruziją |trans-title=V. Adamkus is flying to Russian-occupied Georgia |url=https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/pasaulis/v.adamkus-isskrenda-i-rusu-okupuojama-gruzija-atnaujinta-07.36-val-57-2552 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222226/https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/pasaulis/v.adamkus-isskrenda-i-rusu-okupuojama-gruzija-atnaujinta-07.36-val-57-2552 |archive-date=23 June 2021 |access-date=11 August 2008 |website=[[15min.lt]] |language=lt}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=V.Adamkus: mes esame su Gruzija |trans-title=V. Adamkus: We stand with Georgia |url=https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/vadamkus-mes-esame-su-gruzija.d?id=18078623 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417194857/https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/vadamkus-mes-esame-su-gruzija.d?id=18078623 |archive-date=17 April 2021 |access-date=12 August 2008 |website=[[DELFI]] |language=lt}}</ref> Shortly, Lithuanians and the [[Catholic Church in Lithuania|Lithuanian Catholic Church]] also began collecting financial support for the war victims.<ref>{{cite web |title=Renkamos aukos nukentėjusiems nuo karo Gruzijoje |trans-title=Donations are being collected for those affected by the war in Georgia |url=https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/renkamos-aukos-nukentejusiems-nuo-karo-gruzijoje.d?id=18053959 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417192337/https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/renkamos-aukos-nukentejusiems-nuo-karo-gruzijoje.d?id=18053959 |archive-date=17 April 2021 |access-date=11 August 2008 |website=[[DELFI]] |language=lt}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Bažnyčia ragina nelikti abejingiems karui Gruzijoje |trans-title=The Church urges people not to remain indifferent to the war in Georgia |url=https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/baznycia-ragina-nelikti-abejingiems-karui-gruzijoje.d?id=18071947 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417194918/https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/baznycia-ragina-nelikti-abejingiems-karui-gruzijoje.d?id=18071947 |archive-date=17 April 2021 |access-date=11 August 2008 |website=[[DELFI]] |language=lt}}</ref>

In 2004–2009, [[Dalia Grybauskaitė]] served as [[European Commissioner for Financial Programming and the Budget]] within the [[José Manuel Barroso]]-led Commission.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Maurer |first1=Andreas |last2=Reichel |first2=Sarah |last3=Jonas |first3=Alexandra |title=The Future European Commission The Debate Regarding Leadership, Collegiality and Tasks |url=https://www.swp-berlin.org/publications/products/comments/comments2004_25_mrr_ks.pdf |access-date=28 October 2022 |archive-date=28 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028104308/https://www.swp-berlin.org/publications/products/comments/comments2004_25_mrr_ks.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Hollar|first=Sherman|date=1 June 2012|title=Dalia Grybauskaite president of Lithuania|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dalia-Grybauskaite|access-date=25 June 2021|website=Britannica|archive-date=3 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103162421/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dalia-Grybauskaite|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Guests of the 2023 Vilnius NATO Summit in the Courtyard of the Presidential Palace in Vilnius, Lithuania.jpg|thumb|Guests of the 2023 Vilnius (NATO) summit in the Courtyard of the Presidential Palace in Vilnius]]
In 2013, Lithuania was elected to the [[United Nations Security Council]] for a two-year term,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=46277&Cr=security+council&Cr1=#.UmFPr1OWDtk |title=Chad, Chile, Lithuania, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia elected to serve on UN Security Council |website=Un.org |date=17 October 2013 |access-date=30 April 2016 |archive-date=20 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020020717/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=46277&Cr=security+council&Cr1=#.UmFPr1OWDtk |url-status=live}}</ref> becoming the first Baltic country elected to this post. During its membership, Lithuania actively supported [[Ukraine]] and often condemned Russia for the [[Russo-Ukrainian War|war in Ukraine]], immediately earning Ukrainian esteem.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uatoday.tv/geopolitics/lithuania-calls-un-security-council-meeting-on-ukraine-403385.html|title=Lithuania calls UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine|website=Uatoday.tv|access-date=2 May 2016|archive-date=3 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603213903/http://uatoday.tv/geopolitics/lithuania-calls-un-security-council-meeting-on-ukraine-403385.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Lankininkaitė |first1=Rūta |title=Ukrainiečiai: Lietuva – mums pavyzdys |trans-title=Ukrainians: Lithuania is an example for us |url=https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/world/ukrainieciai-lietuva-mums-pavyzdys.d?id=67403332 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417194911/https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/world/ukrainieciai-lietuva-mums-pavyzdys.d?id=67403332 |archive-date=17 April 2021 |access-date=11 March 2015 |website=[[DELFI]], [[Lithuanian National Radio and Television|LRT]]}}</ref> As the [[war in Donbas]] progressed, President Dalia Grybauskaitė compared the Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]] to [[Josef Stalin]] and to [[Adolf Hitler]]; she also called Russia a "terrorist state".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.eu/article/the-baltic-iron-lady-putins-solitary-foe-dalia-grybauskaite/|title=The Baltic 'Iron Lady': Putin's solitary foe|website=Politico.eu|date=21 May 2015|access-date=2 May 2016|archive-date=3 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703110448/https://www.politico.eu/article/the-baltic-iron-lady-putins-solitary-foe-dalia-grybauskaite/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2018 Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia were awarded the {{ill|Peace of Westphalia Prize|de|Internationaler Preis des Westfälischen Friedens}} for their exceptional model of democratic development and contribution to peace in the continent.<ref>{{cite web |title=Prestigious Peace of Westphalia Prize – for Lithuania and the Baltic states |url=https://www.lrp.lt/en/press-centre/press-releases/prestigious-peace-of-westphalia-prize-for-lithuania-and-the-baltic-states/29212 |website=Lrp.lt |access-date=14 July 2018 |archive-date=3 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703111813/https://www.lrp.lt/en/press-centre/press-releases/prestigious-peace-of-westphalia-prize-for-lithuania-and-the-baltic-states/29212}}</ref> In 2019 Lithuania condemned the [[2019 Turkish offensive into north-eastern Syria|Turkish offensive into north-eastern Syria]].<ref>{{cite news |title=EU condemning Turkey is only the beginning, says Lithuanian Foreign Minister |url=https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/news-in-english/19/1106677/eu-condemning-turkey-is-only-the-beginning-says-lithuanian-foreign-minister |work=LRT RADIJAS |date=14 October 2019 |access-date=18 October 2019 |archive-date=23 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623221806/https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/news-in-english/19/1106677/eu-condemning-turkey-is-only-the-beginning-says-lithuanian-foreign-minister |url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2021, Lithuania reported that in an escalation of the diplomatic spat with China over its [[Lithuania–Taiwan relations|relations with Taiwan]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lau |first1=Stuart |last2=Moens |first2=Barbara |title=China's trade attack on Lithuania exposes EU's powerlessness |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/china-trade-attack-on-lithuania-exposes-eu-powerlessness/ |website=politico.eu |publisher=Politico |date=16 December 2021 |access-date=27 December 2021 |archive-date=16 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216201946/https://www.politico.eu/article/china-trade-attack-on-lithuania-exposes-eu-powerlessness/ |url-status=live}}</ref> China had stopped all imports from Lithuania.<ref>{{cite news |title=China blocking EU imports with Lithuanian components over Taiwan row, says Brussels |url=https://www.euronews.com/2021/12/24/china-blocking-eu-imports-with-lithuanian-components-over-taiwan-row-says-brussels |work=Euronews |date=24 December 2021 |access-date=27 December 2021 |archive-date=27 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227134522/https://www.euronews.com/2021/12/24/china-blocking-eu-imports-with-lithuanian-components-over-taiwan-row-says-brussels |url-status=live}}</ref> According to Lithuanian intelligence agencies, in 2023 there was an increase in Chinese intelligence activity against Lithuania, including cyberespionage and increased focus on Lithuania's internal affairs and foreign policy.<ref>{{cite web |title=Intelligence warns of Chinese services' increased attention to Lithuania's internal affair |url=https://www.baltictimes.com/intelligence_warns_of_chinese_services__increased_attention_to_lithuania_s_internal_affair/ |access-date=8 March 2024 |website=www.baltictimes.com |archive-date=8 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308033406/https://www.baltictimes.com/intelligence_warns_of_chinese_services__increased_attention_to_lithuania_s_internal_affair/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

The 2023 [[NATO summit]] was held in Vilnius.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lithuania to host 2023 NATO summit, first event 'of such a scale' |url=https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/1431705/lithuania-to-host-2023-nato-summit-first-event-of-such-a-scale |website=[[Lrt.lt]] |access-date=15 June 2021 |date=15 June 2021 |archive-date=25 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625161817/https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/1431705/lithuania-to-host-2023-nato-summit-first-event-of-such-a-scale |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Military===
[[File:Closing ceremony for Iron Sword 2014.jpg|right|thumb|Lithuanian Army soldiers with their [[NATO]] allies during Iron Sword 2014]]
[[File:Lithuanian PzH 2000 unit during exercises.jpg|right|thumb|Lithuanian [[Panzerhaubitze 2000]] firing during an exercise in 2022]]
The [[Lithuanian Armed Forces]] comprises the [[Lithuanian Land Force]], [[Lithuanian Air Force]], [[Lithuanian Naval Force]], [[Lithuanian Special Operations Force]] and other units: Logistics Command, Training and Doctrine Command, Headquarters Battalion, [[Lithuanian Military Police|Military Police]]. Directly subordinated to the [[Chief of Defence (Lithuania)|Chief of Defence]] are the Special Operations Forces and Military Police. The Reserve Forces are under command of the [[Lithuanian National Defence Volunteer Forces]].

The Lithuanian Armed Forces consist of some 20,000 active personnel, which may be supported by reserve forces.<ref>{{cite book |last=IISS |title=The Military Balance 2019|year=2019 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-85743-988-5}}</ref> Compulsory conscription ended in 2008 but was reintroduced in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.delfi.lt/politics/conscription-notices-to-be-sent-to-37-000-men-in-lithuania.d?id=67940028|title=Conscription notices to be sent to 37,000 men in Lithuania|website=DELFI|access-date=24 July 2019|archive-date=3 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103002530/https://en.delfi.lt/politics/conscription-notices-to-be-sent-to-37-000-men-in-lithuania.d?id=67940028|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 2024, the Lithuanian Armed Forces have 30 soldiers and officers participating in nine international operations and European Union training missions deployed in [[Kosovo]], [[Iraq]], [[Central African Republic]], [[Djibouti]], [[Mozambique]], [[Spain]], [[Italy]], and in the [[United Kingdom]], providing training for Ukrainian soldiers on [[Operation Interflex]].<ref>{{cite web |date=31 May 2024 |title=LR Krašto apsaugos ministerija |url=https://kam.lt/en/international-operations-and-training-missions/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kariuomene.lt/en/2024-training-cycle-for-the-ukrainian-military-begins-lithuanian-instructors-depart-for-operation-interflex/25739|title=2024 training cycle for the Ukrainian military begins: Lithuanian instructors depart for Operation Interflex &#124; Lithuanian army}}</ref>

Lithuania became a full member of [[NATO]] in March 2004. Fighter jets of NATO members are deployed in [[Šiauliai Air Base]] and [[Baltic Air Policing|provide security for the Baltic airspace]]. Since 2014, Lithuania participates in the British-led [[Joint Expeditionary Force]].<ref>{{cite web|title=What is the Joint Expeditionary Force?|url=https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-10074/|date=6 August 2024|access-date=21 July 2025|website=House of Commons Library}}</ref>

Beginning in summer of 2005, Lithuania was part of the [[International Security Assistance Force]] in Afghanistan, leading a [[Provincial Reconstruction Team]] in [[Chaghcharan]] in [[Ghor Province]].Since joining international operations in 1994, Lithuania has lost two soldiers: Lieutenant Normundas Valteris fell in Bosnia, as his patrol vehicle drove over a mine. Sergeant Arūnas Jarmalavičius was fatally wounded during an attack on the camp of his Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan.<ref>{{in lang|lt}} [http://kariuomene.kam.lt/en/international_operations_1446/in_remembrance.html In remembrance] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018173406/http://kariuomene.kam.lt/en/international_operations_1446/in_remembrance.html |date=18 October 2018}}. Kariuomene.kam.lt. Retrieved on 24 December 2011.</ref>

The Lithuanian National Defence Policy aims to guarantee the preservation of the independence and sovereignty of the state, the integrity of its land, territorial waters and airspace, and its constitutional order. Its main strategic goals are to defend the country's interests, and to maintain and expand the capabilities of its armed forces so they may contribute to and participate in the missions of NATO and European Union member states.<ref name="WB">{{cite web |url=http://www.kam.lt/kam/download/7963/bk-en1.pdf |title=White Paper Lithuanian defence policy |language=lt |website=Kam.lt |access-date=25 April 2010 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031046/http://www.kam.lt/kam/download/7963/bk-en1.pdf}}</ref>

The [[Ministry of National Defence (Lithuania)|defense ministry]] is responsible for combat forces, search and rescue, and intelligence operations. The 5,000 [[Lithuanian State Border Guard Service|border guards]] fall under the Interior Ministry's supervision and are responsible for border protection, passport and customs duties, and share responsibility with the navy for smuggling and drug trafficking interdiction. A special security department handles VIP protection and communications security. In 2015 [[National Cyber Security Centre of Lithuania]] was created. Paramilitary organisation [[Lithuanian Riflemen's Union]] acts as a civilian self-defence institution.

According to NATO, in 2020, Lithuania allocated 2.13% of its [[Gross domestic product|GDP]] to the national defense.<ref name="nato-lt-spending">{{cite web|title=Defence Expenditure of NATO Countries (2013-2020)|url=https://www.nato.int/nato_static_fl2014/assets/pdf/2021/3/pdf/210316-pr-2020-30-en.pdf|publisher=NATO|date=16 March 2021|access-date=23 April 2021|archive-date=5 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505115056/https://www.nato.int/nato_static_fl2014/assets/pdf/2021/3/pdf/210316-pr-2020-30-en.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> For a long time, especially after the [[2008 financial crisis]], Lithuania lagged behind NATO allies in terms of defence spending. However, it increased funding, exceeding the NATO guideline of 2% in 2019. President Nausėda called for more NATO troops on 22 April 2022, saying NATO should increase its deployment of troops in Lithuania and elsewhere on Europe's eastern flank following [[Russian invasion of Ukraine|Russia's invasion of Ukraine]], during a meeting in Vilnius.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lithuania's president calls for more NATO troops |url=https://wtvbam.com/2022/04/22/lithuanias-president-calls-for-more-nato-troops/ |access-date=22 April 2022 |website=WTVB}}</ref>

==Economy==
{{Main|Economy of Lithuania}}
{{see also|List of companies of Lithuania}}
[[File:GDP per capita Baltics.svg|thumb|right|Real GDP per capita development of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania]]
[[File:Lithuanian counties by GDP per capita, 2022.png|thumb|Lithuanian counties by GDP per capita, 2022<ref name="Counties"/>]]
[[File:Lithuania's GDP per capita compared to rest of the world (2020).png|thumb|Comparison of Lithuania's GDP per capita to rest of the world where countries with higher GDP per capita are marked in red (2022)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2020/October/weo-report|title=Report for Selected Countries and Subjects|website=IMF}}</ref>]]
Lithuania has an open and [[mixed economy]] that is classified as a [[high-income economy]] by the [[World Bank]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://datahelpdesk.worldbank.org/knowledgebase/articles/906519|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111190936/https://datahelpdesk.worldbank.org/knowledgebase/articles/906519|archive-date=11 January 2018|title=World Bank Country and Lending Groups – World Bank Data Help Desk|date=11 January 2018|website=Datahelpdesk.worldbank.org}}</ref> {{As of|2017}} the three largest sectors were services (63% of GDP), industry (24%) and agriculture (3%).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/lithuania/|title=GDP – composition, by sector of origin|access-date=15 April 2025}}</ref> On 1 January 2015, the euro became the national currency, replacing [[Lithuanian litas|litas]], which had been in circulation since 1993.<ref name=iso4217news2014>{{cite web | url=http://www.currency-iso.org/dam/downloads/dl_currency_iso_amendment_159.docx | title=ISO Currency – ISO 4217 Amendment Number 159 | publisher=SIX Interbank Clearing | work=Currency Code Services – ISO 4217 Maintenance Agency | date=15 August 2014 | access-date=23 June 2016 | archive-date=30 April 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430211020/https://www.currency-iso.org/dam/downloads/dl_currency_iso_amendment_159.docx | url-status=live}}</ref>

Mineral products comprised the largest share of exports (14%) in 2024; other major sectors include machinery and appliances, electrical equipment (14%), chemical products (11%), food, beverages and tobacco products (9%). The largest markets for exports were Latvia (12%), Poland (10%), and Germany (9%).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://osp.stat.gov.lt/en_GB/informaciniai-pranesimai?articleId=13209829|title=International trade in goods in December 2024|access-date=15 April 2025}}</ref> Exports equaled 88% of GDP in 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wits.worldbank.org/CountryProfile/en/country/LTU/startyear/LTST/endyear/LTST/indicator/NE-EXP-GNFS-ZS|title=Lithuania Exports of goods and services % of GDP|access-date=9 May 2025}}</ref>

GDP experienced very high real growth rates for the decade up to 2009, peaking at 11% in 2007. As a result, the country was often termed a [[Baltic Tiger]]. However, in 2009 due to the [[2008 financial crisis]], GDP contracted 15%<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.seb.lt/sites/default/files/web/document/lietuvos_ekonomikos_apzvalga_LMR/lmr58_0.pdf |title=Lithuanian Macroeconomic Review No 58 |publisher=SEB |date=December 2014 |access-date=22 May 2015 |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308134859/https://www.seb.lt/sites/default/files/web/document/lietuvos_ekonomikos_apzvalga_LMR/lmr58_0.pdf}}</ref> and unemployment rate reached 17.8% in 2010.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.seb.lt/documents/660/662 | title="Lietuvos makroekonomikos apžvalga" nr. 62 | publisher=SEB | date=April 2014 | access-date=7 September 2016 | archive-date=3 July 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703115931/https://www.seb.lt/documents/660/662}}</ref> Growth has since been much slower. According to the IMF, financial conditions are conducive to growth and financial soundness indicators remain strong. The public debt ratio in 2016 was 40% of GDP; it had been 15% in 2008.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.imf.org/~/media/Files/Publications/CR/2017/cr17177.ashx | title=REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA. 2017 ARTICLE IV CONSULTATION—PRESS RELEASE AND STAFF REPORT | publisher=IMF | format=PDF | page=4 | access-date=28 March 2018 | archive-date=12 March 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312130212/https://www.imf.org/~/media/Files/Publications/CR/2017/cr17177.ashx | url-status=live}}</ref>

On average, more than 95% of all [[foreign direct investment]] (FDI) comes from EU countries. Sweden is historically the largest investor with 20% – 30% of FDI.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lb.lt/lt/tiesiogines-uzsienio-investicijos-lietuvoje-pagal-sali-1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109194528/https://www.lb.lt/lt/tiesiogines-uzsienio-investicijos-lietuvoje-pagal-sali-1|archive-date=9 January 2018|title=Tiesioginės užsienio investicijos Lietuvoje pagal šalį – Lietuvos bankas|date=9 January 2018}}</ref> FDI into Lithuania spiked in 2017, reaching its highest ever recorded number of greenfield investment projects. In 2017, Lithuania was third, after [[Ireland]] and [[Singapore]] by the average job value of investment projects.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dencik |first1=Jacob |last2=Spee |first2=Roel |title=Global Location Trends – 2018 Annual Report: Getting ready for Globalization 4.0 |url=https://public.dhe.ibm.com/common/ssi/ecm/93/en/93017793usen/93017793usen-00_93017793USEN.pdf |publisher=IBM Institute for Business Value |page=7 |date=July 2018 |quote=Ireland continues to lead the world for attracting high-value investment, generating substantial inward investment with strengths in key high-value sectors such as ICT, financial and business services and life sciences. But Singapore is now a close second, with Lithuania and Switzerland right behind. |access-date=15 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410223308/https://public.dhe.ibm.com/common/ssi/ecm/93/en/93017793usen/93017793usen-00_93017793USEN.pdf |archive-date=10 April 2019}}</ref>
The US was the leading source country in 2017, 25% of total FDI.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fdiintelligence.com/Trend-Tracker/Lithuania-FDI-skyrockets-in-2017|title=Lithuania FDI skyrockets in 2017|date=20 February 2018 |access-date=21 March 2018|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308233716/https://www.fdiintelligence.com/Trend-Tracker/Lithuania-FDI-skyrockets-in-2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Based on the Eurostat's data, in 2017 the value of exports recorded the most rapid growth of Baltic states and across Europe at 17%.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lithuanian exports which grew most across Europe last year will beat value records this year |url=https://www.verslilietuva.lt/en/news/lithuanian-exports-grew-across-europe-last-year-will-beat-value-records-year/ |website=www.verslilietuva.lt |access-date=24 November 2018 |archive-date=17 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417180625/https://www.verslilietuva.lt/en/news/lithuanian-exports-grew-across-europe-last-year-will-beat-value-records-year/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

Between 2004 and 2016, one of five Lithuanians emigrated, seeking better opportunities and higher salaries abroad.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ieškodami darbuotojų jau verčiasi per galvą: net tokiomis algomis nepavyksta sugundyti |trans-title=In their search for workers, they're already bending over backwards: even such salaries aren't enough to attract them |url=https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/ieskodami-darbuotoju-jau-verciasi-per-galva-net-tokiomis-algomis-nepavyksta-sugundyti.d?id=77973215 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703110800/https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/ieskodami-darbuotoju-jau-verciasi-per-galva-net-tokiomis-algomis-nepavyksta-sugundyti.d?id=77973215 |archive-date=3 July 2021 |access-date=13 May 2018 |website=delfi.lt |language=lt}}</ref> Long term emigration and economic growth has resulted in a shortage in the labor market<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.delfi.lt/verslas/verslas/emigracija-smogia-negailestingai-lietuvoje-vis-labiau-truksta-darbuotoju.d?id=75467805|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111194908/https://www.delfi.lt/verslas/verslas/emigracija-smogia-negailestingai-lietuvoje-vis-labiau-truksta-darbuotoju.d?id=75467805|archive-date=11 January 2018|title=Emigracija smogia negailestingai: Lietuvoje vis labiau trūksta darbuotojų – DELFI Verslas|date=11 January 2018}}</ref> and growth in salaries being larger than growth in labor efficiency.<ref name="archive org 11">{{cite web |date=11 January 2018 |title=Ekonomistai įspėja: virš Lietuvos kaupiasi debesys |trans-title=Economists warn: clouds are gathering over Lithuania |url=https://verslas.lrytas.lt/izvalgos-ir-nuomones/2017/06/13/news/ekspertai-ispeja-virs-lietuvos-ekonomikos-kaupiasi-debesys-1665764/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111195018/https://verslas.lrytas.lt/izvalgos-ir-nuomones/2017/06/13/news/ekspertai-ispeja-virs-lietuvos-ekonomikos-kaupiasi-debesys-1665764/ |archive-date=11 January 2018 |work=lrytas.lt |language=lt}}</ref> Unemployment in 2017 was 8%.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lithuania: Unemployment rate from 2007 to 2017|url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/375259/unemployment-rate-in-lithuania/|website=Statista.com|access-date=7 April 2018|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222449/https://www.statista.com/statistics/375259/unemployment-rate-in-lithuania/|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 2022, median wealth per adult was [[USD|$]]32,000 (mean was $70,000), while total national wealth was $147 billion.<ref name="CS2023-1">{{cite web|title = UBS Global Wealth Databook 2023|url = https://www.ubs.com/global/en/family-office-uhnw/reports/global-wealth-report-2023/_jcr_content/mainpar/toplevelgrid_5684475/col2/linklistnewlook/link_copy.0357374027.file/PS9jb250ZW50L2RhbS9hc3NldHMvd20vZ2xvYmFsL2ltZy9nbG9iYWwtZmFtaWx5LW9mZmljZS9kb2NzL2RhdGFib29rLWdsb2JhbC13ZWFsdGgtcmVwb3J0LTIwMjMtZW4ucGRm/databook-global-wealth-report-2023-en.pdf|publisher = [[UBS]]|access-date = 30 September 2023|archive-date = 27 September 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230927130459/https://www.ubs.com/global/en/family-office-uhnw/reports/global-wealth-report-2023/_jcr_content/mainpar/toplevelgrid_5684475/col2/linklistnewlook/link_copy.0357374027.file/PS9jb250ZW50L2RhbS9hc3NldHMvd20vZ2xvYmFsL2ltZy9nbG9iYWwtZmFtaWx5LW9mZmljZS9kb2NzL2RhdGFib29rLWdsb2JhbC13ZWFsdGgtcmVwb3J0LTIwMjMtZW4ucGRm/databook-global-wealth-report-2023-en.pdf|url-status = dead}} See table 3-1 for all countries, on pages 119-122, for mean and median wealth, [[Gini coefficient]], distribution of adults (%) by wealth range, and number of adults. All of that info (except the Gini coefficient) is also in table 2-2 on pages 109-112. See the end of table 2-2 on page 112 for regional numbers. Page 4 mentions "46 countries lacking sufficient suitable data for wealth estimation". Pages 20-24 (table 2-1) then feature estimates for [[GDP]] per adult for said countries, with wealth data quality characterized as "n.a." (not available).</ref> As of 2023 Q2, the average monthly gross salary was €2,000.<ref name="https://osp.stat.gov.lt">{{cite web|url=https://osp.stat.gov.lt/informaciniai-pranesimai?eventId=292505|title=Darbo užmokestis šalyje|website=osp.stat.gov.lt|access-date=25 August 2023|archive-date=25 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825101342/https://osp.stat.gov.lt/informaciniai-pranesimai?eventId=292505|url-status=live}}</ref> Implicit tax rates on labor, capital and corporate income in Lithuania have been among of the lowest in the EU.<ref name="epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu">{{cite book | url=https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/f85da28f-f5be-11ec-b976-01aa75ed71a1/language-en?WT.mc_id=Selectedpublications&WT.ria_c=51677&WT.ria_f=6180&WT.ria_ev=search&WT.URL=https%3A%2F%2Ftaxation-customs.ec.europa.eu%2F | title=Taxation trends in the European Union | publisher=Eurostat | date=2022 | isbn=978-92-76-49152-1 | access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref> The nominal personal income tax rate is 20%, with 32% applied on high incomes. The corporate tax rate is 16% for most companies and 6% for small businesses; 7 [[free economic zone]]s operate.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pramoniniai parkai ir LEZ|url=https://ukmin.lrv.lt/lt/veiklos-sritys/investiciju-veiklos-sritis/pramoniniai-parkai-ir-lez|website=ukmin.lrv.lt|access-date=24 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424071555/https://ukmin.lrv.lt/lt/veiklos-sritys/investiciju-veiklos-sritis/pramoniniai-parkai-ir-lez|archive-date=24 April 2018}}</ref>

[[Information technology]] production is growing, reaching €2 billion in 2016.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Samuolis |first1=Gediminas |title=Informacinės technologijos Lietuvoje |date=2017 |publisher=Lietuvos statistikos departamentas |location=Vilnius |page=8 |url=https://ivpk.lrv.lt/uploads/ivpk/documents/files/Naujienos/IT%20Lietuvoje%202017.pdf |access-date=16 January 2018 |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308150136/https://ivpk.lrv.lt/uploads/ivpk/documents/files/Naujienos/IT%20Lietuvoje%202017.pdf}}</ref> In 2017, 35<ref>{{cite web |title=Lithuania Registered 35 New Fintech Companies in 2017 |url=https://www.crowdfundinsider.com/2018/02/128160-lithuania-registered-35-new-fintech-companies-2017 |website=Crowdfundinsider.com |date=8 February 2018 |access-date=18 March 2018 |archive-date=8 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208172543/https://www.crowdfundinsider.com/2018/02/128160-lithuania-registered-35-new-fintech-companies-2017/ |url-status=live}}</ref> [[financial technology]] companies came to Lithuania as a result of the government and [[Bank of Lithuania]] simplifying procedures.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lithuanian Institutions Enhance Focus on New Financial Technologies and Fintech Sector Development in Lithuania|url=https://finmin.lrv.lt/en/news/lithuanian-institutions-enhance-focus-on-new-financial-technologies-and-fintech-sector-development-in-lithuania|website=finmin.lrv.lt|access-date=18 March 2018|archive-date=14 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714164452/https://finmin.lrv.lt/en/news/lithuanian-institutions-enhance-focus-on-new-financial-technologies-and-fintech-sector-development-in-lithuania}}</ref> Lithuania has granted a total of 39 e-money licenses, second in the EU to the UK. In 2018, [[Google]] set up a payment company in Lithuania.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Milda Šeputytė |author2=Jeremy Kahn |title=Google Payment Expands With E-Money License From Lithuania |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-12-21/google-payment-expands-with-e-money-license-from-lithuania |website=www.bloomberg.com |publisher=Bloomberg |quote=Google Payment, a company owned by Alphabet Inc., obtained an e-money license in Lithuania, joining a growing number of fintech firms that have secured permission from the Baltic nation to offer financial services across the European Union. |access-date=22 December 2018 |date=21 December 2018 |archive-date=30 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930201924/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-12-21/google-payment-expands-with-e-money-license-from-lithuania |url-status=live}}</ref> Europe's first international [[blockchain]] centre launched in Vilnius in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kostaki |first1=Irene |date=31 January 2018 |title=Lithuania debuts as EU gateway for global blockchain industry |url=https://www.neweurope.eu/article/lithuania-debuts-eu-gateway-global-blockchain-industry/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703110944/https://www.neweurope.eu/article/lithuania-debuts-eu-gateway-global-blockchain-industry/ |archive-date=3 July 2021 |access-date=14 July 2018 |website=Neweurope.eu |quote=The Lithuanian capital Vilnius launched Europe's first international Blockchain Centre on January 27, making it the EU's only hub for the digital ledger. The new hub will help Europe connect with partner Blockchain Centres in Australia, China, Canada, the UK, Belgium, Denmark, Georgia, Gibraltar, Ukraine, Israel, and Latvia.}}</ref> Since 2021, Lithuania has issued hundreds of licenses for cryptocurrency exchange and storage operations, making it one of the leading countries in the EU in this sector.<ref>{{cite web |title=Crypto license in Lithuania - Cryptocurrency license |url=https://adamsmith.lt/en/finance-and-blockchain/cryptocurrency-license-in-lithuania/ |access-date=7 November 2024 |website=AdamSmith}}</ref>

===Agriculture===
{{Main|Agriculture in Lithuania}}
Agriculture has been one of Lithuania's most important occupations for many centuries.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jurginis |first1=J. |title=Arimo įrankių reikšmė žemdirbystės sistemoms |trans-title=The significance of plowing tools for farming systems |url=http://lad.lt/data/com_ladlibrary/988/156-163.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304164424/http://lad.lt/data/com_ladlibrary/988/156-163.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2021 |access-date=14 April 2018 |website=lad.lt |language=lt}}</ref> Accession to the European Union in 2004 ushered in a new agricultural era. The EU pursues a very high standard of food safety and purity. In 1999, the Seimas adopted a law on product safety, and in 2000 it adopted a law on food.<ref>{{cite web|title=Law on Product Safety|url=https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/f9a7f340736a11e6a0f68fd135e6f40c?jfwid=-brx0ubedz|website=e-seimas.lrs.lt|access-date=14 April 2018|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222321/https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/f9a7f340736a11e6a0f68fd135e6f40c?jfwid=-brx0ubedz|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Law on Food|url=https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/74505e2018da11e6aa14e8b63147ee94?jfwid=rivwzvpvg|website=e-seimas.lrs.lt|access-date=14 April 2018|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222225/https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/74505e2018da11e6aa14e8b63147ee94?jfwid=rivwzvpvg|url-status=live}}</ref> The reform of the agricultural market has been carried out on the basis of these two laws.

In 2016, agricultural production was €2.3 billion. [[Cereal crops]] occupied the largest part (5710 tons); other significant types include: [[sugar beet]] (934 tons), [[rapeseed]] (393 tons) and [[potato]]es (340 tons). Products totaling €4,385 million were exported to foreign markets, of which products for €3,165 million were of Lithuanian origin. Export of agricultural and food products accounted for 19% of all exports of goods.<ref>{{cite web |title=Žemės ir maisto ūkio 2016 metų apžvalga |trans-title=Review of the Agriculture and Food Sector in 2016 |url=https://zum.lrv.lt/uploads/zum/documents/files/LT_versija/Veiklos_sritys/Statistin%C4%97%20informacija/%C5%BDem%C4%97s%20ir%20maisto%20%C5%ABkio%202016%20met%C5%B3%20ap%C5%BEvalga%20(03).pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222205/https://zum.lrv.lt/uploads/zum/documents/files/LT_versija/Veiklos_sritys/Statistin%C4%97%20informacija/%C5%BDem%C4%97s%20ir%20maisto%20%C5%ABkio%202016%20met%C5%B3%20ap%C5%BEvalga%20(03).pdf |archive-date=23 June 2021 |access-date=14 April 2018 |website=zum.lrv.lt |pages=1–3 |language=lt}}</ref>

[[Organic farming]] is becoming more popular. The status of organic growers and producers is granted by the public body ''Ekoagros''. In 2016, there were 2539 such farms that occupied 225,542 hectares. Of these, 43% were cereals, 31% perennial grasses, 14% leguminous crops and 12% others.<ref>{{cite web|title=Veiklos ataskaita, 2016 m.|url=https://www.ekoagros.lt/media/1/2016-m-veiklos-ataskaita.pdf|website=ekoagros.lt|pages=1–4|access-date=15 April 2018|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222140/https://www.ekoagros.lt/media/1/2016-m-veiklos-ataskaita.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Science and technology===
Lithuania ranks moderately in the [[International Innovation Index]],<ref>{{cite book |url=http://www.lmt.lt/data/public/uploads/2016/09/ekonomikos-moksliniu-tyrimu-programos-rekomendacijos.pdf |title=Lietuvos ekonomikos ilgalaikio konkurencingumo iššūkiai |date=2015 |publisher=Lietuvos mokslo taryba |page=18 |trans-title=Challenges to the long-term competitiveness of Lithuania's economy |access-date=10 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228012636/https://www.lmt.lt/data/public/uploads/2016/09/ekonomikos-moksliniu-tyrimu-programos-rekomendacijos.pdf |archive-date=28 February 2021 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and is placed 15th among EU countries by the [[European Innovation Scoreboard]].<ref>{{cite web |title=European Innovation Scoreboard |url=http://ec.europa.eu/growth/industry/innovation/facts-figures/scoreboards_lt |access-date=31 March 2018 |website=ec.europa.eu |date=5 July 2016 |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406041555/https://ec.europa.eu/growth/industry/innovation/facts-figures/scoreboards_lt |url-status=live}}</ref> Lithuania was ranked 33th in the [[Global Innovation Index]] in 2025.<ref>{{cite web |title=GII Innovation Ecosystems & Data Explorer 2025 |url=https://www.wipo.int/gii-ranking/en/lithuania |access-date=7 November 2025 |website=WIPO}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Dutta |first1=Soumitra |url=https://www.wipo.int/web-publications/global-innovation-index-2025/en/index.html |title=Global Innovation Index 2025: Innovation at a Crossroads |last2=Lanvin |first2=Bruno |publisher=[[World Intellectual Property Organization]] |year=2025 |isbn=978-92-805-3797-0 |page=19 |doi=10.34667/tind.58864 |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> Lasers and [[biotechnology]] are flagship fields of the science and high-tech industry.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/news/lithuania-leading-light-laser-technology|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110175105/https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/news/lithuania-leading-light-laser-technology|archive-date=10 January 2018|title=Lithuania, a leading light in laser technology – Digital Single Market|date=10 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Daugiausiai inovacijų lietuviai sukūrė gyvybės mokslų srityje |trans-title=Lithuanians have created the most innovations in the field of life sciences |url=https://www.delfi.lt/partnerio-turinys/lietuvos-amziaus-inovacijos/daugiausiai-inovaciju-lietuviai-sukure-gyvybes-mokslu-srityje.d?id=75754757 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417181824/https://www.delfi.lt/partnerio-turinys/lietuvos-amziaus-inovacijos/daugiausiai-inovaciju-lietuviai-sukure-gyvybes-mokslu-srityje.d?id=75754757 |archive-date=17 April 2021 |access-date=14 September 2017 |website=[[DELFI]] |language=lt}}</ref> ''Šviesos konversija'' ("Light Conversion") has developed a [[femtosecond]] laser system that has 80% market share worldwide, with applications in DNA research, ophthalmological surgeries, and nanotechnology.<ref>{{cite web|title=Light Conversion – About Us|url=http://lightcon.com/about-us.html|website=lightcon.com|access-date=5 February 2018|archive-date=20 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120194735/http://www.lightcon.com/about-us.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Įgyvendinta svajonė sukėlė perversmą pasaulinėje lazerių rinkoje |trans-title=A fulfilled dream triggered a revolution in the global laser market |url=https://www.delfi.lt/partnerio-turinys/lietuvos-amziaus-inovacijos/igyvendinta-svajone-sukele-perversma-pasaulineje-lazeriu-rinkoje.d?id=75532853 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417194908/https://www.delfi.lt/partnerio-turinys/lietuvos-amziaus-inovacijos/igyvendinta-svajone-sukele-perversma-pasaulineje-lazeriu-rinkoje.d?id=75532853 |archive-date=17 April 2021 |access-date=25 August 2017 |website=[[DELFI]] |language=lt}}</ref> The [[Vilnius University]] Laser Research Center has developed one of the most powerful femtosecond lasers in the world dedicated primarily to [[Oncology|oncological diseases]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Lietuviai sukūrė vieną galingiausių lazerių pasaulyje |trans-title=Lithuanians have created one of the most powerful lasers in the world |url=https://www.delfi.lt/partnerio-turinys/lietuvos-amziaus-inovacijos/lietuviai-sukure-viena-galingiausiu-lazeriu-pasaulyje.d?id=75607431 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417195008/https://www.delfi.lt/partnerio-turinys/lietuvos-amziaus-inovacijos/lietuviai-sukure-viena-galingiausiu-lazeriu-pasaulyje.d?id=75607431 |archive-date=17 April 2021 |access-date=31 August 2017 |website=[[DELFI]] |language=lt}}</ref> In 1963, [[Vytautas Straižys]] and his colleagues created [[Vilnius photometric system]] that is used in astronomy.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vilniaus astrofotometrinė sistema |trans-title=Vilnius astrophotometric system |url=http://astronomija.lt/enciklopedija/index.php/Vilniaus_astrofotometrin%C4%97_sistema |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205072446/http://astronomija.lt/enciklopedija/index.php/Vilniaus_astrofotometrin%C4%97_sistema |archive-date=5 February 2018 |access-date=4 February 2018 |website=astronomija.lt |language=lt}}</ref> Noninvasive intracranial pressure and blood flow measuring devices were developed by [[Kaunas University of Technology]] scientist A. Ragauskas.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.epo.org/european-inventor/finalists/2016/ragauskas.html|website=m.epo.org/|title=Finalist for the European Inventor Award 2016|access-date=7 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407184238/https://m.epo.org/european-inventor/finalists/2016/ragauskas.html|archive-date=7 April 2018}}</ref> Kęstutis Pyragas contributed to the study of [[Control of chaos|chaos theory]] with his method of delayed feedback control, the [[Pyragas method]]. [[Kavli Prize]] laureate [[Virginijus Šikšnys]] is known for his discoveries in [[CRISPR]], namely with respect to CRISPR-[[Cas9]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2015/10/battle-genome-editing-gets-science-wrong/|author=Sarah Zhang|date=10 April 2015|magazine=Wired|title=The Battle Over Genome Editing Gets Science All Wrong|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-date=7 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607095645/https://www.wired.com/2015/10/battle-genome-editing-gets-science-wrong/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|author=Giorgia Guglielmi|date=31 May 2015|journal=Nature|title=Million-dollar Kavli prize recognizes scientist scooped on CRISPR|volume=558|issue=7708|pages=17–18|doi=10.1038/d41586-018-05308-5|pmid=29872189|s2cid=46949947|doi-access=free}}</ref>

<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:LituanicaSAT-2.jpg|thumb|[[LituanicaSAT-2]] in the thermal-vacuum chamber]] -->Lithuania has launched three satellites to space: [[LitSat-1]], [[Lituanica SAT-1]] and [[LituanicaSAT-2]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rutkauskas |first1=Adomas |date=23 June 2017 |title=Į kosmosą pakilo trečiasis Lietuvos palydovas |trans-title=The third Lithuanian satellite has been launched into space |url=https://it.lrytas.lt/laboratorija/2017/06/23/news/i-kosmosa-kyla-treciasis-lietuvos-palydovas-1755953/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308143523/https://it.lrytas.lt/laboratorija/2017/06/23/news/i-kosmosa-kyla-treciasis-lietuvos-palydovas-1755953/ |archive-date=8 March 2021 |access-date=23 June 2017 |website=[[lrytas.lt]] |language=lt-LT}}</ref> [[Lithuanian Museum of Ethnocosmology]] and [[Molėtai Astronomical Observatory]] is located in [[Kulionys]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Lithuanian Museum of Ethnocosmology|url=http://www.etnokosmomuziejus.lt/en/|access-date=4 February 2018|archive-date=15 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515194253/https://etnokosmomuziejus.lt/en/|url-status=live}}</ref> Fifteen R&D institutions are members of [[Lithuanian Space Association]]; Lithuania is a cooperating state with [[European Space Agency]].<ref>{{cite web|title=First Baltic Space Activities Roundtable|url=https://www.eas.ee/images/doc/ettevotjale/innovatsioon/kosmos/roundtable1/baltic_roundtable_vidmantas_tomkus.pdf|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411174553/https://www.eas.ee/images/doc/ettevotjale/innovatsioon/kosmos/roundtable1/baltic_roundtable_vidmantas_tomkus.pdf|archive-date=11 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Lithuania becomes eighth ESA Cooperating State|url=https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Welcome_to_ESA/Lithuania_becomes_eighth_ESA_European_Cooperating_State|website=Esa.int|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-date=16 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016155321/https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Welcome_to_ESA/Lithuania_becomes_eighth_ESA_European_Cooperating_State|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Rimantas Stankevičius]] is the only ethnically Lithuanian astronaut.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vienintelis Lietuvos kosmonautas R.Stankevičius tėvynės neiškeitė į vietą raketoje |trans-title=The only Lithuanian cosmonaut, R. Stankevičius, did not trade his homeland for a place on a rocket |url=https://www.delfi.lt/video/mokslas-ir-gamta/vienintelis-lietuvos-kosmonautas-rstankevicius-tevynes-neiskeite-i-vieta-raketoje.d?id=62705647#o8TgpziG |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526064612/https://www.delfi.lt/video/mokslas-ir-gamta/vienintelis-lietuvos-kosmonautas-rstankevicius-tevynes-neiskeite-i-vieta-raketoje.d?id=62705647#o8TgpziG |archive-date=26 May 2021 |access-date=12 April 2011 |website=DELFI |language=lt}}</ref>

Lithuania in 2018 became an Associated Member State of [[CERN]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Lithuania becomes Associate Member State of CERN|url=https://home.cern/about/updates/2018/01/lithuania-becomes-associate-member-state-cern|website=home.cern|access-date=18 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314173513/https://home.cern/about/updates/2018/01/lithuania-becomes-associate-member-state-cern|archive-date=14 March 2018}}</ref> Two CERN incubators in Vilnius and Kaunas will be hosted.<ref>{{cite web |title=Davos: Final decision on CERN business incubation centers in Lithuania |url=https://mission-geneva.mfa.lt/mission-geneva/en/news/davos-final-decision-on-cern-business-incubation-centers-in-lithuania |access-date=14 April 2019 |archive-date=17 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417192724/https://mission-geneva.mfa.lt/mission-geneva/en/news/davos-final-decision-on-cern-business-incubation-centers-in-lithuania}}</ref> The most advanced scientific research is being conducted at the Life Sciences Center,<ref>{{cite web|title=Life Sciences Center. Lithuania|url=http://www.gmc.vu.lt/en/|website=Gmc.vu.lt|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-date=26 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526002551/https://www.gmc.vu.lt/en/|url-status=live}}</ref> Center For Physical Sciences and Technology.<ref>{{cite web|title=Center For Physical Sciences and Technology. Lithuania|url=https://www.ftmc.lt/en|website=Ftmc.lt|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-date=17 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417181226/https://www.ftmc.lt/en|url-status=live}}</ref> From 2011 to 2016, yearly growth of the biotech and life science sector reached 22%. 16 academic institutions, 15 R&D centres (science parks and innovation valleys) and more than 370 manufacturers operate in the life science and biotech industry.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flandersinvestmentandtrade.com/export/sites/trade/files/market_studies/Life%20science%20and%20biotech%20industry_Lituania_2016.pdf|website=Flandersinvestmentandtrade.com|title=The life science industry in Lithuania|page=2|access-date=31 March 2018|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308083504/https://www.flandersinvestmentandtrade.com/export/sites/trade/files/market_studies/Life%20science%20and%20biotech%20industry_Lituania_2016.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2008 the Valley development programme was started aiming to upgrade scientific research infrastructure and encourage business and science cooperation. Five R&D Valleys were launched – Jūrinis (maritime technologies), Nemunas (agro, bioenergy, forestry), Saulėtekis (laser and light, semiconductor), Santara (biotechnology, medicine), Santaka (sustainable chemistry and pharmacy).<ref>{{cite web |title=R&D in Lithuania |url=https://investlithuania.com/why-lithuania/innovation/ |website=investlithuania.com |access-date=6 October 2019 |archive-date=8 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608011138/https://investlithuania.com/why-lithuania/innovation/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Lithuanian Innovation Center was created to provide support for innovations and research institutions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lithuanian Innovation Center|url=http://lic.lt/en/|website=lic.lt|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-date=22 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922202528/https://lic.lt/en/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Tourism===
{{Main|Tourism in Lithuania}}
[[File:Druskininkai fountain.jpg|thumb|[[Druskininkai]] is a popular [[spa town]].]]
According to the [[World Travel and Tourism Council]], the tourism sector contributed approximately €1.7 billion to the national economy in 2023, accounting for 2.3% of the country's GDP. This represents a notable recovery from the downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, although it remains below pre-pandemic levels.<ref>{{cite web |title=TRAVEL & TOURISM ECONOMIC IMPACT 2023 |url=https://assets-global.website-files.com/6329bc97af73223b575983ac/647f193f93a40a264ad69885_EIR2023-Lithuania.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=National accounts - Oficialiosios statistikos portalas |url=https://osp.stat.gov.lt/en/nacionalines-saskaitos1 |access-date=19 April 2025 |website=osp.stat.gov.lt}}</ref> In 2023, Lithuania welcomed over 1.1 million international visitors, marking a substantial recovery from the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. Foreign tourists accounted for nearly a third of the total population. The majority of international tourists originated from neighboring countries, notably Belarus and Poland.<ref name=":2">{{cite web |title=Topic: Travel and tourism in Lithuania |url=https://www.statista.com/topics/12416/travel-and-tourism-in-lithuania/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007110529/https://www.statista.com/topics/12416/travel-and-tourism-in-lithuania/ |archive-date=7 October 2024 |access-date=19 April 2025 |website=Statista |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Domestic tourism]] has also seen significant growth, with residents making around 12.8 million trips within the country in 2023. Most of these were same-day trips, totaling nearly 10 million.<ref name=":2" />

Key urban centres such as Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda attract numerous visitors because of their rich history and cultural offerings. Vilnius is renowned for its [[baroque architecture]] and has been recognized as the [[European Green Capital Award|European Green Capital]] for 2025.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rowan |first=Claudia |title=Europe's most surprising foodie city — with hardly any Brits |url=https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/europe-travel/europes-most-surprising-foodie-city-without-any-brits-9c65lm9h3?region=global |access-date=19 April 2025 |website=www.thetimes.com |date=15 September 2024}}</ref> Seaside resorts like [[Palanga]] and [[Neringa Municipality|Neringa]] are popular for their sandy beaches and unique landscapes. Neringa, part of the Curonian Spit, is [[UNESCO]]'s [[World Heritage Site]] known for its colossal sand dunes and pine forests.<ref name=":3">{{cite web |title=Bicycle Tourism in Lithuania : Baltic Sea cycle route - EuroVelo 10 |url=https://en.eurovelo.com/ev10/lithuania |access-date=19 April 2025 |website=EuroVelo}}</ref> Spa towns such as [[Druskininkai]] offer wellness retreats, with Druskininkai featuring the largest water park in Eastern Europe and the [[Snow Arena]], one of the largest indoor skiing slopes in Europe.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lynų kelias |url=https://www.lynukelias.lt/en/ |access-date=19 April 2025 |website=www.lynukelias.lt}}</ref>

Lithuania offers diverse outdoor activities. Hot air ballooning is particularly popular in Vilnius and [[Trakai]], providing aerial views of the historic landscapes. Cycling tourism is on the rise, with the country boasting over 3,769&nbsp;km of bicycle tracks, including 1,988&nbsp;km of asphalt pavement. The EuroVelo 10 (Baltic Sea Cycle Route) traverses the Curonian Spit, offering views of sand dunes and coastal towns like Palanga and [[Nida, Lithuania|Nida]].<ref name=":3" /> The EuroVelo 11 (East Europe Route) passes through eastern Lithuania, including Vilnius and Trakai, and natural areas like [[Labanoras Regional Park]].<ref>{{cite web |last=ECF |title=Bicycle Tourism in Lithuania : East Europe cycle route - EuroVelo 11 |url=https://en.eurovelo.com/ev11/lithuania |access-date=19 April 2025 |website=EuroVelo}}</ref> The [[Nemunas Delta Regional Park]] is a haven for birdwatchers, hosting over 300 bird species, including rare and endangered ones like the [[greater spotted eagle]] and [[aquatic warbler]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Nemunas Delta |url=https://lithuania.travel/en/where-to-visit/nature/bird-watching/nemunas-delta |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526185225/https://lithuania.travel/en/where-to-visit/nature/bird-watching/nemunas-delta |archive-date=26 May 2024 |access-date=19 April 2025 |website=lithuania.travel |url-status=live}}</ref> The park's wetlands serve as crucial resting sites for migratory birds.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nemunas Delta Regional Park - Šilutės turizmo informacijos centras |url=https://siluteinfo.lt/en/silute-region/nemunas-delta-regional-park/ |access-date=19 April 2025 |website=siluteinfo.lt |date=25 May 2022}}</ref>

==Communication==
{{Update|part=section|date=August 2025}}
{{Main|Telecommunications in Lithuania}}
[[File:Bures business centre in Vilnius (2016).jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|[[Telia Company|Telia]] (skyscraper with the old [[Teo LT]] logo) and [[Huawei]] headquarters in [[Vilnius]]]]
Lithuania has a well developed communications infrastructure. The country has 2.8 million citizens<ref>{{cite web |date=4 January 2018 |title=Lietuvos gyventojų skaičius sumažėjo dar 40 tūkstančių |trans-title=The population of Lithuania has decreased by another 40,000 |url=http://www.ve.lt/naujienos/lietuva/lietuvos-naujienos/lietuvos-gyventoju-skaicius-sumazejo-dar-40-tukstanciu-1527125/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104123442/http://www.ve.lt/naujienos/lietuva/lietuvos-naujienos/lietuvos-gyventoju-skaicius-sumazejo-dar-40-tukstanciu-1527125/ |archive-date=4 January 2018 |access-date=4 January 2018 |language=lt}}</ref> and 5 million SIM cards.<ref>{{cite web |date=4 January 2018 |title=Lietuvoje – 3 mln. gyventojų ir 5 mln. mobiliojo ryšio naudotojų – DELFI Mokslas |trans-title=In Lithuania – 3 million inhabitants and 5 million mobile network users |url=https://www.delfi.lt/mokslas/technologijos/lietuvoje-3-mln-gyventoju-ir-5-mln-mobiliojo-rysio-naudotoju.d?id=60719345 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104123305/https://www.delfi.lt/mokslas/technologijos/lietuvoje-3-mln-gyventoju-ir-5-mln-mobiliojo-rysio-naudotoju.d?id=60719345 |archive-date=4 January 2018 |access-date=4 January 2018 |language=lt}}</ref> The largest LTE (4G) mobile network covers 97% of Lithuania's territory.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ryšio kokybės žemėlapis rodo: du operatoriai lygūs, trečias – iš paskos |url=https://www.15min.lt/mokslasit/straipsnis/technologijos/rysio-kokybes-zemelapis-rodo-du-operatoriai-lygus-o-trecias-is-paskos-646-767870 |website=15min.lt |access-date=13 March 2017 |archive-date=23 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222406/https://www.15min.lt/mokslasit/straipsnis/technologijos/rysio-kokybes-zemelapis-rodo-du-operatoriai-lygus-o-trecias-is-paskos-646-767870}}</ref> Usage of fixed phone lines has been rapidly decreasing due to rapid expansion of mobile-cellular services.<ref>{{cite web |title=Laidinio ryšio telefonams gresia išnykimas? |trans-title=Are landline telephones at risk of disappearing? |url=https://www.delfi.lt/mokslas/technologijos/laidinio-rysio-telefonams-gresia-isnykimas.d?id=58099004 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417191034/https://www.delfi.lt/mokslas/technologijos/laidinio-rysio-telefonams-gresia-isnykimas.d?id=58099004 |archive-date=17 April 2021 |access-date=4 January 2018 |website=Delfi.lt |language=lt}}</ref> In 2017, Lithuania was top 30 in the world by average mobile broadband speeds and top 20 by average fixed broadband speeds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.speedtest.net/global-index|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104105117/https://www.speedtest.net/global-index|archive-date=4 January 2018|title=Speedtest Global Index – Monthly comparisons of internet speeds from around the world|date=4 January 2018|website=Speedtest.net|access-date=4 January 2018}}</ref>
Lithuania was also top 7 in 2017 in the [[List of countries by 4G LTE penetration]]. In 2016, Lithuania was ranked 17th in United Nations' e-participation index.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://publicadministration.un.org/egovkb/en-us/about/overview/e-participation|title=E-Participation Index|access-date=21 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321192535/https://publicadministration.un.org/egovkb/en-us/about/overview/e-participation|archive-date=21 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://publicadministration.un.org/egovkb/en-us/Data-Center|title=Data Center|access-date=21 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321192858/https://publicadministration.un.org/egovkb/en-us/Data-Center|archive-date=21 March 2018}}</ref> There are four TIER III datacenters in Lithuania.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uptimeinstitute.com/TierCertification/allCertifications.php?page=1&ipp=All&clientId=&countryName=Lithuania&tierLevel=3|title=Uptime Institute. Country: Lithuania, Tier Level: Tier III|access-date=19 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320044020/https://uptimeinstitute.com/TierCertification/allCertifications.php?page=1&ipp=All&clientId=&countryName=Lithuania&tierLevel=3|archive-date=20 March 2018}}</ref>
Lithuania is 44th globally ranked country on data center density according to Cloudscene.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cloudscene.com/market/data-centers-in-lithuania/all|title=Colocation Lithuania – Data Centers|access-date=19 March 2018|archive-date=17 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417181833/https://cloudscene.com/market/data-centers-in-lithuania/all|url-status=live}}</ref>

Development of Rural Areas Broadband Network (RAIN) was started with the objective to provide residents, state and municipal authorities and businesses with fibre-optic broadband access in rural areas. RAIN infrastructure allows 51 communications operators to provide network services to their clients. The project was funded by the European Union and the Lithuanian government.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sumin.lrv.lt/en/news/strategic-project-for-lithuania-rain-2-won-the-international-award |title=Strategic project for Lithuania RAIN-2 won the international award |access-date=19 March 2018 |archive-date=23 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222959/https://sumin.lrv.lt/en/news/strategic-project-for-lithuania-rain-2-won-the-international-award |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/newsroom/cf/dae/document.cfm?doc_id=4988&usg=AOvVaw0HNGsJE3UEplZ5ekHB2MgY |title=RAIN project in Lithuania |access-date=19 March 2018 |archive-date=1 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501155805/https://ec.europa.eu/information_society/newsroom/cf/dae/document.cfm?doc_id=4988&usg=AOvVaw0HNGsJE3UEplZ5ekHB2MgY |url-status=live}}</ref> 72% of households have access to internet, a number which in 2017 was among EU's lowest<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Internet_access_and_use_statistics_-_households_and_individuals|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104125212/http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Internet_access_and_use_statistics_-_households_and_individuals|archive-date=4 January 2018|title=Internet access and use statistics – households and individuals – Statistics Explained|date=4 January 2018|access-date=4 January 2018}}</ref> and in 2016 ranked 97th by [[CIA World Factbook]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2153rank.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104130822/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2153rank.html|archive-date=4 January 2018|title=The World Factbook – Central Intelligence Agency|date=4 January 2018|access-date=4 January 2018}}</ref> The number of households with internet access is expected to increase and reach 77% by 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eshopworld.com/blog-articles/lithuania-ecommerce-insights/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104125319/https://www.eshopworld.com/blog-articles/lithuania-ecommerce-insights/|archive-date=4 January 2018|title=Lithuania eCommerce will nearly triple its online shoppers in 4 years|work=eShopWorld |date=4 January 2018|access-date=4 January 2018}}</ref> Almost 50% of Lithuanians had smartphones in 2016, a number that is expected to increase to 65% by 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/568195/predicted-smartphone-user-penetration-rate-in-lithuania/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104125609/https://www.statista.com/statistics/568195/predicted-smartphone-user-penetration-rate-in-lithuania/|archive-date=4 January 2018|title=• Lithuania: smartphone user penetration 2015–2022 – Forecast|date=4 January 2018|access-date=4 January 2018}}</ref>
Lithuania has the highest FTTH (Fiber to the home) penetration rate in Europe (36.8% in September 2016) according to FTTH Council Europe.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ftthcouncil.eu/documents/PressReleases/2016/PR20160217_FTTHranking_panorama_award.pdf|title=Breaking news from the FTTH Conference 2016: Croatia, Germany and Poland join the FTTH ranking|website=Ftthcouncil.eu|access-date=1 January 2017|archive-date=30 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430204430/https://www.ftthcouncil.eu/documents/PressReleases/2016/PR20160217_FTTHranking_panorama_award.pdf}}</ref>

==Infrastructure==

===Transport===
{{Main|Transport in Lithuania}}
[[File:Lithuania-roads-(E).png|thumb|Major highways in Lithuania]]
[[Rail transport in Lithuania|Rail transport]] consists of {{convert|1762|km|0|abbr=on}} of {{convert|1520|mm|ftin|1|abbr=on}} [[Russian gauge]] railway, of which {{convert|122|km|0|abbr=on}} are electrified, and {{convert|115|km|0|abbr=on}} of European [[Standard-gauge railway|standard gauge]] lines starting at the [[Lithuania–Poland border]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Geležinkelių infrastruktūra |trans-title=Railway infrastructure |url=http://infrastructure.litrail.lt/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006220502/http://infrastructure.litrail.lt/ |archive-date=6 October 2017 |access-date=24 January 2017 |website=Infrastructure.litrail.lt}}</ref> Lithuania received its first railway connection in the middle of the 19th century, when the [[Saint Petersburg–Warsaw railway]] was constructed. It included a stretch from [[Daugavpils]] via Vilnius and Kaunas to Virbalis. The first and only still operating [[Kaunas Railway Tunnel|Kaunas tunnel]] was completed in 1860. The [[Rail Baltica]] railway will link Kaunas to Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, and Germany. 

[[File:MariampoleNádraží.JPG|thumb|[[Marijampolė railway station]], completed in 1924]]
Among EU countries, Lithuania has the highest share of freight transported by rail, at 31.7% in 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Freight transport statistics |website=Eurostat |date=16 April 2025 |url=https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Freight_transport_statistics_-_modal_split |access-date=7 July 2025}}</ref> This has dropped over 50% since 2018, caused mainly by [[Economy of Belarus#Sanctions|sanctions imposed on Belarusian exports]] and [[International sanctions during the Russian invasion of Ukraine|Russia]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Savickas |first=Edgaras |date=10 March 2025 |title=Nepaisant karo pradžioje įvestų ribojimų, kai kurių krovinių į Kaliningradą rieda daugiau |trans-title=Despite restrictions imposed at the beginning of the war, more of some goods is being transported to Kaliningrad |url= https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/verslas/4/2504741/nepaisant-karo-pradzioje-ivestu-ribojimu-kai-kuriu-kroviniu-i-kaliningrada-rieda-daugiau |access-date=7 July 2025 |work=LRT |language=lt}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Freight_transport_statistics |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180104135126/http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Freight_transport_statistics |archive-date=4 January 2018|title=Freight transport statistics – Statistics Explained|date=4 January 2018|access-date=4 January 2018}}</ref> In 2017, [[Lithuanian Railways]] (''Lietuvos Geležinkeliai''), the company that operates most of the railway lines, received an EU penalty for breaching the EU's antitrust laws and restricting competition in rail freight.<ref>{{cite web |title= Antitrust: Commission fines Lithuanian Railways €28 million for hindering competition on rail freight market |publisher=European Commission |date=4 January 2018 |access-date=4 January 2018 |url=http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-17-3622_en.htm |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180104135749/http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-17-3622_en.htm |archive-date=4 January 2018}}</ref>

Lithuania has an extensive network of motorways. WEF grades Lithuanian roads at 4.7 / 7.0<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www3.weforum.org/docs/GCR2017-2018/05FullReport/TheGlobalCompetitivenessReport2017%E2%80%932018.pdf|title=The Global Competitiveness Report 2017–2018|page=185|access-date=25 March 2018|archive-date=20 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920210549/http://www3.weforum.org/docs/GCR2017-2018/05FullReport/TheGlobalCompetitivenessReport2017%E2%80%932018.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> and the Lithuanian road authority (LAKD) at 6.5 / 10.0.<ref>{{cite web |date=26 March 2018 |title=Lietuvos automobilių kelių direkcija prie Susisiekimo ministerijos |trans-title=Lithuanian Road Administration under the Ministry of Transport and Communications |url=http://plius.lakd.lt/lt.php/naujienos/susumuoti_keliu_apziuros_rezultatai/11801;_wai;1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326104027/http://plius.lakd.lt/lt.php/naujienos/susumuoti_keliu_apziuros_rezultatai/11801;_wai;1 |archive-date=26 March 2018}}</ref> Lithuanian trucking companies drew attention in 2016<ref>{{cite web|url=http://media.daimler.com/marsMediaSite/en/instance/ko/Largest-Fleet-Order-from-Eastern-Europe-for-Mercedes-Benz-Trucks-in-Its-History-Major-order-of-1000-Mercedes-Benz-Actros-by-Girteka-Logistics.xhtml?oid=9918964|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104150306/http://media.daimler.com/marsMediaSite/en/instance/ko/Largest-Fleet-Order-from-Eastern-Europe-for-Mercedes-Benz-Trucks-in-Its-History-Major-order-of-1000-Mercedes-Benz-Actros-by-Girteka-Logistics.xhtml?oid=9918964|archive-date=4 January 2018|title=Largest Fleet Order from Eastern Europe for Mercedes-Benz Trucks in Its History: Major order of 1,000 Mercedes-Benz Actros by Girteka Logistics – Daimler Global Media Site|date=4 January 2018}}</ref> and 2017<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.volvogroup.com/en-en/news/2017/sep/record-breaking-agreement-for-volvo-trucks.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104150048/http://www.volvogroup.com/en-en/news/2017/sep/record-breaking-agreement-for-volvo-trucks.html|archive-date=4 January 2018|title=Record breaking agreement for Volvo Trucks – Volvo Group|date=4 January 2018}}</ref> with huge and record-breaking orders of trucks. Almost 90% of commercial truck traffic is international transport, the highest of any EU country.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Freight_transport_statistics|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104135126/http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Freight_transport_statistics |archive-date=4 January 2018|title=Freight transport statistics – Statistics Explained|date=4 January 2018}}</ref> Transportation is the third largest sector of the Lithuanian economy.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sumin.lrv.lt/en/news/lithuania-is-ready-to-implement-transport-investment-projects-of-a-strategic-importance|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104145320/https://sumin.lrv.lt/en/news/lithuania-is-ready-to-implement-transport-investment-projects-of-a-strategic-importance|archive-date=4 January 2018|title=Lithuania is ready to implement transport investment project of a strategic importance – Ministry of Transport and Communications|date=4 January 2018}}</ref> The sector accounts for 40% of national energy consumption and 75% of oil usage. The car fleet is among the oldest within the European Union and constitutes the most significant single source of domestic [[greenhouse gas emissions]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Budzinauskas |first=Vytautas |date=7 July 2025 |title=Saulės elektrinių savininkams TEA siūlo taikyti "net billing", apmokestinti automobilius |trans-title=TEA proposes applying 'net billing' for solar power plant owners and taxing cars |url=https://www.delfi.lt/verslas/energetika/saules-elektriniu-savininkams-lietuvoje-signalas-is-tarptautines-organizacijos-120123613 |access-date=7 July 2025 |work=Delfi |language=lt}}</ref>

The [[Port of Klaipėda]] is the only commercial cargo port in Lithuania. In 2011 45.5 million tons of cargo were handled (including [[Būtingė oil terminal]] figures).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shortsea.lt/index.php/pagrindinis_meniu/naujienos/klaipedos_ir_kitu_baltijos_juros_rytines_pakrantes_uostu_krovos_apzvalga__m_sausiogruodzio_men_/1201|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019182532/http://www.shortsea.lt/index.php/pagrindinis_meniu/naujienos/klaipedos_ir_kitu_baltijos_juros_rytines_pakrantes_uostu_krovos_apzvalga__m_sausiogruodzio_men_/1201|archive-date=19 October 2013|title=Short Sea|date=19 October 2013|website=shortsea.lt|access-date=18 October 2018}}</ref> The port is not among the EU's 20 largest ports,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Maritime_ports_freight_and_passenger_statistics|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104132949/http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Maritime_ports_freight_and_passenger_statistics|archive-date=4 January 2018|title=Maritime ports freight and passenger statistics – Statistics Explained|date=4 January 2018|access-date=4 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/File:Top_20_container_ports_in_2015_-_on_the_basis_of_volume_of_containers_handled_in_(1000_TEUs).png|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104133109/http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/File:Top_20_container_ports_in_2015_-_on_the_basis_of_volume_of_containers_handled_in_(1000_TEUs).png|archive-date=4 January 2018|title=File:Top 20 container ports in 2015 - on the basis of volume of containers handled in (1000 TEUs).png – Statistics Explained|date=4 January 2018|access-date=4 January 2018}}</ref> but it is the eighth largest port in the Baltic Sea region<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/good_for_business/?doc=90478|title=Riga and Klaipėda included in TOP-10 ports in Baltic Sea Region by container turnover :: The Baltic Course – Baltic States news & analytics|date=21 December 2017|website=Baltic-course.com|access-date=21 December 2017|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171221104115/http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/good_for_business/?doc=90478|archive-date=21 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://actiaforum.pl/en/assets/files/realizacje/pdf/PM-17-EN.pdf|title=2016 – a better year for most of the Top 10 Baltic container ports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104132642/http://actiaforum.pl/en/assets/files/realizacje/pdf/PM-17-EN.pdf|archive-date=4 January 2018|date=4 January 2018|access-date=4 January 2018}}</ref> with ongoing expansion plans.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://port.today/klaipeda-outer-port-constructed/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104132737/https://port.today/klaipeda-outer-port-constructed/|archive-date=4 January 2018|title=Klaipėda outer port to be constructed – port.today|date=4 January 2018|access-date=4 January 2018}}</ref> As of 2022, the LIWA (Lithuanian Inland Waterways Authority, ''Vidaus vandens keliu direkcija'' in Lithuanian) is developing a strategy to resurrect cargo shipping on the Nemunas. Its fleet of electric ships will travel 260&nbsp;km between the Port of Klaipda and the industrial and transportation centre of Kaunas.<ref name=":159">{{cite web |title=Reviving Lithuania's inland waterways to cut emissions |url=https://www.eib.org/en/stories/lithuania-waterways-emissions |access-date=19 July 2023 |website=European Investment Bank |archive-date=21 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230721092822/https://www.eib.org/en/stories/lithuania-waterways-emissions |url-status=live}}</ref> The project is anticipated to need a €75.7 million initial investment, and estimated to eliminate 48,000 truck trips annually.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lithuania: EIB advisory services support green inland cargo shipping |url=https://www.eib.org/en/press/all/2022-245-eib-advisory-services-support-green-inland-cargo-shipping-in-lithuania |access-date=31 July 2023|website=European Investment Bank |archive-date=20 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230720223356/https://www.eib.org/en/press/all/2022-245-eib-advisory-services-support-green-inland-cargo-shipping-in-lithuania |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Will there be an intermodal connection between Kaunas and Hamburg? The Port of Hamburg and Klaipeda will co-develop new logistics routes |url=https://www.railtarget.cz/business/will-there-be-an-intermodal-connection-between-kaunas-and-hamburg-the-port-of-hamburg-and-klaipeda-will-codevelop-new-logistics-routes-2492.html |access-date=31 July 2023 |website=www.railtarget.cz |archive-date=31 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230731145827/https://www.railtarget.cz/business/will-there-be-an-intermodal-connection-between-kaunas-and-hamburg-the-port-of-hamburg-and-klaipeda-will-codevelop-new-logistics-routes-2492.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The inland river cargo port in Marvelė, linking Kaunas and Klaipėda, received its first cargo in 2019.<ref>{{cite web |date=23 April 2019 |title=Marvelės uostą pasiekė pirmasis krovinys! |trans-title=The first cargo has arrived at the Marvelė port! |url=https://klaipeda.diena.lt/naujienos/kaunas/miesto-pulsas/marveles-uosta-pasieke-pirmasis-krovinys-910893 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222405/https://klaipeda.diena.lt/naujienos/kaunas/miesto-pulsas/marveles-uosta-pasieke-pirmasis-krovinys-910893 |archive-date=23 June 2021 |access-date=3 May 2019 |website=klaipeda.diena.lt |language=LT}}</ref>

[[Vilnius Airport]] is the largest airport in Lithuania and 91st [[List of the busiest airports in Europe|busiest airport in Europe]]. It served 3.8 million passengers in 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilnius-airport.lt/en/news/?id=1930281 |title=The Lithuanian Airports Have Presented the Results for the Year 2016: the Number of Passengers Has Surged to Record Levels of 4.8 Million |date=12 January 2017 |access-date=24 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004085407/http://www.vilnius-airport.lt/en/news/?id=1930281 |archive-date=4 October 2017}}</ref> Other airports include [[Kaunas Airport]], [[Palanga International Airport]] and [[Šiauliai International Airport|Šiauliai Airport]]. Kaunas Airport is a small commercial cargo airport that started regular commercial cargo traffic in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kaunozinios.lt/naujienos/kauno-oro-uoste-ivykdytas-pirmas-reguliarus-krovininis-reisas_36224.html|title=Kauno oro uoste įvykdytas pirmas reguliarus krovininis reisas|website=Kaunozinios.lt|date=4 April 2011|access-date=4 January 2018|archive-date=27 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627215332/https://kaunozinios.lt/naujienos/kauno-oro-uoste-ivykdytas-pirmas-reguliarus-krovininis-reisas_36224.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Energy===
{{Main|Energy in Lithuania}} {{See also|Renewable energy in Lithuania}}
[[File:FSRU Independence in the port of Klaipėda, Lithuania.jpg|thumb|right|[[FSRU Independence|FSRU ''Independence'']] in port of Klaipėda]]
Systematic diversification of energy imports and resources is the key energy strategy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lsta.lt/files/seminarai/2015-04-09_Ryga/03.-ey-bus-2015-rokas-masiulis.pdf|title=Lithuania's Energy Sector Development Trends|page=2|website=Lsta.lt|access-date=7 April 2018|archive-date=24 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150824064812/http://www.lsta.lt/files/seminarai/2015-04-09_Ryga/03.-ey-bus-2015-rokas-masiulis.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Long-term aims were defined in National Energy Independence strategy in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gamyba.le.lt/sites/default/files/media/dynamic/files/481/nationalenergyindependencestrategy.pdf|title=National Energy Independence Strategy|website=Gamyba.le.lt|access-date=13 April 2018|archive-date=13 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413185919/https://gamyba.le.lt/sites/default/files/media/dynamic/files/481/nationalenergyindependencestrategy.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> It was estimated that strategic energy independence initiatives will cost €6.3–7.8 billion and provide annual savings of €0.9–1.1 billion.

After the decommissioning of the [[Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant]], Lithuania turned from electricity exporter to electricity importer. {{As of|2015}}, 66% of electrical power was imported.<ref>{{cite web |title=Litgrid |url=http://www.litgrid.eu/index.php/energetikos-sistema/elektros-energetikos-sistemos-informacija/elektros-gamybos-ir-vartojimo-balanso-duomenys/2287 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118024627/http://www.litgrid.eu/index.php/energetikos-sistema/elektros-energetikos-sistemos-informacija/elektros-gamybos-ir-vartojimo-balanso-duomenys/2287 |archive-date=18 November 2016 |access-date=7 September 2016 |website=www.litgrid.eu}}</ref> Unit No. 1 was closed in 2004, as a condition of entry into the European Union; Unit No. 2 was closed down in 2009. Proposals have been made to construct a new [[Visaginas Nuclear Power Plant]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Lithuania shuts down Soviet-era NPP, but being a nuclear-free nation is still under question |url=http://www.bellona.org/articles/articles_2010/ignalina_shut_down |date=12 January 2010 |author=Andrei Ozharovsky, Maria Kaminskaya and Charles Digges |website=Bellona.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100423155352/http://www.bellona.org/articles/articles_2010/ignalina_shut_down |archive-date=23 April 2010}}</ref> However, [[2012 Lithuanian nuclear power referendum|a non-binding referendum]] held in 2012 clouded the prospects for the Visaginas project, as 63% of voters said no to a new nuclear power plant.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Country-Profiles/Countries-G-N/Lithuania/|title=Nuclear Power in Lithuania – Lithuanian Nuclear Energy – World Nuclear Association|website=World-nuclear.org|access-date=18 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126160031/http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Country-Profiles/Countries-G-N/Lithuania/|archive-date=26 January 2016}}</ref>

[[File:Kruonis Pumped Storage Plant.Lithuania.jpg|thumb|[[Kruonis Pumped Storage Plant]]]]
The main source of electrical power is the [[Elektrėnai Power Plant]]. Other primary sources are the [[Kruonis Pumped Storage Plant]] and [[Kaunas Hydroelectric Power Plant]]. Kruonis Pumped Storage Plant is the only power plant in the Baltic states  to be used for regulation of the power system's operation with generating capacity of 900 MW for at least 12 hours.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kruoniohae.lt/lt/main/activity|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928033447/http://www.kruoniohae.lt/lt/main/activity|archive-date=28 September 2012|title=Kruonio hidroakumuliacinė elektrinė > Veikla|date=28 September 2012|access-date=18 October 2018}}</ref> First geothermal heating plant ([[Klaipėda Geothermal Demonstration Plant]]) in the Baltic Sea region was built in 2004.

Lithuania–Sweden submarine electricity interconnection [[NordBalt]] and Lithuania–Poland electricity interconnection [[LitPol Link]] were launched at the end of 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ceer.eu/documents/104400/3736793/C16_NR_Lithuania-EN.pdf/1c379f34-4e09-7311-e715-5974e45eab3f|title=Annual Report on Electricity and Natural Gas Markets of the Republic of Lithuania to the European Commission|access-date=19 March 2018|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222139/https://www.ceer.eu/documents/104400/3736793/C16_NR_Lithuania-EN.pdf/1c379f34-4e09-7311-e715-5974e45eab3f|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, synchronising the Baltic states' electricity grid with the [[Synchronous grid of Continental Europe]] has started.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-18-4285_en.htm |title=Questions and answers on the synchronisation of the Baltic States' electricity networks with the continental European network (CEN) |date=28 June 2018 |access-date=27 July 2018 |archive-date=27 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727105009/http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-18-4285_en.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2016, 20.8% of electricity consumed in Lithuania came from renewable sources.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/File:Table_1-Share_of_renewables_in_gross_inland_energy_consumption_2016.png|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326100659/http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/File:Table_1-Share_of_renewables_in_gross_inland_energy_consumption_2016.png|archive-date=26 March 2018|title=File:Table 1-Share of renewables in gross inland energy consumption 2016.png – Statistics Explained|date=26 March 2018}}</ref>

In order to break down [[Gazprom]]'s natural gas monopoly<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ft.com/content/33113758-8680-11e7-8bb1-5ba57d47eff7 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/33113758-8680-11e7-8bb1-5ba57d47eff7 |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |title=Lithuania becomes first ex-Soviet state to buy US natural gas |website=Financial Times |date=21 August 2017 |access-date=26 March 2018 |language=LT |last1=Sheppard |first1=David}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy/news/lithuania-breaks-gazprom-s-monopoly-by-signing-first-lng-deal/ |title=Lithuania breaks Gazprom's monopoly by signing first LNG deal |website=Euractiv.com |date=21 August 2014 |access-date=26 March 2018 |language=LT |archive-date=4 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004151953/https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy/news/lithuania-breaks-gazprom-s-monopoly-by-signing-first-lng-deal/ |url-status=live}}</ref> the first large scale LNG import terminal ([[Klaipėda LNG FSRU]]) in the Baltic region was built in the port of Klaipėda in 2014. The Klaipėda LNG terminal was called Independence, thus emphasising the aim to diversify the energy market of Lithuania. Norwegian company [[Equinor]] supplies {{convert|540|e6m3|abbr=off}} of natural gas annually from 2015 until 2020.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://enmin.lrv.lt/uploads/enmin/documents/files/EN_Versija/Activities/Activity_benchmarks/Strategic_projects/Liquefied_natural_gas_terminal_in_Klaip%C4%97da/LNG_factsheet_EN.pdf | title=Klaipėda LNG terminal Factsheet | publisher=Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania | date=27 October 2014 | access-date=19 March 2018 | archive-date=19 March 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319214309/http://enmin.lrv.lt/uploads/enmin/documents/files/EN_Versija/Activities/Activity_benchmarks/Strategic_projects/Liquefied_natural_gas_terminal_in_Klaip%C4%97da/LNG_factsheet_EN.pdf}}</ref> The terminal is able to meet 100 percent of demand, and is projected to meet 90 percent of the demand in Latvia and Estonia.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/29/119304/klaipeda-lng-terminal-one-year-on-independence-or-responsibility |title=Klaipėda LNG Terminal one year on – independence or responsibility? |website=Lrt.lt |date=11 November 2015 |access-date=19 March 2018 |archive-date=14 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714022515/https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/29/119304/klaipeda-lng-terminal-one-year-on-independence-or-responsibility |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Gas Interconnection Poland–Lithuania]], also known as Lithuania–Poland pipeline, became operational in 2022.

==Demographics==
[[File:Seniūnijų tankumas.png|thumb|upright=1.3|Population density in Lithuania by elderships (admistrative units)]]
Since the Neolithic period, the [[demographics of Lithuania]] have stayed fairly homogenous. There is a high probability that the inhabitants of present-day Lithuania have similar genetic compositions to their ancestors,<ref>{{cite journal | last1 = Česnys | first1 = G. | year = 1991 | title = Anthropological roots of the Lithuanians | journal = Science, Arts and Lithuania | volume = 1 | pages = 4–10}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |people=akad. Rimantas Jankauskas |date=6 May 2018 |title="Mokslo ekspresas": tūkstantmečiai kapai atskleidžia Lietuvos priešistorės paslaptis |medium=Video |language=lt |url=https://www.delfi.lt/video/laidos/mokslo-ekspresas/mokslo-ekspresas-tukstantmeciai-kapai-atskleidzia-lietuvos-priesistores-paslaptis.d?id=77886901 |access-date=11 May 2018 |time=04:06 |archive-date=17 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417193842/https://www.delfi.lt/video/laidos/mokslo-ekspresas/mokslo-ekspresas-tukstantmeciai-kapai-atskleidzia-lietuvos-priesistores-paslaptis.d?id=77886901 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=The genetic prehistory of the Baltic Sea region |author=Alissa Mittnik |author2=Chuan-Chao Wang |author3=Saskia Pfrengle |author4=Mantas Daubaras |author5=Gunita Zariņa |author6=Fredrik Hallgren |author7=Raili Allmäe |author8=Valery Khartanovich |author9=Vyacheslav Moiseyev |author10=Mari Tõrv |author11=Anja Furtwängler |author12=Aida Andrades Valtueña |author13=Michal Feldman |author14=Christos Economou |author15=Markku Oinonen |author16=Andrejs Vasks |author17=Elena Balanovska |author18=David Reich |author19=Rimantas Jankauskas |author20=Wolfgang Haak |author21=Stephan Schiffels |author22=Johannes Krause |journal=Nature Communications|volume=9 |doi=10.1038/s41467-018-02825-9|pmid=29382937 |pmc=5789860 |issue=1|page=442 |bibcode=2018NatCo...9..442M|year=2018}}</ref> although without being actually isolated from them.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Daiva Ambrasienė, Vaidutis Kučinskas|title=Genetic variability of the Lithuanian human population according to Y chromosome microsatellite markers|url=http://www.ebiblioteka.lt/resursai/LMA/Ekologija/E-89.pdf|page=89|journal=Ekologija|year=2003|volume=1|access-date=24 December 2011|archive-date=21 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921091744/http://www.ebiblioteka.lt/resursai/LMA/Ekologija/E-89.pdf}}</ref> The population has little apparent genetic differences among ethnic subgroups.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://images.katalogas.lt/maleidykla/act41/A-01.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080227130058/http://images.katalogas.lt/maleidykla/act41/A-01.pdf |archive-date=27 February 2008 |title=Mitochondrial DNA Sequence Analysis in the Lithuanian Population |author=Dalia Kasperavičiūtė and Vaidutis Kučinskas |journal=Acta Medica Lituanica |year=2004 |volume=11 |issue=1 |pages=1–6}}</ref> A 2004 analysis of [[MtDNA]] revealed that Lithuanians are genetically close to the [[Slavic languages|Slavic]] and [[Finno-Ugric languages|Finno-Ugric]] speaking populations of northern and eastern Europe. [[Y chromosome|Y-chromosome]] SNP [[haplogroup]] analysis showed Lithuanians to be genetically closest to [[Latvians]] and [[Estonians]].<ref>{{cite journal|pmid=15469421 |author=D Kasperaviciūte, V Kucinskas and M Stoneking |url=http://www.eva.mpg.de/genetics/pdf/Kasperavicuite.2004.pdf |title=Y Chromosome and Mitochondrial DNA Variation in Lithuanians |year=2004 |volume=68 |issue=Pt 5 |pages=438–52 |doi=10.1046/j.1529-8817.2003.00119.x |journal=Annals of Human Genetics |s2cid=26562505 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090225205400/http://www.eva.mpg.de/genetics/pdf/Kasperavicuite.2004.pdf |archive-date=25 February 2009}}</ref>

The median age in 2022 was 44 years (male: 41, female: 47).<ref name="population2022" /> In 2021, the age structure of the population was as follows:
* 0–14 years, 14.86% (male 214,113/female 203,117)
* 15–64 years: 65.19% (male 896,400/female 934,467)
* 65 years and over: 19.95% (male 195,269/female 365,014).<ref name="population2022">{{cite web|title=The population of Lithuania (edition 2022)|url=https://osp.stat.gov.lt/lietuvos-gyventojai-2022/salies-gyventojai|publisher=[[Statistics Lithuania]]|access-date=23 September 2022|archive-date=27 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927122155/https://osp.stat.gov.lt/lietuvos-gyventojai-2022/salies-gyventojai|url-status=live}}</ref>

Lithuania has a [[sub-replacement fertility rate]]: the [[total fertility rate]] was 1.34 children born per woman in 2021, and the mean age of women at childbirth was 30.3 years. The average age of first childbirth for women was 28.2 years. The [[human sex ratio]] is male leaning for the age categories 15–44, with 1.0352 males for every female.<ref name="population2022" /> {{As of|2021}}, 25.6% of births were to unmarried women. The mean [[age at first marriage]] in 2021 was 28.3 years for women and 30.5 years for men.<ref name="population2022" />

===Functional urban areas===
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:left;"
|-style="font-size:100%; text-align:center;"
!align=center|[[Larger urban zone|Functional urban areas]]<ref name="FUA,Euro">{{cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/URB_LPOP1/default/table?lang=en&category=urb.urb_luz|title=Eurostat|website=eurostat.ec.europa.eu|access-date=14 June 2023|archive-date=19 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619104844/https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/URB_LPOP1/default/table?lang=en&category=urb.urb_luz|url-status=live}}</ref>
!align=center|Population <br />(2023)
|-
| [[Vilnius urban area]]
| align=right|{{increase}} 747,864
|-
| [[Kaunas urban area]]
| align=right|{{increase}} 403,375
|-
| [[Panevėžys urban area]]
| align=right|{{IncreaseNeutral}} 122,860
|-
|}

===Ethnic groups and languages===
{{Main|Lithuanians|Ethnic minorities in Lithuania|Demographics of Lithuania#Languages}}

Ethnic Lithuanians make up about 80% of the country's population. In 2024, 82.6% of residents were ethnic Lithuanians. Several sizeable minorities exist, such as [[Polish people|Poles]] (6.3%), [[Russians]] (5.0%), [[Belarusians]] (2.1%) and [[Ukrainians]] (1.7%).<ref name="TGKT21">{{cite web |title=Lietuvos Respublikos 2021 m. gyventojų ir būstų surašymo rezultatai. Tautybė, gimtoji kalba ir tikyba |trans-title=Results of the 2021 Population and Housing Census of the Republic of Lithuania: Ethnicity, native language, and religion |url=https://osp.stat.gov.lt/2021-gyventoju-ir-bustu-surasymo-rezultatai/tautybe-gimtoji-kalba-ir-tikyba |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204230406/https://osp.stat.gov.lt/2021-gyventoju-ir-bustu-surasymo-rezultatai/tautybe-gimtoji-kalba-ir-tikyba |archive-date=4 December 2023 |access-date=6 January 2024 |website=osp.stat.gov.lt |language=lt}}</ref> [[Poles in Lithuania]] are the largest minority, concentrated in southeast Lithuania (the [[Vilnius Region]]), constituting majority in [[Šalčininkai District Municipality|Šalčininkai]] (76.3%) and [[Vilnius District Municipality]] (46.8%). [[Russians in Lithuania]] are the second largest minority, concentrated in [[Visaginas Municipality|Visaginas]] (47.4%), [[Zarasai District Municipality]] (17.2%) and [[Klaipėda]] (16%).<ref name="TGKT21" /> About 2,250 [[Romani people|Roma]] live in Lithuania, mostly in Vilnius, [[Kaunas]] and [[Panevėžys]]; their organizations are supported by the National Minority and Emigration Department.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tspmi.vu.lt/files/mprojektai/finallithsecpapergalutinis.pdf |title=Lithuanian Security and Foreign Policy |website=Tspmi.vu.lt |access-date=5 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325051515/http://www.tspmi.vu.lt/files/mprojektai/finallithsecpapergalutinis.pdf |archive-date=25 March 2009}}</ref> For centuries, [[Lipka Tatars|Tatar]] and [[Crimean Karaites|Karaite]] communities have lived in Lithuania. In 2021, there were around 2,150 registered Tatars and 196 Karaites in the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eki.ee/books/redbook/lithuanian_tatars.shtml|title=The Red Book of the Peoples of the Russian Empire|website=Eki.ee|access-date=14 September 2013|archive-date=8 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170608180539/http://www.eki.ee/books/redbook/lithuanian_tatars.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Karaimai Lietuvoje |url=https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/276df92a4a974d938e3fcc7a9caeac55 |publisher=[[Department of Statistics of Lithuania]] |access-date=6 January 2024 |language=lt-LT |date=15 June 2022 |archive-date=6 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106112228/https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/276df92a4a974d938e3fcc7a9caeac55 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The official language is [[Lithuanian language|Lithuanian]], but in some areas there is a significant presence of minority languages such as [[Polish language|Polish]], [[Russian language|Russian]], [[Belarusian language|Belarusian]] and [[Ukrainian language|Ukrainian]]. The greatest presence of minorities and the use of these languages are in Šalčininkai, Visaginas, and Vilnius District.<ref name="TGKT21" /> In 1941, the Jewish population reached its peak at approximately 250,000 people, making up about 10% of the population. Today, however, it has dwindled to a very small number. [[Yiddish]] is spoken by members of the tiny remaining [[History of the Jews in Lithuania|Jewish community]]. The state laws guarantee education in minority languages, and there are numerous publicly funded schools in the areas populated by minorities, with Polish as the language of instruction being the most widely available.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lrkm.lrv.lt/en/activities/national-minorities|title=Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania, National Minorities|access-date=28 December 2020|archive-date=17 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417192221/https://lrkm.lrv.lt/en/activities/national-minorities|url-status=live}}</ref>

According to the survey carried out within the framework of the [[Lithuanian census of 2021]], 85.33% of the population speaks Lithuanian as their native language, 6.8% are native speakers of Russian and 5.1% of Polish. {{As of|2021}}, 60.6% of residents speak Russian as a foreign language, 31.1% – English, 10.5% – Lithuanian, 8% – German, 7.9% – Polish, 1.9% – French, 2.6% – various others.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://osp.stat.gov.lt/en/gyventoju-ir-bustu-surasymai1|title=Population by command of languages in municipality|access-date=23 September 2022|archive-date=5 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305052046/https://osp.stat.gov.lt/en/gyventoju-ir-bustu-surasymai1|url-status=live}}</ref> Most schools teach English as the first foreign language, but students may also study German, French and Spanish; Russian is available as a second foreign language.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lithuanian students will be able to study Spanish as first foreign language|url=https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2345355/lithuanian-students-will-be-able-to-study-spanish-as-first-foreign-language|date=23 August 2024|access-date=9 May 2025|website=LRT}}</ref> Around 85% of upper secondary school students were studying English in 2022,<ref>{{cite web |title=Foreign language learning statistics |url=https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Foreign_language_learning_statistics |publisher=Eurostat}}</ref> and around 80% of people in the 15-19 age group reported knowing English in 2011.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kiek ir kokių kalbų mokame? |trans-title=How many and which languages do we know? |url=https://osp.stat.gov.lt/informaciniai-pranesimai?articleId=1458513 |access-date=9 May 2025 |publisher=Statistics Lithuania |language=lt-LT}}</ref>

===Urbanization===
{{See also|List of cities in Lithuania|List of towns in Lithuania|List of cities in the Baltic states by population}}
There has been a steady movement of population to the cities since the 1990s, encouraged by the planning of regional centres, such as [[Alytus]], [[Marijampolė]], [[Utena, Lithuania|Utena]], [[Plungė]], and [[Mažeikiai]]. By the early 21st century, about two-thirds of the population lived in urban areas. {{As of|2021}}, 68.19% of the population lives in urban areas.<ref name="population2022"/> [[Functional urban area|Functional urban areas]] include [[Vilnius]] (population 708,203), [[Kaunas]] (population 391,153), and [[Panevėžys]] (population 124,526).<ref name="FUA,Euro"/> The fDI of the Financial Times in their research ''Cities and Regions of the Future'' ranked Vilnius fourth in the mid-sized European cities category in the 2018–19 ranking, second in the 2022–23 ranking, second in 2023 ranking while the city claimed 24th spot in the worldwide overall ranking in 2021–22 and Vilnius county was ranked 10th in the small European regions category in 2018–19, fifth in 2022–23, fifth in 2023 rankings.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fdiintelligence.com/content/download/71341/2038156/file/fDi%20European%20Cities%20and%20Regions%20of%20the%20Future%202018:19.pdf|website=Fdiintelligence.com|page=57,73|title=Cities and Regions of the Future 2018/19|access-date=5 April 2018|archive-date=7 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307232329/https://www.fdiintelligence.com/content/download/71341/2038156/file/fDi%20European%20Cities%20and%20Regions%20of%20the%20Future%202018:19.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.fdiintelligence.com/content/rankings-and-awards/fdis-global-cities-of-the-future-202122-overall-winners-79334 | title=FDi's Global Cities of the Future 2021/22 — overall winners | date=11 February 2021 | publisher=[[fDi Intelligence]] | access-date=5 June 2023 | archive-date=9 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409125140/https://www.fdiintelligence.com/content/rankings-and-awards/fdis-global-cities-of-the-future-202122-overall-winners-79334 | url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.s-ge.com/sites/default/files/article/downloads/fdi_170222_ecof.pdf|title=European Cities and Regions of the Future 2022/23|publisher=[[fDi Intelligence]]|access-date=5 June 2023|archive-date=5 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605141453/https://www.s-ge.com/sites/default/files/article/downloads/fdi_170222_ecof.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fdiintelligence.com/content/download/82064/2683542/file/fDi_0223_ECOF.pdf|title=European Cities and Regions of the Future 2023|publisher=[[fDi Intelligence]]|access-date=5 June 2023|archive-date=5 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605181456/https://www.fdiintelligence.com/content/download/82064/2683542/file/fDi_0223_ECOF.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{Largest cities
| country = Lithuania
| stat_ref = [[State Data Agency]] (2025)<ref><!--for July: -->{{cite web |title=Resident population by city/town as of 1 July|url=https://osp.stat.gov.lt/en/statistiniu-rodikliu-analize?hash=2a5b03b7-33c3-46c8-a418-023a1cd21c02|publisher=State Data Agency|access-date=18 July 2025}}<!--For January:{{cite web|url=https://osp.stat.gov.lt/en/statistiniu-rodikliu-analize?hash=2d797f1b-da49-4151-9250-8a01f40ba128#/|title=Resident population by city/town at the beginning of the year|website=osp.stat.gov.lt|access-date=21 January 2025|archive-date=22 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122200901/https://osp.stat.gov.lt/en/statistiniu-rodikliu-analize?hash=2d797f1b-da49-4151-9250-8a01f40ba128#/|url-status=live}}--></ref>
| list_by_pop = List of cities in Lithuania
| div_name = County
| div_link = Counties of Lithuania{{!}}County
| city_1 = Vilnius | div_1 = Vilnius County{{!}}Vilnius | pop_1 = 611,176 
| city_2 = Kaunas | div_2 = Kaunas County{{!}}Kaunas | pop_2 = 304,524 
| city_3 = Klaipėda | div_3 = Klaipėda County{{!}}Klaipėda | pop_3 = 161,205 
| city_4 = Šiauliai | div_4 = Šiauliai County{{!}}Šiauliai | pop_4 = 112,642 
| city_5 = Panevėžys | div_5 = Panevėžys County{{!}}Panevėžys | pop_5 = 85,283
| city_6 = Alytus | div_6 = Alytus County{{!}}Alytus | pop_6 = 50,477
| city_7 = Marijampolė | div_7 = Marijampolė County{{!}}Marijampolė | pop_7 = 36,076
| city_8 = Mažeikiai | div_8 = Telšiai County{{!}}Telšiai | pop_8 = 33,250
| city_9 = Jonava | div_9 = Kaunas County{{!}}Kaunas | pop_9 = 26,620
| city_10 = Utena, Lithuania{{!}}Utena | div_10 = Utena County{{!}}Utena | pop_10 = 25,458
| city_11 = Kėdainiai | div_11 = Kaunas County{{!}}Kaunas | pop_11 = 23,422
| city_12 = Ukmergė | div_12 = Vilnius County{{!}}Vilnius | pop_12 = 21,983
| city_13 = Telšiai | div_13 = Telšiai County{{!}}Telšiai | pop_13 = 21,681
| city_14 = Tauragė | div_14 = Tauragė County{{!}}Tauragė | pop_14 = 21,521
| city_15 = Visaginas | div_15 = Utena County{{!}}Utena | pop_15 = 19,035
| city_16 = Palanga | div_16 = Klaipėda County{{!}}Klaipėda | pop_16 = 18,835
| city_17 = Kretinga | div_17 = Klaipėda County{{!}}Klaipėda | pop_17 = 17,017
| city_18 = Plungė | div_18 = Telšiai County{{!}}Telšiai | pop_18 = 16,986
| city_19 = Šilutė | div_19 = Klaipėda County{{!}}Klaipėda | pop_19 = 15,957
| city_20 = Gargždai | div_20 = Klaipėda County{{!}}Klaipėda | pop_20 = 15,532<!--
| city_20 = Radviliškis | div_20 = Šiauliai County{{!}}Šiauliai | pop_20 = 15,393-->
}}

===Health===
{{Main|Health in Lithuania}}
[[File:Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kaunas Clinics in 2006.jpg|thumb|[[Kaunas Clinics]], a medical institution in Lithuania]]
Lithuania provides free state-funded healthcare to all citizens and registered long-term residents.<ref>{{cite book |title=Health Care Systems in Transition – Lithuania |date=2000 |page=19 |url=http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/95127/E69920.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323173750/http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/95127/E69920.pdf |archive-date=23 March 2018 |access-date=23 March 2018}}</ref> It co-exists with a significant private healthcare sector. In 2003–2012, the network of hospitals was restructured, as part of wider healthcare service reforms. It started in 2003–2005 with the expansion of ambulatory services and primary care.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://healthmanagement.org/c/hospital/issuearticle/the-healthcare-system-in-lithuania|title=The Healthcare System in Lithuania|website=healthmanagement.org|access-date=19 March 2018|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222226/https://healthmanagement.org/c/hospital/issuearticle/the-healthcare-system-in-lithuania|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2016, Lithuania ranked 27th in Europe in the [[Euro health consumer index]], a ranking of European healthcare systems based on waiting time, results and other indicators. Lithuania ranked 19th in the 2024 edition of the [[World Happiness Report]].<ref name=":1">{{cite web |last=Fernandez |first=Celia |date=23 March 2024 |title=This is the happiest country for Gen Z and millennials, according to The World Happiness Report |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/23/world-happiness-report-happiest-countries-gen-z-millennials.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505112046/https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/23/world-happiness-report-happiest-countries-gen-z-millennials.html |archive-date=5 May 2024 |access-date=5 May 2024 |website=CNBC}}</ref>

{{As of|2023}}, [[life expectancy]] at birth was 76.0 (70.6 years for males and 81.6 for females)<ref>{{cite web |title=Life expectancy at birth - The World Factbook |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/life-expectancy-at-birth/ |access-date=3 April 2024 |website=www.cia.gov |archive-date=12 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212221326/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/life-expectancy-at-birth |url-status=live}}</ref> and the [[infant mortality]] rate was 2.99 per 1,000 births.<ref>{{cite web|title=Infant mortality rate - Total|publisher=[[UN]] Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation|url=https://childmortality.org/data/Lithuania}}{{Dead link|date=May 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> The annual population growth rate increased by 0.3% in 2007. Lithuania has seen a dramatic rise in suicides in the 1990s.<ref name="who-suicide-data">{{cite web|title=Suicide rates. Data by country|url=http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.MHSUICIDE?lang=en|publisher=World Health Organization|access-date=7 September 2016|archive-date=26 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626141542/http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.MHSUICIDE?lang=en|url-status=live}}</ref> The suicide rate has been constantly decreasing since, but it still remains the highest in the EU and one of the highest in the [[OECD]]. The suicide rate as of 2019 is 20.2 per 100,000 people.<ref name="who-suicide-data"/> [[Suicide in Lithuania]] has been a subject of research, but the main reasons behind the high rate are psychological and economic, including social transformations and economic recessions, alcoholism, lack of tolerance in the society, and bullying.<ref name="lrt-suicide-reasons">{{cite web |date=5 January 2015 |title=Pradeda veikti Savižudybių prevencijos biuras |trans-title=The Suicide Prevention Bureau begins operations |url=https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/tavo-lrt/15/88217/pradeda-veikti-savizudybiu-prevencijos-biuras |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623221809/https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/tavo-lrt/15/88217/pradeda-veikti-savizudybiu-prevencijos-biuras |archive-date=23 June 2021 |access-date=19 May 2021 |publisher=Lithuanian Radio and Television |language=lt}}</ref>

By 2000, the vast majority of health care institutions were non-profit-making enterprises and a private sector developed, providing mostly outpatient services which are paid for out-of-pocket. The [[Ministry of Health (Lithuania)|Ministry of Health]] also runs a few health care facilities and is involved in the running of the two major Lithuanian teaching hospitals. It is responsible for the State Public Health Centre which manages the public health network including ten county public health centres with their local branches. The ten [[Counties of Lithuania|counties]] run county hospitals and specialised health care facilities.<ref>{{cite book|title=Health Care Systems in Transition|date=2000|publisher=WHO|url=http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/95127/E69920.pdf?ua=1|access-date=3 July 2015|archive-date=27 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227035833/https://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/95127/E69920.pdf?ua=1|url-status=dead}}</ref>

There is [[Taxation in Lithuania#Social security contributions|Compulsory Health Insurance]] for the Lithuanian residents. There are 5 territorial health insurance funds, covering Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, Šiauliai and Panevėžys. Contributions for people who are economically active are 9% of income.<ref>{{cite web|title=Compulsory Health Insurance Contributions|url=http://www.vlk.lt/sites/en/health-insurance-in-Lithuania/compulsory-health-insurance-contributions/|publisher=VLK|access-date=3 July 2015|archive-date=27 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227080202/http://www.vlk.lt/sites/en/health-insurance-in-Lithuania/compulsory-health-insurance-contributions/}}</ref> Emergency medical services are provided free of charge to all residents. Access to the secondary and tertiary care, such as hospital treatment, is normally via referral by a general practitioner.<ref>{{cite web|title=Accessing healthcare in Lithuania|url=http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/countryguide/Pages/healthcareinLithuania.aspx|website=NHS Choices|access-date=3 July 2015|archive-date=1 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401005245/https://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/countryguide/Pages/healthcareinLithuania.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> Lithuania has one of the lowest health care prices in Europe.<ref>{{cite book|title=Comparing Hospital and Health Prices and Volumes Internationally|date=6 August 2014|publisher=[[Eurostat]]|page=28|url=http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/728703/728971/OECD-health-working-papers-75.pdf/a6e22472-95c4-4e77-bdb0-db3af4668e7f|access-date=31 March 2018|archive-date=1 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501013353/https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/728703/728971/OECD-health-working-papers-75.pdf/a6e22472-95c4-4e77-bdb0-db3af4668e7f|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Religion===
{{Main|Religion in Lithuania}}
{{See also|Lithuanian mythology}}
[[File:Hill-of-crosses-siauliai.jpg|thumb|upright=1.65|[[Hill of Crosses]] near [[Šiauliai]]]]
[[File:Vilnius Cathedral Chapel of Saint Casimir, Vilnius, Lithuania - Diliff.jpg|thumb|[[Chapel of Saint Casimir]], the [[patron saint]] of Lithuania and Lithuanian youth, with his [[sarcophagus]] in the centre]]
According to the 2021 census, 74.2% of residents were Catholics.<ref name="religion-stats"/> Catholicism has been the main religion since the official [[Christianisation of Lithuania]] in 1387. The Catholic Church was persecuted by the Russian Empire as part of the [[Russification]] policies and by the Soviet Union as part of the overall [[Religion in the Soviet Union|anti-religious campaigns]]. During the Soviet era, some priests actively led the resistance against the communist regime, as symbolised by the [[Hill of Crosses]] and exemplified by ''[[The Chronicle of the Catholic Church in Lithuania]]''.

3.7% of the population are [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodox]], mainly among the Russian minority.<ref name="religion-stats"/> The community of [[Old Believers]] (0.6% of population) dates back to the 1660s. [[Protestants]] are 0.8%, of which 0.6% are [[Lutheranism|Lutheran]] and 0.2% are [[Lithuanian Evangelical Reformed Church|Reformed]]. Before World War II, according to Losch (1932), the Lutherans were 3.3% of the total population.<ref name="lmaleidykla.lt">{{cite web |title=Lietuvos gyventojø religijos ir jø paplitimas |trans-title=Religions of the population of Lithuania and their distribution |url=http://lmaleidykla.lt/publ/1392-1096/2004/2/Geo_026_33.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509100300/http://www.lmaleidykla.lt/publ/1392-1096/2004/2/Geo_026_33.pdf |archive-date=9 May 2016 |access-date=25 March 2017}}</ref> They were mainly Germans and [[Prussian Lithuanians]] in the [[Klaipėda Region]] (Memel territory). This population [[Flight and expulsion of Germans (1944–1950)|fled or was expelled after the war]], and Protestantism is now mainly represented by ethnic Lithuanians throughout the northern and western parts of the country, as well as in large urban areas. Newly arriving [[Evangelicalism|evangelical churches]] have established missions since 1990.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.umc.org/site/c.gjJTJbMUIuE/b.2012693/k.AEBE/United_Methodists_evangelize_in_Lithuania_with_ads_brochures.htm |title=United Methodists evangelize in Lithuania with ads, brochures |website=Umc.org |date=11 August 2006 |access-date=25 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014092015/http://www.umc.org/site/c.gjJTJbMUIuE/b.2012693/k.AEBE/United_Methodists_evangelize_in_Lithuania_with_ads_brochures.htm |archive-date=14 October 2017}}</ref>

Hinduism is a minority religion and a fairly recent development. Hinduism is spread by Hindu organizations: [[ISKCON]], [[Sathya Sai Baba]], [[Brahma Kumaris]] and [[Osho Rajneesh]]. [[ISKCON]] (Lithuanian: ''Krišnos sąmonės judėjimas'') is the largest and the oldest movement as the first Krishna followers date to 1979.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.religija.lt/content/view/388/33/ |title=Krišnos sąmonės judėjimas |access-date=3 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081020165549/http://www.religija.lt/content/view/388/33/ |archive-date=20 October 2008}}</ref> [[Brahma Kumaris]] maintains the Centre Brahma Kumaris in [[Antakalnis]], Vilnius.

The historical communities of [[Lipka Tatars]] maintain [[Islam in Lithuania|Islam]] as their religion. Lithuania was historically home to a significant [[History of the Jews in Lithuania|Jewish community]] and was an important centre of Jewish scholarship and culture from the 18th century until the eve of World War II. Of the approximately 220,000 Jews who lived in Lithuania in June 1941, almost all were killed during [[the Holocaust in Lithuania|the Holocaust]].<ref name="Bubnys_vanished219">{{cite book |author=Arūnas Bubnys |chapter=Holocaust in Lithuania: An Outline of the Major Stages and Their Results |title=The Vanished World of Lithuanian Jews |publisher=Rodopi |year=2004 |isbn=978-90-420-0850-2 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mdXRKbcyi5oC&pg=PA219 |pages=218–219 |access-date=22 August 2020 |archive-date=15 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115084900/https://books.google.com/books?id=mdXRKbcyi5oC&pg=PA219&vq=is+the+worst+tragedy+of+Lithuania%27s&dq=Holocaust+1941+Lithuania&as_brr=3&source=gbs_search_s&sig=ZtduokysVV6MqLWS7I9uw7tMUFE |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia|title=Lithuania|url=http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10005444|encyclopedia=Holocaust Encyclopedia|publisher=United States Holocaust Memorial Museum|access-date=12 April 2012|archive-date=20 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120920235107/http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10005444|url-status=live}}</ref> The Lithuanian Jewish community numbered about 4,000 at the end of 2009.<ref name="Stats">{{cite web|title=Population at the beginning of the year by ethnicity |url=http://www.stat.gov.lt/en/pages/view/?id=1731&PHPSESSID=a2cc98ebfc3a13b8297889cb6f68d571 |work=Statistics Lithuania |access-date=12 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070604090852/http://www.stat.gov.lt/en/pages/view/?id=1731&PHPSESSID=311ec85274c89154e6f4befbc159a0e8 |archive-date=4 June 2007}}</ref>

[[Romuva (religion)|Romuva]], the [[neopagan]] revival of the ancient religious practices, has gained popularity over the years. Romuva claims to continue living pagan traditions, which survived in folklore and customs.<ref>Dundzila (2007), pp. 279, 296–298.</ref><ref>Dundzila and Strmiska (2005), p. 247.</ref><ref>Ignatow (2007), p. 104.</ref> Romuva is a [[polytheism|polytheistic]] pagan faith, which asserts the sanctity of nature and has elements of [[ancestor worship]].<ref>Dundzila and Strmiska (2005), p. 244.</ref> According to the [[Lithuanian census of 2001|2001 census]], there were 1,270 people of Baltic faith in Lithuania.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lietuvos gyventojai pagal tikybą 2001 m. – religija.lt |trans-title=Population of Lithuania by religion in 2001 |url=http://www.religija.lt/straipsniai/tyrimai-analize-nuomones/lietuvos-gyventojai-pagal-tikyba |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627233429/https://religija.lt/straipsniai/tyrimai-analize-nuomones/lietuvos-gyventojai-pagal-tikyba |archive-date=27 June 2021 |access-date=10 January 2018 |website=Religija.lt}}</ref> That number jumped to 5,118 in the 2011 census and decreased to 3,917 in 2021 census.<ref name="osp.stat.gov.lt">{{cite web |title=GYVENTOJAI PAGAL TAUTYBĘ, GIMTĄJĄ KALBĄ IR TIKYBĄ: Lietuvos Respublikos 2011 metų visuotinio gyventojų ir būstų surašymo rezultatai |trans-title=POPULATION BY ETHNICITY, NATIVE LANGUAGE AND RELIGION: Results of the 2011 Population and Housing Census of the Republic of Lithuania |url=https://osp.stat.gov.lt/documents/10180/217110/Gyv_kalba_tikyba.pdf/1d9dac9a-3d45-4798-93f5-941fed00503f |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313110843/https://osp.stat.gov.lt/documents/10180/217110/Gyv_kalba_tikyba.pdf/1d9dac9a-3d45-4798-93f5-941fed00503f |archive-date=13 March 2020 |access-date=18 October 2018 |website=Ops.stat.gov.lt |format=PDF}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Lithuania |url=https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/lithuania/?utm_source=chatgpt.com |access-date=31 March 2025 |website=state.gov}}</ref>

===Education===
{{Main|Education in Lithuania}}
{{See also|List of universities and colleges in Lithuania}}
[[File:Vilnius University campus by Augustas Didzgalvis.jpg|thumb|[[Vilnius University]], one of the oldest universities in the region.<ref>{{cite web|title=FOUR CENTURIES OF ENLIGHTENMENT: A Historic View of the University of Vilnius, 1579–1979|url=http://www.lituanus.org/1981_2/81_2_01.htm|author=Tomas Venclova|website=Lituanus.org|access-date=2 June 2018|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222449/http://www.lituanus.org/1981_2/81_2_01.htm}}</ref> It was established by [[Stephen Báthory]], King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, in 1579.]]
The constitution mandates ten-year education ending at age 16 and guarantees a free public higher education for students deemed 'good'.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania came into force on 2&nbsp;November 1992|url=http://www3.lrs.lt/home/Konstitucija/Constitution.htm|access-date=6 April 2010|publisher=Republic of Lithuania|archive-date=17 January 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060117080458/http://www3.lrs.lt/home/Konstitucija/Constitution.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Ministry of Education and Science (Lithuania)|Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania]] proposes national educational policies and goals that are then voted for in the Seimas. Laws govern long-term educational strategy along with general laws on standards for higher education, vocational training, law and science, adult education, and special education.<ref name="edu1">{{cite web|url=http://www.european-agency.org/country-information/lithuania/lithuania-docs/education_lithuania.pdf|publisher=European Agency for Development in Special Needs Education|access-date=6 April 2010|title=Education in Lithuania|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101215022049/http://www.european-agency.org/country-information/lithuania/lithuania-docs/education_lithuania.pdf|archive-date=15 December 2010}}</ref> 5.4% of GDP or 15.4% of total public expenditure was spent for education in 2016.<ref name=edumonitor>{{cite web|title=Education and Training Monitor 2017. Lithuania|url=https://ec.europa.eu/education/sites/education/files/monitor2017-lt_en.pdf|access-date=5 April 2018|page=3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180406041020/https://ec.europa.eu/education/sites/education/files/monitor2017-lt_en.pdf|archive-date=6 April 2018}}</ref>

[[File:Vilnius University Life Sciences Center in the Sunrise Valley in Vilnius by Augustas Didžgalvis.jpg|thumb|[[Vilnius University]] Life Sciences Center in the Sunrise Valley]]
According to the [[World Bank]], the literacy rate among Lithuanians aged 15 years and older is 100%.<ref>{{cite web|title=ICT at a Glance |url=http://devdata.worldbank.org/ict/ltu_ict.pdf |publisher=[[World Bank]] |access-date=7 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070707184435/http://devdata.worldbank.org/ict/ltu_ict.pdf |archive-date=7 July 2007}}</ref> School attendance rates are above the EU average, and school leave is less common than in the EU. According to [[Eurostat]] Lithuania leads among other countries of the European Union in people with secondary education (93.3%).<ref>{{cite web|title=Upper secondary education in EU|url=http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/tgm/table.do?tab=table&plugin=1&language=en&pcode=tps00065|publisher=[[Eurostat]]|access-date=16 May 2014|archive-date=17 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517120812/http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/tgm/table.do?tab=table&plugin=1&language=en&pcode=tps00065|url-status=live}}</ref> Based on OECD data, Lithuania is among the top 5 countries in the world in postsecondary (tertiary) education attainment.<ref>{{cite web|title=Population with tertiary education|url=https://data.oecd.org/eduatt/population-with-tertiary-education.htm|website=data.oecd.org|access-date=17 November 2018|archive-date=25 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925040912/https://data.oecd.org/eduatt/population-with-tertiary-education.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2022}}, 58.15% of the population aged 25 to 34, and 33.28% of the population aged 55 to 64 had completed tertiary education.<ref>{{cite web|title=Population with tertiary education|url=https://data.oecd.org/eduatt/population-with-tertiary-education.htm|website=data.oecd.org|access-date=25 March 2018|archive-date=25 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925040912/https://data.oecd.org/eduatt/population-with-tertiary-education.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The share of tertiary-educated 25–64-year-olds in STEM ([[Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics]]) fields in Lithuania were above the OECD average (29% and 26% respectively), similarly to business, administration and law (25% and 23% respectively).<ref>{{cite web|title=Education at a glance 2017. Lithuania|url=http://gpseducation.oecd.org/Content/EAGCountryNotes/LTU.pdf|website=gpseducation.oecd.org|page=2|access-date=4 April 2018|archive-date=8 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808021023/http://gpseducation.oecd.org/Content/EAGCountryNotes/LTU.pdf}}</ref>

The modern education system has multiple structural problems. Insufficient funding, quality issues, and decreasing student population are the most prevalent. Teacher salaries are below the EU average, despite significant increases since 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.euronews.com/next/2023/07/05/teachers-pay-which-countries-pay-the-most-and-the-least-in-europe|title=Teachers' wages: How do salaries for educators compare across Europe?|website=Euronews|date=5 July 2023 |access-date=21 January 2025}}</ref> Low teacher salaries was the primary reason behind national teacher strikes in 2014,<ref>{{cite web |title=Mokyklose prasideda neterminuotas mokytojų streikas |trans-title=An indefinite teachers' strike begins in schools |url=https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/education/mokyklose-prasideda-neterminuotas-mokytoju-streikas.d?id=66552496 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417193855/https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/education/mokyklose-prasideda-neterminuotas-mokytoju-streikas.d?id=66552496 |archive-date=17 April 2021 |access-date=4 January 2018 |website=Delfi.lt}}</ref> 2015,<ref>{{cite web |date=9 December 2015 |title=Mokytojų streikas pavyko |trans-title=The teachers' strike was successful |url=http://www.ve.lt/naujienos/visuomene/svietimas/mokytoju-streikas-pavyko-1419148/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511221339/https://ve.lt/naujienos/visuomene/svietimas/mokytoju-streikas-pavyko-1419148 |archive-date=11 May 2021 |access-date=4 January 2018 |website=Dienraštis Vakaru ekspresas}}</ref> and 2016.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mokytojų streikas: svarbiausi faktai |trans-title=Teachers' strike: key facts |url=https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/svietimas/mokytoju-streikas-svarbiausi-faktai-233-591297 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222404/https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/svietimas/mokytoju-streikas-svarbiausi-faktai-233-591297 |archive-date=23 June 2021 |access-date=4 January 2018 |website=15min.lt}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Mokytojų streikas tęsiasi 110 ugdymo įstaigų |trans-title=The teachers' strike continues in 110 educational institutions |url=https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/svietimas/mokytoju-streikas-tesiasi-110-ugdymo-istaigu-233-590739 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222223/https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/svietimas/mokytoju-streikas-tesiasi-110-ugdymo-istaigu-233-590739 |archive-date=23 June 2021 |access-date=4 January 2018 |website=15min.lt}}</ref> Salaries in the higher education sector are also low. Many professors have a second job to supplement their income.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tv3.lt/naujiena/934883/lietuvos-destytojai-bei-mokslininkai-atvirai-prabilo-kaip-prisiduria-prie-algos|title=Lietuvos dėstytojai bei mokslininkai atvirai prabilo, kaip prisiduria prie algos|website=Tv3.lt|access-date=4 January 2018|archive-date=31 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031153254/https://www.tv3.lt/naujiena/934883/lietuvos-destytojai-bei-mokslininkai-atvirai-prabilo-kaip-prisiduria-prie-algos|url-status=live}}</ref> PISA report from 2022 found that results in math, science and reading were around OECD average, after trailing the OECD average in earlier reports in 2010 and 2015, although the relative improvement was primarily driven by the decrease in performance in the other OECD countries as a result of COVID 19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2023/12/pisa-2022-results-volume-i_76772a36/53f23881-en.pdf|title=PISA 2022 Results (Volume I)|website=Oecd.org|access-date=21 January 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oecd.org/pisa/pisaproducts/46619703.pdf|title=PISA 2009 Results: Executive Summary|website=Oecd.org|access-date=18 October 2018|archive-date=16 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516195314/https://www.oecd.org/pisa/pisaproducts/46619703.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oecd.org/pisa/pisa-2015-results-in-focus.pdf|title=Pisa 2015: Results in Focus|website=Oecd.org|access-date=18 October 2018|archive-date=8 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208150138/https://www.oecd.org/pisa/pisa-2015-results-in-focus.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The population ages 6 to 19 has decreased by 36% between 2005 and 2015. As a result, the student-teacher ratio is decreasing and expenditure per student is increasing, but schools, particularly in rural areas, are forced into reorganizations and consolidations.<ref name=edumonitor/> As with other Baltic nations, in particular Latvia, the large volume of higher education graduates within the country, coupled with the high rate of spoken second languages is contributing to an education [[brain drain]].

{{As of|2008}}, there were 15 public and 6 private universities as well as 16 public and 11 private colleges.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eui.eu/ProgrammesAndFellowships/AcademicCareersObservatory/AcademicCareersbyCountry/Lithuania.aspx|publisher=[[European University Institute]]|title=Lithuania, Academic Career Structure|access-date=7 April 2010|archive-date=1 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101054454/http://www.eui.eu/ProgrammesAndFellowships/AcademicCareersObservatory/AcademicCareersbyCountry/Lithuania.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Vilnius University]] is one of the [[List of oldest universities in continuous operation|oldest universities in Northern Europe]] and the largest university in Lithuania. [[Kaunas University of Technology]] is the largest technical university in the Baltic States and the second largest university in Lithuania. In an attempt to reduce costs<ref>{{cite web |date=13 January 2018 |title=Alfa.lt – Universitetų reforma – "darbas ant durniaus" |trans-title=University reform – 'work done stupidly |url=https://www.alfa.lt/straipsnis/12887651/universitetu-reforma-darbas-ant-durniaus |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113151138/https://www.alfa.lt/straipsnis/12887651/universitetu-reforma-darbas-ant-durniaus |archive-date=13 January 2018}}</ref> and adapt to sharply decreasing number of high-school students,<ref>{{cite web |date=13 January 2018 |title=Pristatyta aukštųjų mokyklų tinklo pertvarka |trans-title=The restructuring of the network of higher education institutions has been presented |url=http://www.ve.lt/naujienos/visuomene/svietimas/pristatyta-aukstuju-mokyklu-tinklo-pertvarka-1550590/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113151028/http://www.ve.lt/naujienos/visuomene/svietimas/pristatyta-aukstuju-mokyklu-tinklo-pertvarka-1550590/ |archive-date=13 January 2018}}</ref> parliament decided to reduce the number of universities.<ref>{{cite web |date=13 January 2018 |title=Vyriausybė pritarė universitetų pertvarkos planui – Diena.lt |trans-title=The government approved the university restructuring plan |url=http://www.diena.lt/naujienos/lietuva/salies-pulsas/vyriausybe-pritare-universitetu-pertvarkos-planui-838745 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113151301/http://www.diena.lt/naujienos/lietuva/salies-pulsas/vyriausybe-pritare-universitetu-pertvarkos-planui-838745 |archive-date=13 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=13 January 2018 |title=Seimas po svarstymo pritarė valstybinių universitetų pertvarkos planui – DELFI |trans-title=After deliberation, the Seimas approved the state universities' restructuring plan |url=https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/seimas-po-svarstymo-pritare-valstybiniu-universitetu-pertvarkos-planui.d?id=75022448 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113151333/https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/seimas-po-svarstymo-pritare-valstybiniu-universitetu-pertvarkos-planui.d?id=75022448 |archive-date=13 January 2018 |language=lt}}</ref> In early 2018, Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences and Aleksandras Stulginskis University were merged into [[Vytautas Magnus University]].<ref>{{cite web |date=13 January 2018 |title=Seimas pritarė 3 universitetų sujungimui: formuojamas naujas darinys – DELFI |trans-title=The Seimas approved the merger of three universities: a new entity is being formed |url=https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/education/seimas-pritare-3-universitetu-sujungimui-formuojamas-naujas-darinys.d?id=76893227 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113152341/https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/education/seimas-pritare-3-universitetu-sujungimui-formuojamas-naujas-darinys.d?id=76893227 |archive-date=13 January 2018}}</ref>

==Culture==
{{Main|Culture of Lithuania}}
{{See also|List of Lithuanians}}

===Lithuanian language===
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| image1 = Konstanty Szyrwid.PNG
| caption1 = A priest, lexicographer [[Konstantinas Sirvydas]] – cherisher of Lithuanian language in the 17th century
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The Lithuanian language (''lietuvių kalba'') is recognized as one of the official languages of the European Union. There are about 2.96 million native Lithuanian speakers in Lithuania and about 200,000 abroad. Lithuanian is a [[Baltic languages|Baltic language]], closely related to [[Latvian language|Latvian]], although they are not [[mutual intelligibility|mutually intelligible]]. It is written in an adapted version of the [[Latin alphabet|Roman script]]. Lithuanian is believed to be the [[conservative (language)|linguistically most conservative]] living [[Indo-European languages|Indo-European tongue]], retaining many features of [[Proto Indo-European language|Proto Indo-European]].<ref name="zinkevicius">{{cite book | author = Z. Zinkevičius | title = Rytų Lietuva praeityje ir dabar | publisher = Vilnius: [[Science and Encyclopaedia Publishing Centre|Mokslo ir enciklopedijų leidykla]] | year = 1993| page = 9| quote=...linguist generally accepted that Lithuanian language is the most archaic among live Indo-European languages...| isbn = 978-5-420-01085-3}}</ref> Lithuanian language studies are important for [[comparative linguistics]] and for reconstruction of [[Proto-Indo-European language]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lituanus.org/1969/69_3_02.htm |title=THE IMPORTANCE OF LITHUANIAN FOR INDO-EUROPEAN LINGUISTICS |access-date=21 March 2018 |archive-date=9 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509145609/http://www.lituanus.org/1969/69_3_02.htm}}</ref>

[[File:The earliest known Lithuanian glosses (~1520–1530), words (tepridaužia, ubagystė).jpg|thumb|left|The earliest known Lithuanian glosses (between 1520 and 1530) written in the margins of [[Johann Herolt]] book ''Liber Discipuli de eruditione Christifidelium''. Words: ''teprÿdav[ſ]ʒÿ'' (let it strike), ''vbagÿſte'' (indigence).]]
There are two main dialects: [[Aukštaitian dialect]] and [[Samogitian dialect]]. Aukštaitian dialect is mainly used in the central, southern and eastern parts of Lithuania while Samogitian dialect is used in the western part of the country.<ref name="auto">{{cite web |title=Lietuvių kalbos tarmės |trans-title=Dialects of the Lithuanian language |url=http://geografija6-8.mkp.emokykla.lt/lt/mo/zinynas/lietuviu_kalbos_tarmes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222325/http://geografija6-8.mkp.emokykla.lt/lt/mo/zinynas/lietuviu_kalbos_tarmes/ |archive-date=23 June 2021 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> The Samogitian dialect has many completely different words and is even considered a separate language by some linguists.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dr. Juozas Pabrėža: "Stipriausia kalba Lietuvoje yra žemaičių" |trans-title=Dr. Juozas Pabrėža: 'The strongest language in Lithuania is Samogitian' |url=http://www.santarve.lt/aktualijos/seniunijoje/dr-juozas-pabreza-stipriausia-kalba-lietuvoje-yra-zemaiciu/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503154650/http://www.santarve.lt/aktualijos/seniunijoje/dr-juozas-pabreza-stipriausia-kalba-lietuvoje-yra-zemaiciu/ |archive-date=3 May 2019 |access-date=17 February 2018 |website=santarve.lt |language=lt}}</ref> Nowadays, the distinguishing feature between the two dialects is the unequal pronunciation of accented and unaccented two-vowels uo and ie.<ref name="auto"/>

The groundwork for written Lithuanian was laid in 16th and 17th centuries by Lithuanian noblemen and scholars, who promoted Lithuanian language, created dictionaries and published books – [[Mikalojus Daukša]], [[Stanislovas Rapolionis]], [[Abraomas Kulvietis]], [[Jonas Bretkūnas]], [[Martynas Mažvydas]], [[Konstantinas Sirvydas]], Simonas Vaišnoras-Varniškis.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vaišnoras Simonas (Varniškis) apie 1545 – †1600 XI 16|url=http://www.varniai-museum.lt/index.php?mid=11&art=460&langID=1|website=Varniai-museum.lt|access-date=16 April 2018|archive-date=25 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225162228/http://www.varniai-museum.lt/index.php?mid=11&art=460&langID=1}}</ref>
The first grammar book of the Lithuanian language ''Grammatica Litvanica'' was published in Latin in 1653 by [[Daniel Klein (grammarian)|Danielius Kleinas]].

[[Jonas Jablonskis]]' works and activities are especially important for the Lithuanian literature moving from the use of dialects to a standard Lithuanian language. The linguistic material which he collected was published in the 20 volumes of [[Academic Dictionary of Lithuanian]] and is still being used in research and in editing of texts and books. He also introduced the letter ''ū'' into Lithuanian writing.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Šlekonytė |first1=Jūratė |title=Lietuvių tautosakos populiarintojas Jonas Jablonskis |trans-title=Promoter of Lithuanian folklore Jonas Jablonskis |url=http://www.llti.lt/failai/23_Sukaktys_Jablonskis.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227081301/http://www.llti.lt/failai/23_Sukaktys_Jablonskis.pdf |archive-date=27 February 2021 |access-date=17 February 2018 |website=llti.lt}}</ref>

===Literature===
[[File:Mažvydo Katekizmas, Vilnius.jpg|thumb|upright=.8|The first Lithuanian [[printing|printed]] book, ''[[Catechism of Martynas Mažvydas]]'' (1547, Königsberg)]]
[[File:Radivilias.jpg|thumb|right|upright=.8|Title page of ''Radivilias'' (1592, Vilnius). The poem celebrating commander [[Mikołaj Radziwiłł the Red]] (1512–84) and recounts the [[Battle of Ula|famous victory]] of [[Lithuanian Armed Forces]] over Moscow troops (1564).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Radvanas |first1=Jonas |title=Radivilias, sive De vita, et rebus praeclarissime gestis immortalis memoriae |url=http://www.theeuropeanlibrary.org/exhibition-reading-europe/detail.html?id=97294 |website=theeuropeanlibrary.org |publisher=ex officina Ioannis Kartzani |access-date=14 July 2018}}</ref>]]
There is a great deal of [[Lithuanian literature]] written in [[Latin]], the main scholarly language of the Middle Ages. The edicts of the King Mindaugas are the prime example of the literature of this kind. The Letters of Gediminas are another crucial heritage of the Lithuanian Latin writings.

One of the first Lithuanian authors who wrote in Latin was early [[Renaissance]] poet [[Mikołaj Hussowczyk|Nicolaus Hussovianus]]. His poem ''Carmen de statura, feritate ac venatione bisontis'' (''A Song about the Appearance, Savagery and Hunting of the Bison''), published in 1523, describes the Lithuanian landscape, way of life and customs, touches on some actual political problems, and reflects the clash of paganism and Christianity. A person under the pseudonym {{ill|Michalo Lituanus|lt}} wrote a treatise ''[[De moribus tartarorum, lituanorum et moscorum]]'' (''On the Customs of Tatars, Lithuanians and Muscovites'') in the middle of the 16th century. An extraordinary figure in the cultural life of Lithuania in the 16th century was the lawyer and poet of Spanish origin Petrus Roysius Maurus Alcagnicensis. The publicist, lawyer, and mayor of Vilnius, [[Augustinus Rotundus]] wrote a no longer existent history of Lithuania in Latin around 1560. loannes Radvanus, a humanist poet of the second half of the 16th century, wrote an epic poem imitating the [[Aeneid]] of [[Virgil|Vergil]]. His ''Radivilias'', intended to become the Lithuanian national epic, was published in Vilnius in 1588.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Dambrauskaitė |first1=Ramunė |title=A Latin Funeral Oration From Vilnius (1594) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=101lb8v-bJcC&pg=PA253 |publisher=Leuven University Press, Humanistica Lovaniensia |access-date=13 July 2018 |location=Leuven |page=253 |date=1995|isbn=978-90-6186-680-0}}</ref>

17th century Lithuanian scholars also wrote in Latin – {{ill|Kazimieras Kojelavičius-Vijūkas|lt|Kojelavičius}}, [[Žygimantas Liauksminas]] are known for their Latin writings in theology, rhetorics and music. [[Albertas Kojalavičius-Vijūkas]] wrote first printed Lithuanian history ''Historia Lithuania''. Lithuanian literary works in the Lithuanian language started being published in the 16th century. In 1547 [[Martynas Mažvydas]] compiled and published the first printed Lithuanian book ''Katekizmo prasti žodžiai'' (''The Simple Words of Catechism''). He was followed by [[Mikalojus Daukša]] with ''Katechizmas''. In the 16th and 17th centuries, as in the whole Christian Europe, Lithuanian literature was primarily religious.

The evolution of the old (14th–18th century) Lithuanian literature ends with [[Kristijonas Donelaitis]], one of the most prominent authors of the [[Age of Enlightenment]]. Donelaitis' poem ''Metai'' (''[[The Seasons (poem)|The Seasons]]'') is a landmark of the Lithuanian fiction literature, written in [[hexameter]].<ref name="INST">Institute of Lithuanian Scientific Society. {{cite web|url=http://anthology.lms.lt/ |title=Lithuanian Classic Literature |access-date=16 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050204191505/http://anthology.lms.lt/ |archive-date=4 February 2005}}</ref> With a mix of [[Classicism]], [[Sentimentalism (literature)|Sentimentalism]] and [[Romanticism]], the Lithuanian literature of the first half of the 19th century is represented by [[Maironis]], [[Antanas Baranauskas]], [[Simonas Daukantas]], [[Oscar Milosz]], and [[Simonas Stanevičius]].<ref name="INST" /> During the tsarist annexation of Lithuania in the 19th century, the [[Lithuanian press ban]] was implemented, which led to the formation of the ''Knygnešiai'' ([[Lithuanian book smugglers]]) movement. 20th-century Lithuanian literature is represented by [[Juozas Tumas-Vaižgantas]], [[Antanas Vienuolis]], [[Bernardas Brazdžionis]], [[Antanas Škėma]], [[Balys Sruoga]], [[Vytautas Mačernis]] and [[Justinas Marcinkevičius]]. In 21st century debuted [[Kristina Sabaliauskaitė]], [[Laura Sintija Černiauskaitė]], [[Ruta Sepetys|Rūta Šepetys]].

===Architecture===
{{See also|Lithuanian design}}
Several [[List of Lithuanian architects|famous Lithuania-related architects]] are notable for their achievements in the field of architecture. [[Johann Christoph Glaubitz]], [[Marcin Knackfus]], [[Laurynas Gucevičius]] and [[Karol Podczaszyński]] were instrumental in introducing [[Baroque architecture|Baroque]] and [[Neoclassical architecture|neoclassical]] architectural movements to the Lithuanian architecture during the 17th to 19th centuries.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lithuanian Baroque architecture|url=http://www.kpd.lt/uploads/EN/Heritage%20in%20Lithuania/Heritage%20in%20Lithuania/9_LITHUANIAN_BAROQUE_ARCHITECTURE.pdf|website=kpd.lt|access-date=20 February 2018|archive-date=8 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808021028/http://www.kpd.lt/uploads/EN/Heritage%20in%20Lithuania/Heritage%20in%20Lithuania/9_LITHUANIAN_BAROQUE_ARCHITECTURE.pdf}}</ref> Vilnius is considered a capital of the Eastern Europe Baroque.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vilniaus barokas|url=http://www.ivilnius.lt/apie-vilniu/architektura/barokas/|website=iVilnius.lt|access-date=20 February 2018|archive-date=17 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417194854/http://www.ivilnius.lt/apie-vilniu/architektura/barokas/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Vilnius Old Town]] has many Baroque churches and other buildings and is a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Vilnius Historic Centre|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/541|website=whc.unesco.org|access-date=20 February 2018|archive-date=27 October 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051027114553/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/541|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Vilnian Baroque]] style is named after Lithuania's capital city.<ref name="VB">{{cite web |title=Vilniaus baroko mokykla |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/vilniaus-baroko-mokykla/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=2 October 2025 |language=lt}}</ref>

[[File:Church of St. Catherine in Vilnius by Augustas Didžgalvis.jpg|thumb|[[Church of St. Catherine, Vilnius|Church of St. Catherine]] and [[Church of St. Johns, Vilnius|Church of St. Johns]] (in the background, centre) are an examples of [[Vilnian Baroque]]]]
Lithuania is known for [[List of castles in Lithuania|numerous castles]]. Some castles have been rebuilt or survive partially. Many Lithuanian nobles' historic [[List of palaces and manor houses in Lithuania|palaces and manor houses]] have remained till the nowadays and were reconstructed.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lietuvos dvarų duomenų bazė |trans-title=Database of Lithuanian manors |url=http://www.heritage.lt/dvarai/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209184503/http://www.heritage.lt/dvarai/ |archive-date=9 February 2018 |access-date=20 February 2018 |website=heritage.lt}}</ref> Lithuanian village life has existed since the days of [[Vytautas the Great]]. [[Zervynos]] and [[Kapiniškiai]] are two of many [[ethnographic village]]s in Lithuania.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ethnographic settlements of Lithuania|url=http://www.kpd.lt/uploads/EN/Heritage%20in%20Lithuania/Heritage%20in%20Lithuania/23_ETHNOGRAPHIC_SETTLEMENTS_OF_LITHUANIA.pdf|website=kpd.lt|access-date=20 February 2018|archive-date=8 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808021041/http://www.kpd.lt/uploads/EN/Heritage%20in%20Lithuania/Heritage%20in%20Lithuania/23_ETHNOGRAPHIC_SETTLEMENTS_OF_LITHUANIA.pdf}}</ref> [[Rumšiškės]] is an open space museum where old ethnographic architecture is preserved.

During the [[interwar period]], [[Art Deco]], Lithuanian National Romanticism architectural style buildings were constructed in the temporary capital Kaunas. Its architecture is regarded as one of the finest examples of the European Art Deco and has received the [[European Heritage Label]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Kaunas of 1919–1940, Lithuania|url=https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/creative-europe/actions/heritage-label/sites/kaunas-1919-1940_en|website=ec.europa.eu|date=4 May 2016 |access-date=20 February 2018|archive-date=4 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104192723/https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/creative-europe/actions/heritage-label/sites/kaunas-1919-1940_en|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Arts and museums===
{{Main|List of museums in Lithuania}}
[[File:Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis - FAIRY TALE (FAIRY TALE OF KINGS) - 1909.jpg|thumb|upright=.7|''Kings' Fairy Tale'' (1908–1909) by [[Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis]]]]
The [[Lithuanian Art Museum]] was founded in 1933 and is the largest museum of art conservation and display in Lithuania.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ldm.lt/LDM/History_LAM_en.htm |title=History of the Lithuanian Art Museum |website=Ldm.lt |access-date=5 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510013109/http://www.ldm.lt/LDM/History_LAM_en.htm |archive-date=10 May 2011}}</ref> Among other important museums are the [[Palanga Amber Museum]], where amber pieces comprise a major part of the collection, National Gallery of Art, presenting collection of Lithuanian art of the 20th and 21st century, [[National Museum of Lithuania]] presenting Lithuanian archaeology, history and ethnic culture. In 2018 two private museums were opened – [[MO Museum]] devoted to modern and contemporary Lithuanian art and ''Tartle'',<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tartle.lt/en/news.html |title=Tartle |website=tartle.lt |access-date=1 November 2018 |quote=The Art Centre TARTLE opened in Užupis district in Vilnius will provide an opportunity to get acquainted with Lithuanian art treasures and historical artefacts from cultural heritage of the pagan times to the contemporary art. The target of the collection and the art centre is not only to collect and bring back to homeland the Lithuanian cultural and historical heritage scattered all over the world.. |archive-date=16 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516182614/https://www.tartle.lt/en/news.html |url-status=live}}</ref> exhibiting a collection of Lithuanian art heritage and artefacts.

Perhaps the most renowned figure in Lithuania's art community was 19th century composer [[Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis]]. The [[2420 Čiurlionis]] asteroid, identified in 1975, honors his achievements. The [[M. K. Čiurlionis National Art Museum]], as well as the only military museum in Lithuania, [[Vytautas the Great War Museum]], are located in Kaunas.
[[Franciszek Smuglewicz]], [[Jan Rustem]], [[Józef Oleszkiewicz]] and [[Kanuty Rusiecki]] are the most prominent Lithuanian painters of the 18th and 19th centuries.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lietuvos tapyba |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/lietuvos-tapyba/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=12 February 2022 |language=lt |archive-date=12 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212224043/https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/lietuvos-tapyba/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Theatre===
[[File:Lithuanian National Drama Theatre in Vilnius, Lithuania in 2023.jpg|thumb|[[Lithuanian National Drama Theatre]]]]
Lithuania has theatres in Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda and Panevėžys. These include [[Lithuanian National Drama Theatre]], ''[[Keistuolių Teatras|Keistuolių teatras]]'' (Theatre of Freaks) in Vilnius, [[Kaunas State Drama Theatre]], Theatre of Oskaras Koršunovas, Klaipėda Drama Theatre, Theatre of [[Gytis Ivanauskas]], Miltinis Drama Theatre in Panevėžys, The Doll's Theatre, [[Old Theatre of Vilnius]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Teatras|url=https://lrkm.lrv.lt/lt/veiklos-sritys/teatras|website=lrkm.lrv.lt|access-date=18 February 2018|language=lt|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222206/https://lrkm.lrv.lt/lt/veiklos-sritys/teatras}}</ref> Theatre festivals include ''Sirenos'' (Sirens), ''TheATRIUM'', ''Nerk į teatrą'' (Dive into the Theatre).<ref>{{cite web|title=Sirenos|url=http://www.sirenos.lt/|website=sirenos.lt|access-date=18 February 2018|archive-date=15 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515175753/https://www.sirenos.lt/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=FESTIVALIS "TheATRIUM"|url=http://kldt.lt/festivalis-the-atrium/|website=kldt.lt|access-date=18 February 2018|archive-date=30 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430230735/https://kldt.lt/festivalis-the-atrium/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Festivalis "Nerk į teatrą"|url=http://dramosteatras.lt/lt/projektai/festivalis-nerk-i-teatra/|website=dramosteatras.lt|access-date=18 February 2018|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222326/http://dramosteatras.lt/lt/projektai/festivalis-nerk-i-teatra/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Lithuanian theatre directors include [[Eimuntas Nekrošius]], [[Jonas Vaitkus]], Cezaris Graužinis, Gintaras Varnas, [[Dalia Ibelhauptaitė]] and Artūras Areima. Actors include Dainius Gavenonis, Rolandas Kazlas, Saulius Balandis and Gabija Jaraminaitė.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nariai|url=http://teatrosajunga.lt/member/|website=teatrosajunga.lt|access-date=18 February 2018|language=lt-LT|archive-date=27 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627225847/https://teatrosajunga.lt/member/|url-status=live}}</ref> Theatre director [[Oskaras Koršunovas]] was awarded the Swedish Commander Grand Cross – the [[Order of the Polar Star]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Oskaras Koršunovas|url=https://www.okt.lt/kurejai/oskaras-korsunovas/|website=Okt.lt|access-date=18 February 2018|language=lt-LT|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222248/https://www.okt.lt/kurejai/oskaras-korsunovas/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Cinema===
{{Main|Cinema of Lithuania}}
[[File:Kinas Romuva.JPG|thumb|[[Romuva Cinema]], the oldest still operational [[movie theater|cinema]] in Lithuania]]
On 28 July 1896, [[Thomas Edison]] performed a live photography session held in the Concerts Hall of the [[Botanical Garden of Vilnius University]]. Similar American movies were available with the addition of special [[phonograph record]]s that also provided sound. In 1909, Lithuanian cinema pioneers [[Antanas Račiūnas]] and [[Ladislas Starevich]] released their first movies. Soon the Račiūnas' recordings of Lithuania's views became very popular among the [[Lithuanian Americans]] abroad. In 1925, Pranas Valuskis filmed movie ''Naktis Lietuvoje'' (Night in Lithuania) about [[Lithuanian book smugglers]] that left the first bright Lithuanian footprint in [[Hollywood (film industry)|Hollywood]]. The most significant and mature Lithuanian American movie of the time ''Aukso žąsis'' (Golden goose) was created in 1965 by {{ill|Birutė Pūkelevičiūtė|lt}} that featured motifs from the [[Brothers Grimm]] fairy tales. In 1940, [[Romuva Cinema]] was opened in [[Kaunas]] and currently is the oldest still operational cinema in Lithuania. After the occupation of the state, movies mostly were used for the [[Soviet propaganda]] purposes, nevertheless Almantas Grikevičius, Gytis Lukšas, Henrikas Šablevičius, Arūnas Žebriūnas, Raimondas Vabalas were able to overcome the obstacles and create valuable films. After the restoration of the independence, [[Šarūnas Bartas]], [[Audrius Stonys]], [[Arūnas Matelis]], Audrius Juzėnas, [[Algimantas Puipa]], {{ill|Janina Lapinskaitė|lt}}, Dijana and her husband Kornelijus Matuzevičius received success in international movie festivals.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kino Lietuvoje istorija |url=https://sites.google.com/site/lietuvoskinas19/lietuvos-kinas |website=sites.google.com |access-date=26 June 2018 |archive-date=25 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225094905/https://sites.google.com/site/lietuvoskinas19/lietuvos-kinas}}</ref>

===Music===
{{Main|Music of Lithuania}}
{{multiple image
| align = right
| direction = vertical
| header_align = left/right/center
| footer = Lithuanians dancing at ''Skamba skamba kankliai'' festival and singing at [[Lithuanian Song Festival|Lithuanian Song and Dance Festival]] in [[Vingis Park]]
| footer_align = left/right/center
| image1 = Skamba skamba kankliai 2010 - 12.jpg
| image2 = Dainu svente 2009-07-06.jpg
}}
Lithuanians are sometimes described as a "singing folk".<ref name="Opera">https://www.ft.com/content/3a9d0425-4e41-4f98-9368-a13bfda53bca</ref> The [[choral music]] traditions are prominent in the country. The long-standing ''Dainų šventė'' ([[Lithuanian Song and Dance Festival]]) is organized starting from 1924. Since 1990, the festival has been organised every four years and summons roughly 30,000 singers and folk dancers of various professional levels and age groups from across the country.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lithuanian Song Festival|url=http://www.dainusvente.lt/en/history/|website=DainuSvente.lt|access-date=23 January 2018|archive-date=11 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611213024/https://www.dainusvente.lt/en/history/}}</ref> In 2008, Lithuanian Song and Dance Festival together with its [[Latvian Song and Dance Festival|Latvian]] and [[Estonian Song Festival|Estonian]] versions was inscribed as UNESCO [[Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity|Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity|date=2005|publisher=[[UNESCO]]|page=50|url=http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0014/001473/147344e.pdf|access-date=23 January 2018|archive-date=17 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617201025/http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0014/001473/147344e.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Lithuanian folk music]] belongs to Baltic music branch which is connected with Neolithic [[corded ware]] culture. Two instrument cultures meet in the areas inhabited by Lithuanians: stringed ([[Kanklės|kanklių]]) and wind instrument cultures. Lithuanian folk music is archaic, mostly used for ritual purposes, containing elements of [[paganism]] faith. There are three ancient styles of singing in Lithuania connected with ethnographical regions: [[monophony]], [[heterophony]] and [[polyphony]]. Folk song genres: Sutartinės (Multipart Songs),<ref>{{cite web|title=Sutartinės, Lithuanian multipart songs|url=https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/sutartines-lithuanian-multipart-songs-00433|website=ich.unesco.org|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-date=8 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208020335/https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/sutartines-lithuanian-multipart-songs-00433|url-status=live}}</ref> Wedding Songs, War-Historical Time Songs, Calendar Cycle and Ritual Songs and Work Songs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Anthology of Lithuanian ethnoculture|url=http://www.lnkc.lt/eknygos/eka/|website=Lnkc.lt|access-date=23 January 2018|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222324/http://www.lnkc.lt/eknygos/eka/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The musical education and talent screening, especially for high-caliber individuals, is strong and holds an esteemed reputation.<ref name="Opera" /> Vilnius is the only city with three choirs laureates (Brevis, Jauna Muzika and Chamber Choir of the Conservatoire) at the [[European Grand Prix for Choral Singing]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Murauskaitė |first1=Rasa |title=Trys meilės chorui dešimtmečiai. Pokalbis su Vaclovu Augustinu |trans-title=Three decades of love for the choir. A conversation with Vaclovas Augustinas |url=https://www.15min.lt/kultura/naujiena/muzika/trys-meiles-chorui-desimtmeciai-pokalbis-su-vaclovu-augustinu-284-1207238 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417174122/https://www.15min.lt/kultura/naujiena/muzika/trys-meiles-chorui-desimtmeciai-pokalbis-su-vaclovu-augustinu-284-1207238 |archive-date=17 April 2021 |access-date=31 October 2019 |website=[[15min.lt]] |language=lt}}</ref> The biennial childrens music festival [[Dainų dainelė]] has been organized since 1974, promoting singing traditions among the youth alongside other events such as {{ill|Laumės juosta|lt}}. ''{{ill|Gatvės muzikos diena|lt}}'' (Street Music Day) gathers musicians of various genres annually.<ref>{{cite web|title=Street Music Day|url=http://gmd.lt/en|website=gmd.lt|access-date=10 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180311021339/http://gmd.lt/en|archive-date=11 March 2018}}</ref> [[Music Information Centre Lithuania]] collects, promotes and shares information on Lithuanian musical culture.

Italian artists organized the first opera in Lithuania in 1636 at the [[Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania|Palace of the Grand Dukes]] by the order of [[Władysław IV Vasa]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Operos dieną Valdovų rūmuose vainikuos pasaulinis šedevras – K. Monteverdžio opera "Orfėjas" |trans-title=Opera Day at the Palace of the Grand Dukes will be crowned by a global masterpiece – Claudio Monteverdi's opera "Orfeo" |url=http://valdovurumai.lt/aktualijos/claudio-monteverdi-opera-orfejas-lorfeo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308060834/https://www.valdovurumai.lt/aktualijos/claudio-monteverdi-opera-orfejas-lorfeo |archive-date=8 March 2021 |access-date=7 September 2015 |website=valdovurumai.lt}}</ref> Currently, operas are staged at the [[Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre]] and also by independent troupe [[Vilnius City Opera]]. State also supports two full-time musical theatres of [[Kaunas State Musical Theatre|Kaunas]] and {{ill|Klaipėda State Music Theatre|lt=Klaipėda|lt|Klaipėdos valstybinis muzikinis teatras}}.<ref>{{cite web | title=Theatre - Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania | url=https://lrkm.lrv.lt/en/activities/theatre/}}</ref> After the restoration of independence, a lot of Lithuanian opera artists, such as [[Virgilijus Noreika]], [[Violeta Urmana]], [[Vytautas Juozapaitis]], [[Asmik Grigorian]], [[Sigutė Stonytė]], etc. achieved international recognition and leading roles in the world's top theatres, while concurrently [[Dalia Ibelhauptaitė]] earned acclaim as a director. According to ''Financial Times'', roughly 20 Lithuanian top tier professionals are performing internationally per season.<ref name="Opera" />

[[File:Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis photo portrait.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|left|Painter and composer [[Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis|M.K. Čiurlionis]]]]
[[Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis]] was a Lithuanian painter and composer. During his short life he created about 200 pieces of music. His works have influenced modern Lithuanian culture. His [[symphonic poem]]s ''In the Forest'' (''Miške'') and ''The Sea'' (''Jūra'') were performed only posthumously. Čiurlionis contributed to symbolism and art nouveau and was representative of the fin de siècle epoch. He has been considered one of the pioneers of abstract art in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|title=Painting {{!}} M. K. Čiurlionis|url=http://ciurlionis.eu/en/painting/|website=ciurlionis.eu|access-date=22 January 2018|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222149/http://ciurlionis.eu/en/painting/|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[National M. K. Čiurlionis School of Art|nations arts academy]] is named after him.

Modern classical composers emerged in 1970s – [[Bronius Kutavičius]], {{ill|Feliksas Bajoras|lt}}, [[Osvaldas Balakauskas]], [[Onutė Narbutaitė]], [[Vidmantas Bartulis]] and others. Most of those composers explored archaic Lithuanian music and its harmonic combination with modern minimalism and neoromanticism.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Modern Music of Lithuania: Past & Present|url=http://www.mic.lt/en/database/classical/history/|website=Mic.lt|access-date=25 March 2018|archive-date=27 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627234436/https://www.mic.lt/en/database/classical/history/|url-status=live}}</ref> Jazz scene was active even during the years of Soviet occupation. In 1970–71 the Ganelin/Tarasov/Chekasin trio established the Vilnius Jazz School.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jazz in Lithuania|url=http://www.vilniusjazz.lt/press/99jil.php|website=Vilniusjazz.lt|access-date=25 March 2018|archive-date=27 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227190616/http://www.vilniusjazz.lt/press/99jil.php|url-status=live}}</ref> Most known annual events are [[Vilnius Jazz Festival]], [[Kaunas Jazz]], Birštonas Jazz.

====Rock and protest music====
{{Main|Rock music in Lithuania}}
[[File:Antis rock band on stage during the first edition of the Rock March (Vilnius, Lithuania, 1987).jpg|thumb|Rock band [[Antis (band)|Antis]], which under firm [[Censorship in the Soviet Union|censorship]] actively mocked the [[Soviet Union]] regime by using [[metaphor]]s in their lyrics, during an [[anti-Sovietism]], [[anti-communism]] concert in 1987]]
After the Soviet reoccupation of Lithuania in 1944, the Soviet's censorship continued firmly controlling all artistic expressions in Lithuania, and any violations by criticizing the regime would immediately result in punishments.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Sinitsyna|first1=Olga|title=CENSORSHIP IN THE SOVIET UNION AND ITS CULTURAL AND PROFESSIONAL RESULTS FOR ARTS AND ART LIBRARIES|date=1999|url=https://forge.fh-potsdam.de/~IFLA/INSPEL/99-1sino.pdf|access-date=22 January 2018|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308143445/https://forge.fh-potsdam.de/~IFLA/INSPEL/99-1sino.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The first local rock bands started to emerge around 1965 and included ''Kertukai'', ''Aitvarai'' and ''Nuogi ant slenksčio'' in Kaunas, and [[Kęstutis Antanėlis]], ''Vienuoliai'', and ''Gėlių Vaikai'' in Vilnius, among others. Unable to express their opinions directly, the Lithuanian artists began organizing patriotic [[Roko maršas|Roko Maršai]] and were using [[metaphor]]s in their songs' lyrics, which were easily identified for their true meanings by the locals.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Tilvikaitė|first1=Patricija|title=Ir lietuviškas rokas padėjo Lietuvai atkurti Nepriklausomybę|url=http://www.universitetozurnalistas.kf.vu.lt/2016/08/ir-lietuviskas-rokas-padejo-lietuvai-atkurti-nepriklausomybe/|website=Universitetozurnalistas.kf.vu.lt|access-date=23 August 2016|language=lt|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222325/http://www.universitetozurnalistas.kf.vu.lt/2016/08/ir-lietuviskas-rokas-padejo-lietuvai-atkurti-nepriklausomybe/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=A. Mamontovas: "Roko maršai" buvo toks įrankis, koks dabar yra internetas|url=http://kauno.diena.lt/naujienos/lietuva/salies-pulsas/mamontovas-roko-marsai-buvo-toks-irankis-koks-dabar-yra-internetas-801615|website=Kauno diena / LRT|date=12 March 2017|access-date=12 March 2017|language=lt|archive-date=27 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627235041/https://kauno.diena.lt/naujienos/lietuva/salies-pulsas/mamontovas-roko-marsai-buvo-toks-irankis-koks-dabar-yra-internetas-801615|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Postmodernist]] [[Rock music|rock]] band [[Antis (band)|Antis]] and its vocalist [[Algirdas Kaušpėdas]] were one of the most active performers who mocked the Soviet regime by using metaphors. For example, in the song ''Zombiai'' (Zombies), the band indirectly sang about the [[Red Army]] soldiers who occupied the state and its military base in [[Ukmergė]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Ukmergės karinis miestelis|url=http://www.autc.lt/lt/architekturos-objektai/1558|website=Autc.lt|access-date=22 January 2018|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222917/http://www.autc.lt/lt/architekturos-objektai/1558}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Knyga "Antiška" (II dalis): iki "Anties" lietuviai nežinojo, kas yra zombis (ištrauka, video)|url=https://kultura.lrytas.lt/literatura/knyga-antiska-ii-dalis-iki-anties-lietuviai-nezinojo-kas-yra-zombis-istrauka-video.htm|website=[[Lrytas.lt]]|access-date=29 July 2013|language=lt-LT|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222913/https://kultura.lrytas.lt/literatura/knyga-antiska-ii-dalis-iki-anties-lietuviai-nezinojo-kas-yra-zombis-istrauka-video.htm}}</ref> [[Vytautas Kernagis]]' song ''Kolorado vabalai'' ([[Colorado potato beetle|Colorado beetles]]) was also a favourite due to its lyrics in which true meaning of the Colorado beetles was intended to be the Soviets decorated with the [[Ribbon of Saint George|Ribbons of Saint George]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bacanskas|first1=Benas|title=Dainos teatras – Kolorado vabalai (1991-12-25)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDLmyqENH3U| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809142047/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDLmyqENH3U| archive-date=9 August 2021|website=[[YouTube]]|access-date=19 December 2014|date=19 December 2014}}</ref>

In the early independence years, rock band [[Foje]] was particularly popular and gathered tens of thousands of spectators to the concerts.<ref>{{cite web|title=A. Mamontovas: padėsime galutinį tašką "Foje" istorijoje – LRT|url=http://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/kalba-vilnius/32/26683/a-mamontovas-padesime-galutini-taska-foje-istorijoje|website=LRT|date=6 October 2013|access-date=6 October 2013|language=lt|archive-date=27 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627232410/https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/kalba-vilnius/32/26683/a-mamontovas-padesime-galutini-taska-foje-istorijoje|url-status=live}}</ref> After disbanding in 1997, Foje vocalist [[Andrius Mamontovas]] remained one of the most prominent Lithuanian performers and an active participant in various [[Charity (practice)|charity]] events.<ref>{{cite web|title=A. Mamontovas: populiarumą išnaudoju geriems darbams|url=http://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/kultura/26/117983/a-mamontovas-populiaruma-isnaudoju-geriems-darbams|website=LRT|date=31 October 2015|access-date=31 October 2015|language=lt|archive-date=30 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430135756/https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/kultura/26/117983/a-mamontovas-populiaruma-isnaudoju-geriems-darbams|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Marijonas Mikutavičius]] is famous for creating unofficial Lithuania sport anthem ''Trys milijonai'' (Three millions) and official anthem of the [[EuroBasket 2011]] ''Nebetyli sirgaliai'' (English version was named ''Celebrate Basketball'').<ref>{{YouTube|fmmg3Wl86kQ|Marijonas Mikutavičius – Trys milijonai}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Marijonas Mikutavičius, Mantas, Mia – Nebetyli sirgaliai|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TyDEPzXr3M|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109115739/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TyDEPzXr3M&gl=US&hl=en|archive-date=9 January 2019|website=[[YouTube]]|access-date=15 October 2014|date=15 October 2014|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref>

===Cuisine===
[[File:Juoda duona.JPG|thumb|upright=.80|Lithuanian dark [[rye bread]]]]
[[File:Karmėlavos Cepelinas.JPG|thumb|upright=.80|''[[Cepelinai]]'', a [[potato]]-based dumpling dish characteristic of [[Lithuanian cuisine]] with meat, [[curd]] or mushrooms]]
[[Lithuanian cuisine]] features the products suited to the cool and moist northern climate of Lithuania: barley, potatoes, rye, beets, greens, berries, and mushrooms are locally grown, and dairy products are one of its specialties. Fish dishes are very popular in the coastal region.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tradicinė lietuviška virtuvė|url=https://www.delfi.lt/gyvenimas/receptai/tradicine-lietuviska-virtuve.d?id=12788805|website=DELFI|access-date=8 April 2007|archive-date=17 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417194304/https://www.delfi.lt/gyvenimas/receptai/tradicine-lietuviska-virtuve.d?id=12788805|url-status=live}}</ref> Since it shares its climate and agricultural practices with Northern Europe, Lithuanian cuisine has some similarities to Scandinavian cuisine. Nevertheless, it has its own distinguishing features, which were formed by a variety of influences during the country's long and difficult history.

Dairy products include white cottage cheese (''varškės sūris''), curd (''varškė''), soured milk (''rūgpienis''), sour cream (''grietinė''), butter (''sviestas''), and sour cream butter ''kastinis''. Traditional meat products are usually seasoned, matured and smoked – smoked sausages (''dešros''), lard (''lašiniai''), ''[[skilandis]]'', smoked ham (''kumpis''). Soups (''sriubos'')—boletus soup (''baravykų sriuba''), cabbage soup (''kopūstų sriuba''), beer soup (''alaus sriuba''), milk soup (''pieniška sriuba''), cold-beet soup (''šaltibarščiai'')—and various kinds of porridges (''košės'') are part of tradition and daily diet. Freshwater fish, herring, wild berries and mushrooms, honey are highly popular diet to this day.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lietuvos virtuvė|url=https://maistologija.wordpress.com/2010/08/07/lietuvos-virtuve/|website=maistologija.wordpress.com|date=7 August 2010|access-date=25 March 2018|language=lt|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222139/https://maistologija.wordpress.com/2010/08/07/lietuvos-virtuve/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The only guide to Lithuanian cuisine you will ever need|url=https://www.urbanadventures.com/blog/guide-lithuanian-cuisine.html|website=Urbanadventures.com|access-date=5 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180406041111/https://www.urbanadventures.com/blog/guide-lithuanian-cuisine.html|archive-date=6 April 2018}}</ref>

[[File:Biržų 1686 Jubiliejinis Alus (9834933134).jpg|thumb|upright=.7|Lithuania has longlasting [[Beer in Lithuania|beer brewing traditions]].]]
One of the oldest and most fundamental food products is rye bread. Rye bread is eaten every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bread played an important role in family rituals and agrarian ceremonies.<ref>{{cite web|title=LITHUANIAN TRADITIONAL FOODS – BREAD|url=http://www.lnkc.lt/eknygos/eka/food/bread.html|website=Lnkc.lt|access-date=25 March 2018|archive-date=25 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325233234/http://www.lnkc.lt/eknygos/eka/food/bread.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Lithuanians and other nations that once formed part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania share many dishes and beverages. [[German cuisine|German traditions]] also influenced Lithuanian cuisine, introducing pork and potato dishes, such as potato pudding (''kugelis'' or kugel) and [[Kishka (food)|potato sausages]] (''vėdarai''), as well as the baroque tree cake known as ''[[Šakotis]]''. The most exotic of all the influences is Eastern (Karaite) cuisine – the ''[[kibinai]]'' are popular in Lithuania. Noblemen usually hired French chefs, so [[French cuisine]] influence came to Lithuania in this way.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kokią įtaką Lietuvos virtuvei padarė prancūzai? |trans-title=What influence did the French have on Lithuanian cuisine? |url=https://www.15min.lt/maistas/naujiena/virtuve/kokia-itaka-lietuvos-virtuvei-padare-prancuzai-1044-719414 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326064821/https://www.15min.lt/maistas/naujiena/virtuve/kokia-itaka-lietuvos-virtuvei-padare-prancuzai-1044-719414 |archive-date=26 March 2018 |access-date=26 March 2018 |website=15min.lt |language=lt}}</ref>

Balts were using [[mead]] (''[[midus]]'') for thousands of years.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Astrauskas|first1=Antanas|title=Per barzdą varvėjo: svaigiųjų gėrimų istorija Lietuvoje|date=2008|publisher=Baltos lankos|location=Vilnius|isbn=978-9955-23-141-7}}</ref> Beer (''alus'') is the most common alcoholic beverage. Lithuania has a long farmhouse [[Beer in Lithuania|beer tradition]], first mentioned in 11th century chronicles. Beer was brewed for ancient Baltic festivities and rituals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.llti.lt/failai/05_Laurinkienes.pdf|website=Llti.lt|page=18|title=Alus – apeiginis baltų gėrimas|access-date=22 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808021048/http://www.llti.lt/failai/05_Laurinkienes.pdf|archive-date=8 August 2019}}</ref> Farmhouse brewing survived to a greater extent in Lithuania than anywhere else, and through accidents of history the Lithuanians then developed a commercial brewing culture from their unique farmhouse traditions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.garshol.priv.no/download/lithuanian-beer-guide/book.pdf|website=Garshol.priv.no|page=5|title=Lithuanian beer – A rough guide|access-date=22 March 2018|archive-date=15 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215235338/http://www.garshol.priv.no/download/lithuanian-beer-guide/book.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.garshol.priv.no/blog/253.html|website=Garshol.priv.no|title=Trying to understand Lithuanian beer|access-date=14 April 2018|archive-date=30 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430211724/https://www.garshol.priv.no/blog/253.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Lithuania is top 5 by consumption of beer per capita in Europe in 2015, counting 75 active breweries, 32 of them are microbreweries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.brewersofeurope.org/uploads/mycms-files/documents/publications/2016/stats_2016_web.pdf|website=Brewersofeurope.org|title=Beer statistics – 2016 edition|access-date=25 March 2018|archive-date=1 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701100831/http://www.brewersofeurope.org/uploads/mycms-files/documents/publications/2016/stats_2016_web.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

Eight Lithuanian restaurants are listed in the White Guide Baltic Top 30.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.whiteguide-nordic.com/nyheter/there-is-no-better-time-than-now-to-visit-baltic-restaurants|website=Whiteguide-nordic.com|title=The best restaurants in the Nordics|access-date=4 April 2018|archive-date=24 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124174247/http://www.whiteguide-nordic.com/nyheter/there-is-no-better-time-than-now-to-visit-baltic-restaurants}}</ref> The local „''30 geriausių restoranų''” guide lists top domestic places,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Laurinavičienė |first1=Beatričė |last2=Budreikienė |first2=Jovita |date=28 July 2023 |title=Paskelbti 30 geriausių Lietuvos restoranų, pirmoje vietoje – "Gaspar's" |trans-title=The 30 best Lithuanian restaurants have been announced, with 'Gaspar's' in first place |url=https://www.vz.lt/laisvalaikis/maistas-ir-gerimai/2023/07/28/paskelbti-30-geriausiu-lietuvos-restoranu-pirmoje-vietoje--gaspars |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240605134437/https://www.vz.lt/laisvalaikis/maistas-ir-gerimai/2023/07/28/paskelbti-30-geriausiu-lietuvos-restoranu-pirmoje-vietoje--gaspars |archive-date=5 June 2024 |access-date=5 June 2024 |work=Verslo žinios |language=lt}}</ref> and Lithuanian restaurants appear in the 2024 [[Michelin Guide]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Laurinavičienė |first=Beatričė |date=11 April 2024 |title="Michelin" gido įvertinti restoranai – ir Lietuvoje |trans-title=Restaurants recognized by the Michelin Guide – now also in Lithuania |url=https://www.vz.lt/laisvalaikis/maistas-ir-gerimai/2024/04/11/michelin-gido-ivertinti-restoranai--ir-lietuvoje |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240605124425/https://www.vz.lt/laisvalaikis/maistas-ir-gerimai/2024/04/11/michelin-gido-ivertinti-restoranai--ir-lietuvoje |archive-date=5 June 2024 |access-date=5 June 2024 |work=Verslo žinios |language=lt}}</ref>

===Media===
{{main|Mass media in Lithuania}}
The constitution provides for [[freedom of speech]] and [[freedom of the press|press]], and the government generally respects these rights in practice. An independent press, an effective judiciary, and a functioning democratic political system combine to promote these freedoms. However, the constitutional definition of freedom of expression does not protect certain acts, such as incitement to national, racial, religious, or social hatred, violence and discrimination, or slander, and disinformation. It is a crime to deny or "grossly trivialize" Soviet or Nazi German crimes against Lithuania or its citizens, or to deny genocide, crimes against humanity, or war crimes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/humanrightsreport/index.htm?year=2012&dlid=204308|title=Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2017|website=State.gov|access-date=18 October 2018|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623221806/https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/humanrightsreport/index.htm?year=2012&dlid=204308|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2021, the best-selling daily national newspapers were ''[[Lietuvos rytas]]'' (5.4% of all weekly readers), ''{{ill|Vakaro žinios|lt}}'' (3.2%), ''[[Kauno diena]]'' (2.9%). Best-selling weekly newspapers were ''{{ill|lt=Savaitė|Savaitė (1999)|lt}}'' (16.5%), ''{{ill|lt=Žmonės|Žmonės (žurnalas)|lt}}'' (8.4%), ''Prie kavos'' (4.1%), ''[[Lietuvos rytas|Savaitgalis]]'' (3.9%) and ''[[Verslo žinios]]'' (3.2%).<ref name="Kantar21">{{cite web |title=Annual Review of Media Surveys 2021 |url=https://www.kantar.lt/data/files/Metines_apzvalgos/Annual_Review_of_Media_Surveys_2021.pdf |publisher=Kantar |access-date=14 June 2023 |archive-date=19 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619104838/https://www.kantar.lt/data/files/Metines_apzvalgos/Annual_Review_of_Media_Surveys_2021.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2021, the most popular national television channels were [[TV3 (Lithuanian TV channel)|TV3]] (34.6% of the daily audience), [[LNK (Lithuanian TV channel)|LNK]] (32.3%), [[Lithuanian National Radio and Television]] (31.6%), [[BTV (Lithuanian TV channel)|BTV]] (17.3%), [[Lietuvos rytas TV]] (16.2%), [[TV6 (Lithuanian TV channel)|TV6]] (15.3%).<ref name="Kantar21" /> The most popular radio stations were [[M-1 (Lithuanian radio station)|M-1]] (14.5% of daily listeners), ''Lietus'' (12.7%), ''[[Radiocentras (Lithuanian radio station)|Radiocentras]]'' (9.1%) and ''[[LRT Radijas]]'' (8.5%).<ref name="Kantar21" />

===Public holidays and festivals===
{{main|Public holidays in Lithuania}}
As a result of a thousand-years history, Lithuania has two [[national day]]s. The first one is the [[Statehood Day (Lithuania)|Statehood Day]] on 6 July, marking the establishment of the medieval Kingdom of Lithuania in 1253. The creation of modern Lithuanian state is commemorated on 16 February as a [[Act of Independence of Lithuania|Lithuanian State Reestablishment Day]] on which independence from Russia and Germany was declared in 1918. [[Saint Jonas's Festival|Joninės]] (previously known as ''Rasos'') is a public holiday with pagan roots that celebrates a solstice. There are 13 public holidays (which come with a day off).<ref>{{cite web|title=National Holidays|url=http://www.vilnius-tourism.lt/en/media/cultural-events/national-holidays/|access-date=28 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628125054/http://www.vilnius-tourism.lt/en/media/cultural-events/national-holidays/|archive-date=28 June 2018}}</ref>

[[Kaziuko mugė]] is an annual fair held since the beginning of the 17th century that commemorates the anniversary of [[Saint Casimir]]'s death and gathers thousands of visitors and many craftsmen. Other notable festivals are [[Vilnius International Film Festival]], [[Kauno Miesto Diena]], [[Klaipėda Sea Festival]], [[Mados infekcija]], [[Vilnius Book Fair]], [[Vilnius Marathon]], [[Devilstone Open Air]], {{ill|Apuolė 854|lt}}, [[Great Žemaičių Kalvarija Festival]].

{{Holidays of Lithuania|collapse=1}}

===Sports===
{{Main|Sport in Lithuania|Basketball in Lithuania}}
Basketball is the most popular and national sport of Lithuania. The [[Lithuania men's national basketball team|national basketball team]] has won the [[EuroBasket]] on three occasions ([[Eurobasket 1937|1937]], [[Eurobasket 1939|1939]] and [[Eurobasket 2003|2003]]), as well as 8 other medals in the Eurobasket, the [[FIBA World Championship|World Championships]] and the [[Basketball at the Summer Olympics|Olympic Games]]. 76% of the population watched the men's national team games live in 2014.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lietuvos krepšinio rinktinės kovas šįmet matė per 2 mln. televizijos žiūrovų |trans-title=This year, over two million television viewers watched the Lithuanian national basketball team's games |url=http://www.15min.lt/naujiena/sportas/krepsinis/lietuvos-krepsinio-rinktines-kovas-simet-mate-per-2-mln-televizijos-ziurovu-23-466445 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150127002110/http://www.15min.lt/naujiena/sportas/krepsinis/lietuvos-krepsinio-rinktines-kovas-simet-mate-per-2-mln-televizijos-ziurovu-23-466445 |archive-date=27 January 2015 |access-date=13 November 2014 |website=15min.lt}}</ref> Lithuania hosted the Eurobasket in 1939 and [[Eurobasket 2011|2011]]. The historic basketball team [[BC Žalgiris]], from Kaunas, won the European basketball league [[Euroleague]] in 1999. Lithuania has [[List of Lithuanian NBA players|produced a number]] of [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] players, including [[Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame]] inductees [[Arvydas Sabonis]] and [[Šarūnas Marčiulionis]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers-index/ |title=The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame – Hall of Famers Index |website=Hoophall.com |access-date=30 April 2016 |archive-date=25 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325102924/http://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers-index/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and current NBA players [[Jonas Valančiūnas]], [[Domantas Sabonis]].<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://pr.nba.com/nba-rosters-international-players-2016-17/ |title=NBA rosters feature record 113 international players from 41 countries and territories |publisher=National Basketball Association |date=25 October 2016 |access-date=11 September 2017 |archive-date=1 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501012400/https://pr.nba.com/nba-rosters-international-players-2016-17/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:La selección de Lituania celebra su tercer puesto en el Mundial de baloncesto 2010.jpg|thumb|[[Lithuania men's national basketball team]] is ranked 10th worldwide in [[FIBA Rankings]].]]
Lithuania has won a total of [[Lithuania at the Olympics|26 medals at the Olympic Games]], including 6 gold medals in athletics, [[modern pentathlon]], shooting, and swimming. Other Lithuanians won Olympic medals representing Soviet Union. Discus thrower [[Virgilijus Alekna]] is the most successful Olympic athlete of independent Lithuania, having won gold medals in the [[2000 Summer Olympics|2000 Sydney]] and [[2004 Summer Olympics|2004 Athens]] games, as well as a bronze in [[2008 Summer Olympics|2008 in Beijing]] and numerous [[IAAF World Championships in Athletics|World Championship]] medals. A gold medal was won by 15-year-old swimmer [[Rūta Meilutytė]] at the [[2012 Summer Olympics|2012 London Olympics]].

Lithuania hosted the [[2021 FIFA Futsal World Cup]], the first time Lithuania had hosted a FIFA tournament.<ref>{{cite web |title=Three cities set to host the FIFA Futsal World Cup Lithuania 2021™ |url=https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/mens/futsalworldcup/lithuania2021/media-releases/origin1904-p.cxm.fifa.comthree-cities-set-to-host-the-fifa-futsal-world-cup-lithuania-2020tm |access-date=26 July 2022 |website=www.fifa.com}}{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>

Few Lithuanian athletes have found success in winter sports, although facilities are provided by several ice rinks and skiing slopes, including [[Snow Arena]], the first indoor ski slope in the Baltics.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kauno.diena.lt/naujienos/sveikata/sveikata/ziemos-sportas-lietuvoje-podukros-vietoje-674533#.VRUtQaM1jct |title=Žiemos sportas Lietuvoje – podukros vietoje |language=lt |website=Kauno.diena.lt |date=10 February 2015 |access-date=30 April 2016 |archive-date=30 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430183452/https://kauno.diena.lt/naujienos/sveikata/sveikata/ziemos-sportas-lietuvoje-podukros-vietoje-674533#.VRUtQaM1jct |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018 [[Lithuania men's national ice hockey team]] won gold medals at the [[2018 IIHF World Championship Division I]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Jie tai padarė! Lietuviai žaibiškai atsitiesė po šalto dušo ir iškovojo istorinį titulą |trans-title=They did it! The Lithuanians bounced back lightning-fast after a cold shower and claimed a historic title |url=https://www.15min.lt/sportas/naujiena/ziemos-sportas/jie-tai-padare-lietuviai-zaibiskai-atsitiese-po-salto-duso-ir-iskovojo-istorini-titula-295-963998 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625120911/https://www.15min.lt/sportas/naujiena/ziemos-sportas/jie-tai-padare-lietuviai-zaibiskai-atsitiese-po-salto-duso-ir-iskovojo-istorini-titula-295-963998 |archive-date=25 June 2021 |access-date=28 April 2018 |website=15min.lt}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Lithuania|European Union}}
* [[Index of Lithuania-related articles]]
* [[Outline of Lithuania]]

==Notes==
{{notelist|30em}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Sister project links|Lithuania|voy=Lithuania}}
{{EB1922 Poster|Lithuania, Republic of}}
;Government
* [https://www.lrp.lt/en The Lithuanian President] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115013011/https://www.lrp.lt/en |date=15 January 2016}} – Official site of the President of the Republic of Lithuania
* [https://www.lrs.lt/sip/portal.show?p_k=2 The Lithuanian Parliament] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331224459/https://www.lrs.lt/sip/portal.show?p_k=2 |date=31 March 2022}} – Official site of the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania
* [https://lrv.lt/en The Lithuanian Government] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210406001528/https://lrv.lt/en/ |date=6 April 2021}} – Official site of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania
* [https://www.stat.gov.lt/en Statistics Lithuania] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005094900/https://www.stat.gov.lt/en |date=5 October 2022}} – Official site of Department of Statistics to the Government of Lithuania
* [https://www.urm.lt/en Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania]
* [https://kam.lt/en/ Ministry of National Defence of Lithuania] 
* [https://www.lb.lt/en/ Bank of Lithuania]

;General information
* [https://lithuania.lt/ Official website of Lithuania] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602011848/https://lietuva.lt/en/ |date=2 June 2021}} – Lithuanian internet gates
*[https://www.worldcat.org/search?q=su%3AGeopolitics+Baltic+States.&qt=hot_subject/LH.html The Baltic States and geopolitics] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625131927/https://www.worldcat.org/search?q=su%3AGeopolitics+Baltic+States.&qt=hot_subject%2FLH.html |date=25 June 2021}} 
* [https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/lithuania/ Lithuania] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210622180812/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/lithuania/ |date=22 June 2021}}. ''[[The World Factbook]]''. [[Central Intelligence Agency]].
* [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/resources/world-leaders-1/LH.html Lithuania. CIA Chiefs of State and Cabinet Members of Foreign Governments] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201016161247/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/resources/world-leaders-1/LH.html |date=16 October 2020}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160304061242/http://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/govpubs/for/lithuania.htm Lithuania] from ''UCB Libraries GovPubs''
* [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17536867 Lithuania-BBC News country profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604175849/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17536867 |date=4 June 2021}} from the [[BBC News]]
* [https://www.britannica.com/place/Lithuania Lithuania-Encyclopedia Brittanica]
* [https://european-union.europa.eu/principles-countries-history/eu-countries/lithuania_en Lithuania-EU country profile]

;Travel 
* [https://lithuania.travel/en/ Lithuania Travel - Official Lithuanian Tourism Portal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130401141631/http://www.travel.lt/turizmas/selectPage.do?docLocator=1DDDB5E44C7311DAB36D746164617373&inlanguage=en |date=1 April 2013}} – The Official Travel Guide by the Lithuanian National Tourism Development Agency
* [https://welovelithuania.com/ We love Lithuania]

;Culture 
* [https://english.lithuanianculture.lt/ Lithuanian Culture Institute]
* [https://www.lnkc.lt/go.php/lit/img/113139 Lithuanian National Culture Centre] 
* [https://lkca.lt/en/ The Association of Lithuanian Culture Centres]
* [https://www.ltkt.lt/en/ Lithuanian Council for Culture]
* [https://www.lnb.lt/en/ National Library of Lithuania]
* [https://www.mic.lt/en/ Music Information Centre Lithuania]
* [https://kvr.kpd.lt/ Registry of Cultural Property]
* [https://zum.lrv.lt/uploads/zum/documents/files/LT_versija/Lietuvos_tautinis_paveldas.pdf National Heritage of Lithuania]
* [https://global.truelithuania.com/ Global Lithuanian Heritage]

;Maps
* {{wikiatlas|Lithuania}}
* {{osmrelation-inline|72596}}

;Other
* [http://www.ifs.du.edu/ifs/frm_CountryProfile.aspx?Country=LT Key Development Forecasts for Lithuania] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417192223/http://www.ifs.du.edu/ifs/frm_CountryProfile.aspx?Country=LT |date=17 April 2021}} from [[International Futures]]
* [http://www.ngw.nl/heraldrywiki/index.php?title=Lithuania Heraldry] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018201632/http://www.ngw.nl/heraldrywiki/index.php?title=Lithuania |date=18 October 2018}} of Lithuania

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