Lithuania
A Baltic state in northeastern Europe
The Republic of Lithuania is a state located in the Baltic region of Northern Europe on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. It borders Latvia, Belarus, Poland, and the Kaliningrad Oblast of Russia, covering an area of approximately 65,300 km² with a predominantly flat terrain, numerous rivers, and lakes. The capital and largest city is Vilnius, and the country's population is about 2.8 million people.
The history of Lithuania dates back 10,000 years, when its lands were inhabited by various Baltic tribes. In the 13th century, the lands were united, forming the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which became the largest state in Europe in the 14th century. After a period of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and Russian occupation, Lithuania regained its independence in 1918, and then again in 1990 after almost 50 years of Soviet occupation.
1991
The country's restoration of independence is internationally recognized
1993
The withdrawal of former Soviet troops is completed
1994
Vilnius Old Town is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site
1997
Large-scale privatization and economic reforms are launched
2001
Joined the World Trade Organization
2004
The country becomes a full member of NATO and the European Union
2007
Joined the Schengen Area
2015
The euro is introduced in the country
2025
The city of Vilnius is named the European Green Capital of the Year
