Lithuania

3.1. Early History and Baltic Tribes

The history of human settlement in the territory of present-day Lithuania dates back approximately 10,000 to 13,000 years, following the Last Glacial Period. The earliest inhabitants belonged to the Paleolithic Sviderian and Baltic Magdalenian cultures. Later, Mesolithic populations of the Kunda culture and Neman culture emerged. These early peoples were primarily nomadic hunters and gatherers. Around the 8th millennium BC, the climate grew warmer, leading to the expansion of forests and a shift towards more localized hunting, fishing, and gathering.

Agriculture reached the region in the 3rd millennium BC. The arrival of Indo-European peoples between the 3rd and 2nd millennium BC led to intermingling with the local populations, eventually forming various Baltic tribes. During the Neolithic period, the Pomeranian culture, part of the broader Corded Ware culture horizon, spread in the area and is considered to be associated with the Balts. By the first centuries AD, distinct Baltic tribal confederations, including the Samogitians and Aukštaitians (Lithuanians proper), were distinguishable.

The Baltic tribes did not maintain close political or cultural contacts with the Roman Empire, but they engaged in trade, notably through the Amber Road, which transported valuable Baltic amber from the region to Rome. The Roman historian Tacitus, in his work Germania (circa 98 AD), described the Aesti people, who lived on the southeastern shores of the Baltic Sea and are generally associated with the Western Balts. Ptolemy in the 2nd century AD was aware of the Galindians and Yotvingians.

From the 9th to the 11th centuries, coastal Balts faced raids by Vikings. The territory of Lithuania was broadly divided into culturally distinct regions: Samogitia in the west, known for its early medieval skeletal burials, and Aukštaitija (or Lithuania proper) further east, known for its early medieval cremation burials. This region was relatively remote and less attractive to outsiders, including traders, which contributed to its distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious identity, delaying its integration into broader European patterns. Traditional Lithuanian pagan customs and mythology, rich with archaic elements, were preserved for a long time. The bodies of rulers, such as Grand Dukes Algirdas and Kęstutis, were cremated until the eventual conversion to Christianity; descriptions of their cremation ceremonies have survived.

3.2. Kingdom of Lithuania and Grand Duchy of Lithuania

The first written record of the name Lithuania dates to 1009 AD. In the face of threats from the German crusading orders, Mindaugas united a large part of the Baltic tribes in the mid-13th century and founded the State of Lithuania. On July 6, 1253, he was crowned as the Catholic King of Lithuania, establishing the Kingdom of Lithuania. Taking advantage of the weakened state of the former Kievan Rus' due to the Mongol invasion of Kievan Rus', Mindaugas also incorporated Black Ruthenia into Lithuania. After Mindaugas's assassination in 1263, pagan Lithuania once again became a target of the Christian crusades conducted by the Teutonic Knights and the Livonian Order. Grand Duke Traidenis (reigned 1269-1282) reunified Lithuanian lands and achieved military successes against the Crusaders, often fighting alongside other Baltic tribes. His main residence was in Kernavė.

From the late 13th century, the Gediminids dynasty began its rule over Lithuania. They consolidated a hereditary monarchy, established Vilnius as the permanent capital city (as evidenced by the Letters of Gediminas), and eventually led the Christianization of Lithuania. By incorporating East Slavic territories (such as the principalities of Minsk, Kiev, Polotsk, Vitebsk, and Smolensk), the Grand Duchy of Lithuania significantly expanded its territory, reaching approximately 251 K mile^{2 (650.00 K km2)} in the first half of the 14th century. By the end of the 14th century, Lithuania was the largest country in Europe.

In 1385, through the Union of Krewo, Lithuania entered a dynastic union with the Crown of the Kingdom of Poland when Grand Duke Jogaila (later Władysław II Jagiełło of Poland) married Queen Jadwiga. During the late 14th and 15th centuries, patrilineal members of the Lithuanian Gediminids dynasty, known as the Jagiellonians, ruled not only Lithuania and Poland but also the Kingdom of Hungary, Croatia, the Kingdom of Bohemia, and Moldavia. The German attacks on Lithuania effectively ceased after the decisive Polish-Lithuanian victory in the Battle of Grunwald in 1410 and the subsequent Treaty of Melno in 1422. Grand Duke Vytautas, Jogaila's cousin, ruled Lithuania during this period of great expansion and consolidation.

3.3. Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth

In the 15th century, the strengthened Grand Duchy of Moscow renewed the Muscovite-Lithuanian Wars to gain control over the Lithuanian-held Eastern Orthodox territories. Facing an unsuccessful start to the Livonian War, territorial losses to the Tsardom of Russia, and pressure from monarch Sigismund II Augustus who supported a closer Polish-Lithuanian union, the Lithuanian nobility agreed to the Union of Lublin in 1569. This union created the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, a federative state with a joint monarch holding the titles of King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania. However, Lithuania remained a distinct state from Poland, retaining its own territory (approximately 116 K mile^{2 (300.00 K km2)}), coat of arms, administrative apparatus, laws (the Statutes of Lithuania), courts, seal, army, and treasury.

Following the real union, Lithuania and Poland achieved joint military successes in the Livonian War, the Polish-Lithuanian occupation of Moscow (1610), wars with Sweden (e.g., the Polish-Swedish War of 1600-1611), and the Smolensk War with Russia (1632-1634). In 1588, King Sigismund III Vasa personally confirmed the Third Statute of Lithuania, which affirmed the equal rights of Lithuania and Poland within the Commonwealth and ensured the separation of powers. Despite these safeguards, the real union significantly intensified the Polonization of Lithuanian society, particularly among the nobility.

The mid-17th century was marked by disastrous military losses for Lithuania. During the Deluge, most of Lithuania's territory was annexed by the Tsardom of Russia, and its capital, Vilnius, was captured and ravaged by a foreign army for the first time in its history. In 1655, Lithuania unilaterally seceded from Poland under the Union of Kėdainiai, declaring King Charles X Gustav of Sweden as the Grand Duke of Lithuania and placing itself under the protection of the Swedish Empire. However, by 1657, following a Lithuanian revolt against the Swedes, Lithuania was once again part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Vilnius was recaptured from the Russians in 1661.

The Commonwealth experienced periods of prosperity but also significant internal strife and external pressures. In the second half of the 18th century, the weakened Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was subjected to three partitions by its neighboring powers: the Russian Empire, the Kingdom of Prussia, and the Habsburg Austria. These partitions, occurring in 1772, 1793, and 1795, completely dissolved both independent Lithuania and Poland from the political map. The Kościuszko Uprising in 1794, which saw a short-lived recapture of Vilnius during the Vilnius uprising, ultimately failed to prevent the final partition. Most of Lithuania's territory was annexed by the Russian Empire, while the region of Suvalkija (Užnemunė) was annexed by Prussia.

3.4. Russian Empire and National Revival

Following its annexation into the Russian Empire, Lithuanian territories became part of a new administrative region known as the Northwestern Krai. The Russian Tsarist authorities implemented policies of Russification aimed at suppressing Lithuanian culture and identity. In 1812, during the French invasion of Russia, Napoleon established the puppet Lithuanian Provisional Governing Commission to support his war efforts; however, after Napoleon's defeat, Russian rule was firmly reinstated.

Throughout the 19th century, Lithuanians and Poles jointly attempted to restore their statehood. The November Uprising (1830-1831) was one such effort, but its defeat by Russian forces led to stricter Russification measures. The Russian language was introduced in all government institutions, Vilnius University was closed in 1832, and theories promoting the idea that Lithuania had historically been a "Western Russian" state were propagated. Subsequently, Lithuanians participated in the January Uprising (1863-1864), another attempt to regain independence. Its failure resulted in even stronger Russification policies, including the Lithuanian press ban (1864-1904), which prohibited printing in the Lithuanian language using the Latin alphabet, increased pressure on the Catholic Church in Lithuania, and severe repressions under Governor General Mikhail Muravyov.

Despite these oppressive measures, a Lithuanian National Revival (Lietuvių tautinis atgimimas_{Lietuvių tautinis atgimimas}^Lithuanian) emerged. This movement was inspired by Lithuanian history, language, and culture, aiming to preserve national identity and strive for self-determination. Figures like Simonas Daukantas promoted a return to Lithuania's pre-Commonwealth traditions, which he depicted as a Golden Age, emphasizing the renewal of native culture based on the Lithuanian language and customs. He wrote a history of Lithuania in Lithuanian, Darbai senųjų lietuvių ir žemaičių (The Deeds of Ancient Lithuanians and Samogitians), as early as 1822, though it was not published at the time. Teodor Narbutt, a contemporary of Daukantas, wrote a voluminous Ancient History of the Lithuanian Nation (1835-1841) in Polish, similarly expounding on the concept of historic Lithuania and pointing out the relationship between the Lithuanian and Sanskrit languages.

Lithuanians resisted Russification through an extensive network of knygnešiai (book smugglers) who secretly distributed Lithuanian-language publications printed abroad (mostly in Lithuania Minor, then part of East Prussia) and through secret Lithuanian homeschooling. This grassroots resistance was crucial for preserving the language and fostering national consciousness. The National Revival laid the intellectual and cultural foundations for the eventual re-establishment of an independent Lithuanian state. In 1905, the Great Seimas of Vilnius convened, and its participants adopted resolutions demanding wide political autonomy for Lithuania within the Russian Empire.

3.5. Republic of Lithuania (1918-1940)

During World War I, Lithuanian territories were occupied by the German Empire and administered as part of Ober Ost. In 1917, the Lithuanians organized the Vilnius Conference, which adopted a resolution expressing the aspiration for the restoration of Lithuania's sovereignty and elected the Council of Lithuania (Lietuvos Taryba_{Lietuvos Taryba}^Lithuanian). Initially, in 1918, a short-lived Kingdom of Lithuania was proclaimed with a German duke as king, but this plan was quickly abandoned. On February 16, 1918, the Council of Lithuania adopted the Act of Independence of Lithuania, declaring the restoration of Lithuania as a democratic republic with its capital in Vilnius, and severing all state relations that had previously existed with other nations.

The newly restored state had to defend its independence in the Lithuanian Wars of Independence (1918-1920) against Bolshevik Russia, the Bermontians (a German-Russian mercenary force), and Poland. Lithuania's aspirations clashed with Józef Piłsudski's vision of a Polish-led federation, Intermarium, encompassing territories of the former Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Lithuanian authorities successfully thwarted a Polish-backed coup attempt in 1919. However, in October 1920, during Żeligowski's Mutiny, Polish forces under General Lucjan Żeligowski seized the Vilnius Region, establishing the puppet state of the Republic of Central Lithuania, which was subsequently incorporated into Poland in 1922.

Consequently, Kaunas became the temporary capital and the center of Lithuanian political life until 1940. The Constituent Assembly of Lithuania (Steigiamasis Seimas_{Steigiamasis Seimas}^Lithuanian) convened in Kaunas and adopted a democratic constitution. In 1923, Lithuania organized the Klaipėda Revolt, successfully unifying the Klaipėda Region (Memel Territory), previously administered by the Allies, with Lithuania. The interwar Republic saw significant social and economic development, but also political instability. The 1926 Lithuanian coup d'état overthrew the democratically elected government and President Kazys Grinius, establishing an authoritarian regime led by Antanas Smetona, which lasted until 1940. This marked a significant setback for democratic development in Lithuania.

3.6. World War II and Occupations

The late 1930s brought immense pressure on Lithuania. In March 1938, Lithuania accepted a Polish ultimatum demanding the establishment of diplomatic relations, effectively a Lithuanian acknowledgment of Polish control over Vilnius. In March 1939, following a German ultimatum, Lithuania was forced to cede the Klaipėda Region to Nazi Germany. After the outbreak of World War II in September 1939, Lithuania initially declared neutrality. However, under the secret protocols of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, Lithuania was initially assigned to the German sphere of influence, but later transferred to the Soviet sphere. In October 1939, Lithuania was compelled to sign the Soviet-Lithuanian Mutual Assistance Treaty, which allowed the Soviet Union to establish military bases on Lithuanian territory in exchange for the return of a part of the Vilnius Region (including the city of Vilnius) which the Soviets had taken from Poland.

In June 1940, the Soviet Union issued an ultimatum to Lithuania, demanding the formation of a pro-Soviet government and the stationing of unlimited numbers of Red Army troops. Faced with overwhelming force and lack of international support, Lithuania accepted the ultimatum. This led to the Soviet occupation of Lithuania on June 15, 1940. A puppet "People's Government" was installed, which subsequently declared Lithuania a Soviet Socialist Republic and requested its admission into the USSR, a process completed in August 1940. This period was marked by Sovietization, including nationalization of property and mass deportations of Lithuanian citizens, targeting political figures, intellectuals, and business owners, which constituted severe human rights violations.

When Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941, the June Uprising broke out, with Lithuanians hoping to restore independence. A Provisional Government of Lithuania was formed, and the Red Army was briefly expelled from parts of the country. However, the Nazi German forces quickly occupied Lithuania, dissolved the Provisional Government, and incorporated Lithuania into the Reichskommissariat Ostland. The German occupation (1941-1944) was brutal. The Holocaust in Lithuania resulted in the systematic murder of approximately 91-95% of Lithuania's Jewish population, one of the highest extermination rates in Europe. About 190,000-195,000 Lithuanian Jews were killed, often with the collaboration of some local Lithuanian auxiliary police units. Lithuanian resistance movements, both anti-Nazi and later anti-Soviet, operated during this period. The war and occupations had a devastating impact on Lithuania's population, societal structures, and its sovereignty.

3.7. Soviet Era (1944-1990)

In mid-1944, as the tide of World War II turned against Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union re-occupied Lithuania. This marked the beginning of the second Soviet occupation, which lasted nearly five decades. The re-establishment of Soviet rule brought renewed political repressions, including mass deportations to Siberia and other remote parts of the USSR, which continued until Stalin's death in 1953. These deportations primarily targeted those perceived as enemies of the Soviet regime, including farmers resisting collectivization, intellectuals, and former members of the interwar Lithuanian state.

A large-scale armed resistance movement, often referred to as the "Forest Brothers" (miško broliai_{miško broliai}^Lithuanian), fought against Soviet rule from 1944 until the early 1950s. Thousands of partisans and their supporters attempted to militarily restore independent Lithuania, but their struggle was eventually suppressed by the superior forces of the Soviet NKVD and MGB, with the assistance of local collaborators known as stribai. Leaders of the resistance, such as Jonas Žemaitis (posthumously recognized as President of Lithuania) and Adolfas Ramanauskas, were captured and executed.

Under Soviet rule, Lithuania underwent forced collectivization and rapid industrialization. Policies of Russification were implemented, although Lithuanian language and culture managed to survive, partly due to a strong sense of national identity and the efforts of dissidents. National symbols were prohibited, and the Communist Party maintained tight control over all aspects of life, imposing its ideology and promoting atheism. Freedom of speech, assembly, and press were severely curtailed, and any opposition was harshly repressed. The Soviet era had a profound negative impact on Lithuania's democratic development and human rights.

Despite the repression, dissident movements and underground cultural activities persisted. From the late 1980s, with the advent of Gorbachev's policies of Glasnost and Perestroika, the Sąjūdis reform movement emerged. Initially advocating for greater autonomy and cultural rights, Sąjūdis rapidly evolved into a force for full independence. In 1989, the Baltic Way, a human chain connecting Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn, demonstrated the Baltic peoples' unified desire for freedom and drew international attention to their cause.

3.8. Restoration of Independence (1990-Present)

On March 11, 1990, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania, led by Vytautas Landsbergis, declared the restoration of Lithuania's independence. Lithuania thus became the first Soviet republic to break away from the USSR. The Soviet Union initially responded with an economic blockade, ceasing deliveries of raw materials from April 1990, but Lithuania did not renounce its declaration of independence.

Tensions escalated in January 1991 when Soviet forces attempted to stage a coup. Pro-Soviet groups, supported by the Soviet Army, MVD Internal Troops, and KGB, sought to overthrow the democratically elected government. However, tens of thousands of unarmed Lithuanian civilians converged on Vilnius to defend the Supreme Council building (Seimas Palace), the Vilnius TV Tower, and other key installations. During these January Events, Soviet troops attacked the TV Tower and other sites, killing 14 civilians and injuring hundreds. This violent crackdown was widely condemned internationally and further galvanized Lithuanian resolve. On July 31, 1991, Soviet paramilitaries killed seven Lithuanian border guards at the Medininkai border post on the Belarusian border.

Despite Soviet pressure, Lithuania's independence gained international recognition, particularly after the failed August Coup in Moscow. Iceland was the first Western nation to recognize Lithuanian independence in February 1991, followed by others. On September 17, 1991, Lithuania was admitted to the United Nations. The last units of the former Soviet Army (by then Russian Army) left Lithuania on August 31, 1993.

A new constitution was adopted by referendum on October 25, 1992, establishing a democratic, semi-presidential republic. Algirdas Brazauskas became the first directly elected president after the restoration of independence in February 1993. Since then, Lithuania has pursued a policy of integration into Western political and economic structures. It joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) on May 31, 2001. In March 2004, Lithuania became a member of NATO, and on May 1, 2004, it joined the European Union. Lithuania became part of the Schengen Area in December 2007 and adopted the Euro as its currency on January 1, 2015. On July 4, 2018, Lithuania officially joined the OECD.

Dalia Grybauskaitė served as President from 2009 to 2019, becoming the first female president and the first to be re-elected for a second consecutive term. Contemporary Lithuania faces challenges common to many democratic nations, but remains a strong advocate for democratic values and human rights in the region. In response to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Lithuania declared a state of emergency and, along with other NATO members, invoked Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty for consultations on security. On July 11-12, 2023, Vilnius hosted the 2023 NATO summit, underscoring its role in regional and international security.

4.1. Topography and Landscape

Lithuania lies at the edge of the North European Plain. Its landscape was largely shaped by the glaciers of the last ice age, resulting in a terrain of moderate lowlands and highlands. The country lacks high mountains; its highest point is Aukštojas Hill at 965 ft ^{(294 m)} in the eastern part of the country. The landscape is characterized by numerous lakes (such as Lake Vištytis), wetlands, and morainic hills. A mixed forest zone covers over 33% of the country. Lake Drūkšiai is the largest lake, Lake Tauragnas is the deepest, and Lake Asveja is the longest lake in Lithuania. The typical Lithuanian landscape features flatlands interspersed with lakes, swamps, and forests. The sand dunes of the Curonian Spit near Nida are the highest drifting sand dunes in Europe and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4.2. Climate

Lithuania has a temperate climate that transitions between maritime and continental influences. Under the Köppen climate classification, it is generally defined as humid continental climate (Dfb), although a narrow coastal zone exhibits characteristics closer to an oceanic climate.

Average temperatures on the coast are around 27.5 °F ^{(-2.5 °C)} in January and 60.8 °F ^{(16 °C)} in July. In the capital, Vilnius, located further inland, average temperatures are approximately 21.2 °F ^{(-6 °C)} in January and 62.6 °F ^{(17 °C)} in July. Summer daytime temperatures commonly reach 68 °F ^{(20 °C)}, with nighttime lows around 57.2 °F ^{(14 °C)}; temperatures have occasionally reached as high as 86 °F ^{(30 °C)} or 95 °F ^{(35 °C)}. Winters can be very cold, with temperatures dropping to -4 °F ^{(-20 °C)} almost every year. Extreme winter temperatures can fall to -29.200000000000003 °F ^{(-34 °C)} in coastal areas and as low as -45.400000000000006 °F ^{(-43 °C)} in the eastern part of Lithuania.

The average annual precipitation is 31 in ^{(800 mm)} on the coast, 35 in ^{(900 mm)} in the Samogitian highlands, and 24 in ^{(600 mm)} in the eastern part of the country. Snowfall occurs annually, typically from October to April, though sleet can occasionally fall in September or May. The growing season lasts about 202 days in the western part of the country and 169 days in the eastern part. Severe storms are rare in eastern Lithuania but more common in coastal areas.

Historical temperature records for the Baltic area, covering about 250 years, indicate warm periods during the latter half of the 18th century, followed by a relatively cool 19th century. A warming trend in the early 20th century peaked in the 1930s, succeeded by a minor cooling period that lasted until the 1960s. A general warming trend has persisted since then. Lithuania experienced a drought in 2002, which led to forest and peat bog fires.

4.3. Biodiversity and Environment

Lithuanian ecosystems include natural and semi-natural environments such as forests, bogs, wetlands, and meadows, as well as anthropogenic ecosystems like agricultural and urban areas. Forests are a particularly important natural resource, covering approximately 33% of the country's territory. Wetlands, including raised bogs, fens, and transitional mires, cover about 7.9% of Lithuania. However, about 70% of wetlands were lost between 1960 and 1980 due to drainage and peat extraction. These changes have led to the replacement of moss and grass communities by trees and shrubs, and fens not directly affected by land reclamation have become drier due to a drop in the water table. Lithuania has 29,000 rivers with a total length of 40 K mile ^{(64.00 K km)}, and the Nemunas River basin occupies 74% of the country's territory. The construction of dams has resulted in the loss of approximately 70% of spawning sites for catadromous fish species. Some river and lake ecosystems continue to be impacted by anthropogenic eutrophication.

After the restoration of Lithuania's independence in 1990, the Aplinkos apsaugos įstatymas (Environmental Protection Act) was adopted in 1992. This law provided the foundation for regulating social relations in environmental protection and established the basic rights and obligations for preserving Lithuania's biodiversity, ecological systems, and landscapes. As part of the European Union, Lithuania agreed to cut carbon emissions by at least 20% of 1990 levels by 2020 and by at least 40% by 2030. Additionally, by 2020, at least 20% (and 27% by 2030) of the country's total energy consumption was targeted to come from renewable energy sources. In 2016, Lithuania introduced an effective container deposit legislation, which resulted in the collection of 92% of all packaging in 2017. These policies reflect a growing concern for environmental sustainability, which has direct social impacts on public health and quality of life.

Lithuania is home to two terrestrial ecoregions: Central European mixed forests and Sarmatic mixed forests. The country has five national parks, 30 regional parks, 402 nature reserves, and 668 state-protected natural heritage objects. The landscape, though not mountainous, is marked by blooming meadows, dense forests, fertile fields, and numerous hillforts, ancient sites of pagan worship.

Agricultural land comprises 54% of Lithuania's territory, with roughly 70% of that being arable land and 30% meadows and pastures. Approximately 988 K acre ^{(400.00 K ha)} of agricultural land is not farmed, serving as an ecological niche for weeds and invasive plant species. Habitat deterioration is a concern in regions with highly productive land as crop areas expand. Currently, 18.9% of all plant species, including 1.87% of known fungi species and 31% of known lichen species, are listed in the Lithuanian Red Data Book. The list also includes 8% of all fish species.

Wildlife populations have rebounded as hunting has become more restricted and urbanization has allowed for forest replanting; forests have tripled in size since their historical lows. Lithuania currently has approximately 250,000 larger wild animals. The most prolific large wild animal is the roe deer (around 120,000), followed by wild boars (around 55,000). Other ungulates include red deer (c. 22,000), fallow deer (c. 21,000), and moose (c. 7,000). Among predators, foxes are the most common (c. 27,000), while wolves (around 800) and lynxes (around 200) are rarer but culturally significant.

5.1. Governance Structure

The President is the head of state, directly elected for a five-year term, serving a maximum of two consecutive terms. The President oversees foreign affairs and national security, is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and appoints the Prime Minister (subject to parliamentary approval), the rest of the Cabinet (on the Prime Minister's nomination), a number of other top civil servants, and judges for most courts. The current President is Gitanas Nausėda, first elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2024.

The Prime Minister is the head of government and is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the country. The Cabinet (Government) consists of the Prime Minister and ministers heading various government departments. The current Prime Minister is Gintautas Paluckas, who took office in December 2024.

The Speaker of the Seimas leads the parliament.

5.2. Parliament (Seimas)

The Seimas is the unicameral parliament of Lithuania. It consists of 141 members elected for a four-year term through a mixed electoral system: 71 members are elected in single-member constituencies, and the remaining 70 are elected through nationwide proportional representation. A political party must receive at least 5% of the national vote (7% for coalitions) to be eligible for any of the 70 national seats. The Seimas is the primary legislative body, responsible for enacting laws, approving the state budget, overseeing the government, and ratifying international treaties. Its role is central to Lithuania's democratic governance and the protection of citizens' rights.

5.3. Political Parties and Elections

Lithuania has a fragmented multi-party system, where coalition governments are common due to no single party usually winning an outright majority. Major political parties include the Homeland Union - Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS-LKD), the Social Democratic Party of Lithuania (LSDP), the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union (LVŽS), the Liberal Movement (LS), and the Labour Party (DP), among others. The political landscape reflects a spectrum of ideologies from conservative and liberal to social democratic and agrarian.

Lithuania was one of the first countries in the world to grant women's suffrage, with women gaining the right to vote under the 1918 Constitution and exercising it for the first time in 1919. This early adoption of universal suffrage underscores a historical inclination towards democratic participation.

Elections are held regularly for the Seimas (parliamentary), President (presidential), municipal councils (local), and the European Parliament. To be eligible for election to the Seimas, candidates must be at least 21 years old, not under allegiance to a foreign state, and permanently reside in Lithuania. The 2024 Lithuanian parliamentary election resulted in the Social Democratic Party of Lithuania winning the most seats, leading to the formation of a coalition government headed by Gintautas Paluckas. Presidential elections determine the head of state, with the most recent held in 2024, won by Gitanas Nausėda. Local elections for municipal councils and mayors empower local self-government and democratic participation at the grassroots level. European Parliament elections allow Lithuanian citizens to participate in the EU's legislative process.

5.4. Law and Law Enforcement

The Lithuanian legal system is based on civil law, influenced by Roman law traditions. Its historical foundations include the Casimir's Code (1468) and the three editions of the Statutes of Lithuania (1529, 1566, 1588), which were sophisticated legal codes for their time. The Constitution of 3 May 1791 of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was Europe's first modern codified national constitution. The current Constitution of Lithuania was adopted by referendum on October 25, 1992, establishing the framework for a democratic state governed by the rule of law. Key legal codes, such as the Civil Code (2001) and Criminal Code (2003), have been updated to align with modern European standards. European Union law has been an integral part of the Lithuanian legal system since its accession in 2004.

Law enforcement is primarily the responsibility of the Lietuvos policija (Lithuanian Police), which operates through local commissariats. Specialized units include the Lietuvos policijos antiteroristinių operacijų rinktinė Aras (Anti-Terrorist Operations Team "Aras"), the Lietuvos kriminalinės policijos biuras (Lithuanian Criminal Police Bureau), and others. While Lithuania faced significant crime challenges after regaining independence, law enforcement agencies have worked to improve public safety. Crime rates have generally been declining.

Corruption remains a concern, with a 2013 Eurobarometer survey indicating that a significant portion of the population perceived it as widespread, though levels have reportedly been decreasing. Capital punishment was suspended in 1996 and abolished in 1998, reflecting a commitment to human rights standards. Lithuania has had a high number of prison inmates per capita compared to other EU countries, a situation attributed by some experts more to a punitive legal culture than to exceptionally high criminality.

5.5. Human Rights

The Constitution of Lithuania guarantees fundamental human rights and civil liberties, including freedom of speech, press, assembly, and religion. Lithuania is a party to major international human rights treaties and, as a member of the European Union and the Council of Europe, adheres to the European Convention on Human Rights. Overall, human rights are generally respected, but challenges remain in certain areas.

Areas of concern highlighted by human rights organizations and international bodies include the rights of LGBT individuals, where societal acceptance and legal protections have been slower to advance compared to some other EU countries. Protections for ethnic minorities, such as the Polish and Russian communities, are generally in place, including rights to education in minority languages, but issues related to language use in public life and representation have occasionally arisen. The state has taken steps to combat human trafficking and domestic violence.

Freedom of the press is largely upheld, though concerns about media ownership concentration and political influence on media have been noted. The legal framework provides for gender equality, but disparities in pay and representation in leadership positions persist. Efforts to improve prison conditions and reduce overcrowding are ongoing. The government has also focused on protecting the rights of children and persons with disabilities. Lithuania's commitment to democratic values inherently includes a focus on upholding and improving human rights for all its citizens and residents, aligning with social liberal principles of equality and justice.

6.1. Counties

Lithuania is divided into 10 counties (apskritis_apskritìs^Lithuanian, plural: apskritys_apskritýs^Lithuanian). These are:

County governors (apskrities viršininkas_{apskrities viršininkas}^Lithuanian) used to be appointed by the central government, but the county governorships were abolished in 2010. Their primary role was to ensure that municipalities adhered to national laws. Currently, counties serve primarily as territorial units for state governance and statistical purposes.

6.2. Municipalities

The 10 counties are subdivided into 60 municipalities (savivaldybė_{savivaldýbė}^Lithuanian, plural: savivaldybės_{savivaldýbės}^Lithuanian). These are the primary units of local self-government. There are several types of municipalities:

• 7 city municipalities (miesto savivaldybė_{miesto savivaldybė}^Lithuanian)
• 43 district municipalities (rajono savivaldybė_{rajono savivaldybė}^Lithuanian)
• 10 municipalities (simply savivaldybė_savivaldybė^Lithuanian), established after 1994 under unique circumstances.

Each municipality has its own directly elected council and, since 2015, a directly elected mayor. Municipal councils are responsible for local services, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social welfare within their jurisdictions.

6.3. Elderships

Municipalities are further divided into over 500 elderships (seniūnija_seniūnijà^Lithuanian, plural: seniūnijos_seniūnijos^Lithuanian). Elderships are the smallest administrative units and are responsible for providing local public services, such as registering births and deaths in rural areas, and play a significant role in the social sector by identifying and assisting needy individuals and families, distributing welfare, and organizing local community initiatives. The head of an eldership is the elder (seniūnas_seniūnas^Lithuanian), appointed by the municipal council.

6.4. Cultural Regions

In addition to formal administrative divisions, Lithuania is also characterized by five traditional ethnographic (or cultural) regions (etnografiniai regionai_{etnografiniai regionai}^Lithuanian). These regions are not administrative units but are recognized for their distinct cultural, historical, linguistic (dialectal), and traditional characteristics:

• Aukštaitija (Highlands): Located in northeastern Lithuania, it is the largest ethnographic region and considered the cradle of the Lithuanian state.
• Samogitia (Žemaitija_Žemaitija^Lithuanian, Lowlands): Situated in western Lithuania, known for its distinct dialect and strong regional identity.
• Dzūkija (also Dainava): Located in southeastern Lithuania, characterized by extensive forests and sandy soils, with unique cultural traditions and dialects.
• Suvalkija (also Sudovia or Užnemunė): Found in southwestern Lithuania, known for its fertile agricultural lands and distinct cultural heritage.
• Lithuania Minor (Mažoji Lietuva_{Mažoji Lietuva}^Lithuanian): A coastal region in southwestern Lithuania, historically influenced by Prussian and German culture. Only a small part of historical Lithuania Minor is within present-day Lithuania (mainly the Klaipėda Region).

These cultural regions play an important role in preserving Lithuania's diverse heritage and local identities.

9.1. Agriculture

Agriculture in Lithuania dates back to the Neolithic period, around 3,000 to 1,000 BC, and has been a cornerstone of the Lithuanian economy and way of life for many centuries. The country's climate and fertile soils are well-suited for various agricultural activities. Lithuania's accession to the European Union in 2004 brought significant changes to the sector, including access to the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and adherence to high standards of food safety and purity. The Seimas (parliament) adopted a Law on Product Safety in 1999 and a Law on Food in 2000, guiding the reform of the agricultural market.

In 2016, Lithuania's agricultural production was valued at 2.29 B EUR. Cereal crops constituted the largest share of production, with 5,709,500 tons harvested. Other significant crops included sugar beets (933,900 tons), rapeseed (392,500 tons), and potatoes (340,200 tons). Livestock farming, particularly dairy and meat production, also plays an important role.

Agricultural and food products are significant contributors to Lithuania's exports. In 2016, these products accounted for 18.8% of all goods exported, with a total value of 4.38 B EUR, of which products of Lithuanian origin amounted to 3.17 B EUR.

Organic farming is gaining popularity in Lithuania. The public body Ekoagros is responsible for certifying organic growers and producers. In 2016, there were 2,539 certified organic farms, cultivating an area of 225,541.9 hectares. Of this area, cereals occupied 43.1%, perennial grasses 31.2%, leguminous crops 13.5%, and other crops 12.2%. This trend reflects a growing emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices and healthier food production, aligning with broader social concerns for environmental protection and consumer well-being.

9.2. Science and Technology

Lithuania has a growing science and technology sector, with historical roots in academic pursuits and innovation. The establishment of Vilnius University in 1579 was a major catalyst for scientific and academic development. Over the centuries, notable figures with Lithuanian connections have contributed to various scientific fields. The 17th-century artillery expert Kazimieras Simonavičius is considered a pioneer of rocketry for his work Artis Magnae Artilleriae, which discussed multistage rockets and rocket batteries. Botanist Jurgis Pabrėža (1771-1849) created the first systematic guide to Lithuanian flora. German scientist Theodor Grotthuss (1785-1822), who proposed the Grotthuss mechanism in electrochemistry, lived and worked in Lithuania.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, Lithuanian scientists have made significant contributions both domestically and internationally. These include mathematician Jonas Kubilius, known for the Kubilius model in probabilistic number theory; archaeologist Marija Gimbutas, famous for her Kurgan hypothesis and studies of Old European cultures; primatologist Birutė Galdikas, a leading authority on orangutans; and biochemist Virginijus Šikšnys, one of the pioneers of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology, for which he received the Kavli Prize. Lithuanian-American engineer Arvydas Kliorė was instrumental in NASA's deep space communications.

Laser technology and biotechnology are flagship fields in contemporary Lithuanian science and high-tech industry. Lithuanian laser companies, such as Šviesos konversija (Light Conversion) and Ekspla, are global leaders in the production of femtosecond lasers and other advanced laser systems, used in research, medicine, and industry. The Vilnius University Laser Research Center is a prominent research institution. Lithuania has also launched three satellites into space: LitSat-1 and Lituanica SAT-1 in 2014, and LituanicaSAT-2 in 2017. The country is a cooperating state with the European Space Agency (ESA) and became an Associate Member State of CERN in 2018.

The Lithuanian government has actively promoted research and development (R&D) and innovation. Initiatives include the establishment of "Valleys" (integrated science, studies, and business centers) like Santara Valley (biotechnology, innovative medicine), Saulėtekis Valley (physics, technology, lasers), and Santaka Valley (sustainable chemistry, mechatronics). The Life Sciences Center at Vilnius University and the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology are leading research hubs. In 2016, the biotech and life science sector in Lithuania reported a yearly growth of 22% over the previous five years. The social and ethical implications of these technological advancements, particularly in biotechnology and artificial intelligence, are increasingly part of public and policy discussions. Lithuania was ranked 35th in the Global Innovation Index in 2024.

9.3. Tourism

Tourism in Lithuania is a growing sector of the economy, offering a diverse range of attractions that appeal to both international and domestic visitors. In 2023, Lithuania received 1.4 million international tourists who stayed at least one night. The largest numbers of visitors came from neighboring countries like Poland (173,500), Latvia (144,300), and Belarus (141,900), as well as from Germany (127,400), the United Kingdom (74,200), the United States (69,700), Ukraine (67,000), and Estonia (61,300). Domestic tourism has also been on the rise.

Major tourist destinations include the capital city, Vilnius, with its UNESCO-listed Old Town, rich in Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical architecture. Kaunas, the second-largest city, is known for its interwar modernist architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Klaipėda, the country's main seaport, serves as a gateway to the Curonian Spit, another UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its unique sand dunes and natural beauty. Coastal resorts like Palanga and Nida are popular for summer holidays.

Spa towns such as Druskininkai and Birštonas are renowned for their mineral water springs, sanatoriums, and wellness facilities, attracting visitors seeking health and relaxation treatments. Lithuania offers around 1,000 places of attraction, including numerous castles, manors, ethnographic villages, and natural parks.

Activities like hot air ballooning are particularly popular, especially over Vilnius and Trakai with its iconic island castle. Cycle tourism is growing, with well-developed routes like the Lithuanian Seaside Cycle Route. EuroVelo routes EV10 (Baltic Sea Cycle Route), EV11 (East Europe Route), and EV13 (Iron Curtain Trail) pass through Lithuania, with a total of 2.3 K mile ^{(3.77 K km)} of bicycle tracks in the country (1.2 K mile ^{(1.99 K km)} of which are asphalt-paved). Nature tourism is also prominent, with areas like Nemunas Delta Regional Park and Žuvintas Biosphere Reserve known for birdwatching.

The total contribution of tourism to Lithuania's GDP was 1.70 B EUR (2.3% of GDP) in 2023, and the sector is recovering and growing following the COVID-19 pandemic. The recent inclusion of Lithuanian restaurants in the Michelin Guide in 2024 is expected to further boost culinary tourism.

10.1. Communication and Information Technology

Lithuania possesses a well-developed communications infrastructure. The country, with approximately 2.8 million citizens, had around 5 million active SIM cards, indicating high mobile phone penetration. The largest LTE (4G) mobile network covers about 97% of Lithuania's territory, providing widespread high-speed mobile internet access. The use of fixed-line telephones has been rapidly declining due to the expansion of mobile-cellular services.

In 2017, Lithuania ranked among the top 30 countries globally for average mobile broadband speeds and in the top 20 for average fixed broadband speeds. It was also among the top 7 countries in the world for 4G LTE penetration in 2017. The country has made significant strides in e-government services, ranking 17th in the United Nations' e-participation index in 2016. Lithuania hosts four TIER III certified datacenters, supporting its growing digital economy.

The RAIN (Development of Rural Areas Broadband Network) project, running from 2005 to 2013 and funded by the EU and the Lithuanian government, aimed to provide fiber-optic broadband access to residents, state and municipal authorities, and businesses in rural areas. This infrastructure allows numerous communication operators to offer network services to their clients, bridging the digital divide. While in 2017, household internet access was around 72% (among the EU's lower rates at the time), it was projected to increase. Smartphone penetration was nearly 50% in 2016 and expected to grow. Lithuania boasts the highest Fiber to the home (FTTH) penetration rate in Europe (36.8% as of September 2016), according to the FTTH Council Europe.

10.2. Transport

Transportation is a significant sector in the Lithuanian economy. The country's first railway connection was established in the mid-19th century with the construction of the Warsaw - Saint Petersburg Railway. Currently, Lithuania's railway network consists of 1.1 K mile ^{(1.76 K km)} of 0.1 K in ^{(1.52 K mm)} Russian gauge railway, of which 76 mile ^{(122 km)} are electrified. This network is largely incompatible with the European standard gauge, requiring train switching for cross-border traffic with Poland. However, Lithuania also has 71 mile ^{(115 km)} of standard gauge lines. The strategically important Rail Baltica project, a Trans-European standard gauge railway linking Helsinki-Tallinn-Riga-Kaunas-Warsaw and continuing to Berlin, is under construction and aims to integrate the Baltic states into the European rail network. Lietuvos geležinkeliai (Lithuanian Railways) operates most railway lines.

Lithuania has an extensive network of motorways and national roads. The World Economic Forum (WEF) has generally rated Lithuanian road quality reasonably well. The road haulage industry is highly developed, with Lithuanian transport companies being major players in the European market. Almost 90% of commercial truck traffic in Lithuania is international transport, the highest proportion in the EU.

The Port of Klaipėda is Lithuania's only commercial cargo port and is an important ice-free harbor on the Baltic Sea. In 2011, it handled 45.5 million tons of cargo (including figures from the Būtingė oil terminal). While not among the EU's top 20 largest ports by overall volume, it is a significant port in the Baltic Sea region and has ongoing expansion plans. The Lithuanian Inland Waterways Authority (Vidaus vandens kelių direkcija) is working to revive cargo shipping on the Nemunas River, aiming to connect Kaunas with Klaipėda via electric ships, which is projected to reduce truck traffic and emissions.

Vilnius Airport is the largest airport in Lithuania, handling 3.8 million passengers in 2016. Other international airports include Kaunas Airport, Palanga International Airport, and Šiauliai International Airport. Kaunas Airport also functions as a small commercial cargo hub. An inland river cargo port in Marvelė, connecting Kaunas and Klaipėda, received its first cargo in 2019.

10.3. Energy

Lithuania's key energy strategy revolves around the systematic diversification of energy imports and resources, aiming for greater energy independence and security. This was outlined in the National Energy Independence Strategy adopted by the Seimas in 2012.

Following the decommissioning of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant (Unit 1 closed in 2004, Unit 2 in 2009 as a condition for EU entry), Lithuania transitioned from an electricity exporter to an importer. Proposals for a new nuclear power plant, the Visaginas Nuclear Power Plant, were clouded by a non-binding referendum in 2012 where 63% of voters opposed the project. The country's main domestic source of electrical power is the Elektrėnai Power Plant, a thermal power station. Other important facilities include the Kruonis Pumped Storage Plant (the only one of its kind in the Baltic states, crucial for grid regulation) and the Kaunas Hydroelectric Power Plant. As of 2015, 66% of Lithuania's electricity was imported.

To enhance energy security and connect with European markets, Lithuania has developed significant interconnections. The NordBalt submarine electricity interconnection with Sweden and the LitPol Link electricity interconnection with Poland were launched at the end of 2015. In 2018, the process of synchronizing the Baltic states' electricity grid with the Continental European Network (CEN) began, aiming to reduce dependence on the Russian-controlled IPS/UPS grid.

Renewable energy is an increasing focus. In 2016, 20.8% of electricity consumed in Lithuania came from renewable sources. The first geothermal heating plant in the Baltic Sea region, the Klaipėda Geothermal Demonstration Plant, was built in 2004. Environmental and social considerations, such as reducing carbon emissions and ensuring affordable energy, are key drivers in energy policy.

To break Gazprom's monopoly in the natural gas market, Lithuania constructed the Klaipėda LNG terminal, the first large-scale LNG import terminal in the Baltic region, which became operational in 2014. The floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) is named Independence. Norwegian company Equinor has been a key supplier. The terminal can meet Lithuania's entire demand and a significant portion of Latvia's and Estonia's demand. The Gas Interconnection Poland-Lithuania (GIPL), a natural gas pipeline between Lithuania and Poland, became operational in 2022, further enhancing regional energy security and market integration.

11.1. Ethnic Groups and Minorities

Lithuania has the most ethnically homogeneous population among the Baltic States. According to the 2024 data, Lithuanians make up approximately 82.6% of the country's 2.81 million residents. They speak Lithuanian, which is the official language.

Several significant minorities exist:

• Poles are the largest minority group, constituting about 6.3% of the population. They are primarily concentrated in southeastern Lithuania, particularly in the Vilnius Region, forming a majority in Šalčininkai District Municipality (76.3%) and a large minority in Vilnius District Municipality (46.8%).
• Russians are the second-largest minority, making up about 5.0%. They are concentrated mainly in cities like Visaginas (47.4% Russian), Klaipėda (16.0%), and the Zarasai District Municipality (17.2%).
• Belarusians account for about 2.1% of the population.
• Ukrainians constitute about 1.7%.
• Other smaller minority groups include about 2,250 Roma, mostly living in Vilnius, Kaunas, and Panevėžys. Historic communities of Lipka Tatars (around 2,150 registered in 2021) and Karaites (around 196 registered in 2021) have lived in Lithuania for centuries.

Lithuania's policies generally aim to protect the rights of ethnic minorities, including the right to education in their native languages. This commitment to multiculturalism is an important aspect of Lithuania's social fabric, though challenges related to social integration and representation sometimes arise.

11.2. Languages

The official language of Lithuania is Lithuanian (lietuvių kalba_{lietuvių kalba}^Lithuanian), which is also one of the official languages of the European Union. It is spoken as a native language by about 85.33% of the population (2021 census). Lithuanian is one of two living Baltic languages, the other being Latvian; while related, they are not mutually intelligible. Lithuanian is renowned among linguists for being one of the most conservative living Indo-European languages, retaining many archaic features of Proto-Indo-European. This makes the study of Lithuanian important for comparative linguistics. It is written using an adapted version of the Latin alphabet.

Minority languages spoken in Lithuania include Polish (native to 5.1% of the population), Russian (native to 6.8%), Belarusian, and Ukrainian. These languages are most prevalent in areas with significant minority populations, such as the Vilnius region (Polish) and cities like Visaginas and Klaipėda (Russian). Yiddish was historically spoken by the large Jewish community but is now used by only a very small number of people. The Lithuanian state guarantees education in minority languages, and there are numerous publicly funded schools where Polish or Russian is the language of instruction.

Knowledge of foreign languages is widespread. According to the 2021 census, 60.6% of residents reported speaking Russian as a foreign language, 31.1% English, 10.5% Lithuanian (among non-native speakers), 8% German, 7.9% Polish (among non-native speakers), and 1.9% French. English is taught as the first foreign language in most Lithuanian schools, with German, French, or Russian also offered. Around 80% of young Lithuanians are reported to know English.

The development of written Lithuanian was significantly advanced in the 16th and 17th centuries by scholars such as Mikalojus Daukša, Martynas Mažvydas, and Konstantinas Sirvydas. Jonas Jablonskis played a crucial role in standardizing the modern Lithuanian language in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

11.2.1. Dialects

The Lithuanian language has two main dialect groups:

• Aukštaitian dialect (Aukštaičių tarmė_{Aukštaičių tarmė}^Lithuanian, High Lithuanian): Spoken in the central, southern, and eastern parts of Lithuania. Standard Lithuanian is primarily based on the Western Aukštaitian sub-dialects.
• Samogitian dialect (Žemaičių tarmė_{Žemaičių tarmė}^Lithuanian, Low Lithuanian): Spoken in the western part of Lithuania, known as Samogitia. Samogitian is considerably different from Standard Lithuanian and is sometimes considered a separate language by some linguists and its speakers due to distinct phonology, morphology, and vocabulary.

These main dialect groups are further subdivided into sub-dialects and local varieties (šnektos_šnektos^Lithuanian). The primary distinguishing phonetic feature between the two main dialects is the pronunciation of certain diphthongs, particularly the Proto-Baltic long *ō and *ē, which correspond to Lithuanian uo and ie respectively. Aukštaitian generally preserves these, while Samogitian has different reflexes. For example, Standard Lithuanian duona (bread) is douna in many Samogitian varieties, and pienas (milk) is pīns.

The preservation and study of these dialects are important for Lithuanian cultural heritage.

11.3. Urbanization and Major Cities

Lithuania has experienced a steady trend of urbanization since the 1990s, with a significant movement of the population from rural areas to cities. This has been partly encouraged by the planning of regional centers like Alytus, Marijampolė, Utena, Plungė, and Mažeikiai. By the early 21st century, approximately two-thirds of the total population lived in urban areas. As of 2021, 68.19% of the population resided in urban areas.

Lithuania's major functional urban areas (metropolitan areas) are centered around its largest cities:

• Vilnius (population of functional urban area: 708,203)
• Kaunas (population of functional urban area: 391,153)
• Panevėžys (population of functional urban area: 124,526)

Vilnius, the capital, is the largest city and the main political, economic, cultural, and educational center. It has received high rankings for economic potential and business friendliness in various international surveys. For example, fDi Intelligence (a service from the Financial Times) ranked Vilnius fourth among mid-sized European cities in its 2018-19 "Cities and Regions of the Future" report, second in the 2022-23 ranking, and second again in the 2023 ranking. Vilnius County also performed well in regional categories.

The largest cities in Lithuania by population (as of 2024/2025) are:

Urban development trends focus on modernizing infrastructure, improving housing, and promoting sustainable urban environments, while also addressing challenges such as aging populations in smaller towns and regional economic disparities.

11.4. Religion

Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion in Lithuania. According to the 2021 census, 74.2% of residents identified as Catholic. Catholicism has been the main religion since the official Christianisation of Lithuania in 1387. The Catholic Church played a significant role in preserving Lithuanian national identity and culture, particularly during periods of foreign rule. It was persecuted by the Russian Empire as part of Russification policies and by the Soviet Union during its anti-religious campaigns. During the Soviet era, some priests actively led the resistance against the Communist regime, symbolized by sites like the Hill of Crosses and clandestine publications such as The Chronicle of the Catholic Church in Lithuania. Lithuania is considered the northernmost predominantly Catholic country in the cultural sphere of Europe.

Other Christian denominations include:

• Eastern Orthodoxy: Practiced by 3.7% of the population, mainly among the Russian minority.
• Old Believers: Comprising 0.6% of the population, this community dates back to the 17th century when they sought refuge from persecution in Russia.
• Protestants: Constituting 0.8% of the population, including Lutherans (0.6%) and members of the Reformed Church (0.2%). Historically, Lutheranism was more widespread, particularly in the Klaipėda Region (Memel Territory) among Germans and Prussian Lithuanians, but this population largely fled or was expelled after World War II. Newly arriving Evangelical churches have established missions in Lithuania since 1990.

Other religions include:

• Islam: Maintained by the historical communities of Lipka Tatars.
• Judaism: Lithuania was historically an important center of Jewish scholarship and culture. Of the approximately 220,000 Jews living in Lithuania in June 1941, almost all were killed during the Holocaust. The Lithuanian Jewish community numbered about 4,000 at the end of 2009.
• Hinduism: A minority religion and a relatively recent development, spread by organizations like ISKCON, Sathya Sai Baba, Brahma Kumaris, and Osho.
• Romuva: A neopagan revival of ancient Lithuanian religious practices, Romuva has gained some popularity. It claims to continue living pagan traditions that survived in folklore and customs, asserting the sanctity of nature and including elements of ancestor worship. The 2011 census recorded 5,118 adherents.

According to the 2021 census, 6.1% of the population identified as having no religion (irreligious), and 10.1% did not specify their religious affiliation. Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Lithuanian Constitution.

11.5. Education

The Constitution of Lithuania mandates ten years of education, ending at age 16, and guarantees free public higher education for students deemed 'good' (based on academic merit). The Ministry of Education, Science and Sport proposes national educational policies and goals, which are then approved by the Seimas. In 2016, Lithuania spent 5.4% of its GDP or 15.4% of total public expenditure on education.

According to the World Bank, the literacy rate among Lithuanians aged 15 years and older is 100%. School attendance rates are above the EU average, and early school leaving is less common than in the EU. Eurostat data indicates that Lithuania leads EU countries in the proportion of the population with secondary education (93.3%). Based on OECD data, Lithuania is among the top 5 countries in the world for postsecondary (tertiary) education attainment. As of 2016, 54.9% of the population aged 25 to 34, and 30.7% of those aged 55 to 64 had completed tertiary education. The share of tertiary-educated 25-64-year-olds in STEM (STEM) fields and in business, administration, and law were both above the OECD average.

Despite these strengths, the Lithuanian education system faces several structural challenges. These include concerns about funding levels for certain areas, ensuring consistent quality across all institutions, and adapting to a decreasing student population due to demographic shifts (emigration and declining birth rates). Teacher salaries, while having increased, have historically been low compared to the EU average, leading to teacher strikes in 2014, 2015, and 2016. Salaries in the higher education sector are also comparatively low, sometimes compelling professors to take on second jobs.

PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) reports have shown Lithuanian students' performance in math, science, and reading to be around the OECD average in 2022, an improvement from earlier reports where they trailed the average. This relative improvement was partly attributed to a decrease in performance in other OECD countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The significant decline in the school-age population (ages 6 to 19 decreased by 36% between 2005 and 2015) has led to a decreasing student-teacher ratio and increasing expenditure per student, but it has also forced reorganizations and consolidations of schools, particularly in rural areas. Similar to other Baltic nations, the high number of higher education graduates, coupled with strong foreign language skills, has contributed to an educational brain drain, as many young, educated Lithuanians seek opportunities abroad.

As of 2008, Lithuania had 15 public and 6 private universities, along with 16 public and 11 private colleges. Vilnius University is one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe and the largest in Lithuania. Kaunas University of Technology is the largest technical university in the Baltic States. In an effort to reduce costs and adapt to the declining number of high-school students, the Lithuanian parliament has approved plans to consolidate the university network. For example, in early 2018, the Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences and Aleksandras Stulginskis University were merged into Vytautas Magnus University.

11.6. Health and Social Welfare

Lithuania provides universal healthcare coverage through a compulsory health insurance system. State-funded healthcare is available to all citizens and registered long-term residents. This system co-exists with a private healthcare sector, which offers mostly outpatient services often paid for out-of-pocket. The Ministry of Health oversees the healthcare system, runs some facilities, and is involved in the management of the two major teaching hospitals: Santaros Klinikos in Vilnius and the Kaunas Clinics. The State Public Health Centre manages a network of ten county public health centers.

Between 2003 and 2012, Lithuania undertook a significant restructuring of its hospital network as part of broader healthcare reforms, which included expanding ambulatory services and primary care. Emergency medical services are provided free of charge to all residents. Access to secondary and tertiary care, such as hospital treatment, is typically via referral from a general practitioner. Lithuania is noted for having some of the lowest healthcare prices in Europe. In the 2016 Euro health consumer index, Lithuania ranked 27th in Europe. In the 2024 World Happiness Report, Lithuania ranked 19th overall, and notably first for people under 30.

As of 2023, life expectancy at birth in Lithuania was 76.0 years (70.6 years for males and 81.6 for females). The infant mortality rate was 2.99 per 1,000 live births.

A significant social and public health issue in Lithuania has been its high suicide rate. Following a dramatic rise in the 1990s, the rate has been constantly decreasing but remained the highest in the EU and one of the highest in the OECD for many years. As of 2019, the suicide rate was 20.2 per 100,000 people. Research suggests the main reasons behind the high rate are complex, involving psychological, social, and economic factors, including rapid social transformations after independence, economic recessions, high rates of alcoholism, social isolation, and issues like bullying. The government and non-governmental organizations have been working on suicide prevention strategies and improving mental health support services.

The social welfare system provides various benefits, including pensions, unemployment benefits, family allowances, and support for vulnerable groups. Challenges include ensuring the adequacy of benefits, addressing poverty and social exclusion, and adapting the system to an aging population and emigration patterns. There are five Territorial Health Insurance Funds covering different regions, and contributions for economically active individuals are typically a percentage of their income.

12.1. Literature

Lithuanian literature has a rich history, with early writings often in Latin, the scholarly language of medieval Europe. Edicts of King Mindaugas and the Letters of Gediminas are prime examples. Notable Latin authors include Nicolaus Hussovianus (c. 1480 - after 1533), whose poem Carmen de statura, feritate ac venatione bisontis (1523) described Lithuanian life and landscape, and Augustinus Rotundus (c. 1520-1582), a publicist and mayor of Vilnius. Michalo Lituanus (c. 1490-1560) wrote De moribus tartarorum, lituanorum et moscorum (On the Customs of Tatars, Lithuanians and Muscovites). Jonas Radvanas penned the epic poem Radivilias (1588), intended as a Lithuanian national epic. Seventeenth-century scholars like Kazimieras Kojelavičius-Vijūkas and Žygimantas Liauksminas also wrote extensively in Latin.

Literature in the Lithuanian language began to be 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), marking a pivotal moment. He was followed by Mikalojus Daukša. Early Lithuanian literature, like that of much of Christian Europe, was primarily religious.

The evolution of Old Lithuanian literature (14th-18th century) culminates with Kristijonas Donelaitis (1714-1780), a prominent author of the Age of Enlightenment. His poem Metai (The Seasons), written in hexameter, is a landmark of Lithuanian fiction.

The 19th century, marked by the Lithuanian press ban under Russian rule, saw the rise of the Knygnešiai (book smugglers) movement, crucial for the survival of Lithuanian language and literature. Literature of this period blended Classicism, Sentimentalism, and Romanticism, with key figures including Maironis, Antanas Baranauskas, Simonas Daukantas, and Simonas Stanevičius.

Twentieth-century Lithuanian literature features authors such as Juozas Tumas-Vaižgantas, Antanas Vienuolis, Bernardas Brazdžionis, Vytautas Mačernis, Antanas Škėma, Balys Sruoga, and Justinas Marcinkevičius. Contemporary authors who gained prominence in the 21st century include Kristina Sabaliauskaitė, Renata Šerelytė, Valdas Papievis, Laura Sintija Černiauskaitė, and Rūta Šepetys.

12.2. Architecture

Lithuanian architecture reflects a diverse range of styles developed over centuries, from medieval fortifications to modern designs. Several architects have left a significant mark. Johann Christoph Glaubitz, Marcin Knackfus, Laurynas Gucevičius, and Karol Podczaszyński were instrumental in introducing Baroque and Neoclassical styles to Lithuania between the 17th and 19th centuries. Vilnius is often considered a capital of Eastern European Baroque, and its Old Town, filled with Baroque churches and other historic buildings, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lithuania is also known for its numerous castles. Around twenty castles exist, though many have been rebuilt or survive only partially. Notable examples include Trakai Island Castle, Gediminas' Tower in Vilnius, and Kaunas Castle. Many historic palaces and manor houses of the Lithuanian nobility have also been preserved and reconstructed, showcasing various architectural styles.

Traditional Lithuanian village life, with its distinctive wooden architecture, has existed for centuries. Villages like Zervynos and Kapiniškiai are preserved as ethnographic villages. The open-air museum at Rumšiškės displays traditional rural architecture from different ethnographic regions of Lithuania.

During the interwar period (1918-1940), Kaunas, then the temporary capital, saw a flourishing of Art Deco and Lithuanian National Romanticism in its architecture. This unique collection of modernist buildings is regarded as one of the finest examples of European Art Deco from that era and has received the European Heritage Label. Post-Soviet era architecture includes contemporary designs for public buildings, commercial centers, and residential projects, often blending modern aesthetics with respect for historical context.

12.3. Arts and Museums

Lithuanian visual arts have a rich tradition, encompassing painting, sculpture, graphic arts, and contemporary forms. The Lithuanian National Museum of Art, founded in 1933, is the largest museum for art conservation and display in the country, with several branches. Other important museums include the Palanga Amber Museum, showcasing intricate amber pieces; the National Gallery of Art in Vilnius, which presents a collection of Lithuanian art from the 20th and 21st centuries; and the National Museum of Lithuania, which focuses on Lithuanian archaeology, history, and ethnic culture. In 2018, two significant private museums opened: the MO Museum in Vilnius, devoted to modern and contemporary Lithuanian art, and Tartle, exhibiting a collection of Lithuanian art heritage and historical artifacts.

Perhaps the most renowned figure in Lithuania's art community was Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis (1875-1911), an internationally recognized symbolist painter and composer. His unique artistic vision blended music and visual art. The M. K. Čiurlionis National Art Museum in Kaunas is dedicated to his work. The Vytautas the Great War Museum, also in Kaunas, is the primary military museum in Lithuania.

Prominent Lithuanian painters of the 18th and 19th centuries include Franciszek Smuglewicz, Jan Rustem, Józef Oleszkiewicz, and Kanuty Rusiecki, who contributed significantly to the development of academic art in the region. The 20th century saw various artistic movements, from interwar modernism to Soviet-era art (both official and non-conformist) and contemporary expressions after the restoration of independence. Fluxus movement co-founder George Maciunas (Jurgis Mačiūnas) was of Lithuanian descent, and the Jonas Mekas Visual Arts Center in Vilnius honors the work of Lithuanian-American filmmaker and artist Jonas Mekas.

12.4. Theatre

Lithuania has a strong and vibrant theatre tradition with professional theatres located in major cities including Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, and Panevėžys. Key institutions include the Lithuanian National Drama Theatre and the innovative Keistuolių Teatras (Theatre of Freaks) in Vilnius, the Kaunas State Drama Theatre, and the Miltinis Drama Theatre in Panevėžys. The Old Theatre of Vilnius (formerly the Lithuanian Russian Drama Theatre) also plays an important role.

Contemporary Lithuanian theatre is known for its innovative directors and powerful productions that often gain international recognition. Notable theatre directors include Eimuntas Nekrošius, Oskaras Koršunovas (whose company, OKT / Vilnius City Theatre, is well-known internationally), Jonas Vaitkus, Cezaris Graužinis, Gintaras Varnas, and Dalia Ibelhauptaitė. Prominent actors include Dainius Gavenonis, Rolandas Kazlas, Saulius Balandis, and Gabija Jaraminaitė. Oskaras Koršunovas has received numerous awards, including the Swedish Commander Grand Cross - the Order of the Polar Star.

Lithuania hosts several theatre festivals, such as Sirenos (Sirens) in Vilnius, which showcases both Lithuanian and international performances, TheATRIUM in Klaipėda, and Nerk į teatrą (Dive into the Theatre). Puppet theatre, such as The Doll's Theatre (Lėlė Theatre in Vilnius), also has a rich tradition. The theatrical scene reflects a wide range of styles, from classical drama to experimental and contemporary works, often exploring themes of national identity, history, and social issues.

12.5. Cinema

The history of Lithuanian cinema dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A Thomas Edison live photography session was held in Vilnius on July 28, 1896. By 1909, Lithuanian cinema pioneers Antanas Račiūnas and Ladislas Starevich (Władysław Starewicz) released their first films. Račiūnas's recordings of Lithuanian views became popular among Lithuanian Americans. In 1925, Pranas Valuskis filmed Naktis Lietuvoje (Night in Lithuania), about Lithuanian book smugglers, which was one of the early Lithuanian films to gain attention. The Romuva Cinema in Kaunas, opened in 1940, is the oldest continuously operating cinema in Lithuania.

During the Soviet era, filmmaking was often used for propaganda purposes, but directors like Almantas Grikevičius, Gytis Lukšas, Henrikas Šablevičius, Arūnas Žebriūnas, and Raimondas Vabalas managed to create artistically valuable films despite censorship.

After the restoration of independence in 1990, Lithuanian cinema experienced a revival. Filmmakers such as Šarūnas Bartas, Audrius Stonys, Arūnas Matelis, Audrius Juzėnas, Algimantas Puipa, and Janina Lapinskaitė have received international acclaim at film festivals. Jonas Mekas, a Lithuanian-American filmmaker, was a leading figure in avant-garde cinema.

In 2018, 4,265,414 cinema tickets were sold in Lithuania, with an average price of 5.26 EUR. The Lithuanian Film Centre supports the production, distribution, and promotion of Lithuanian films. International film festivals, such as the Vilnius International Film Festival (Kino Pavasaris), play a crucial role in showcasing both domestic and international cinema.

12.6. Music

Lithuanian music encompasses a rich heritage, from ancient folk traditions to contemporary classical, jazz, rock, and popular music.

Folk Music: Lithuanian folk music belongs to the Baltic music branch, with roots potentially connected to the Neolithic Corded Ware culture. It features distinct instrumental traditions, including stringed instruments like the Kanklės (a type of zither) and various wind instruments. Lithuanian folk music is often archaic, historically used for ritual purposes, and contains elements of ancient pagan beliefs. There are three ancient styles of singing: monophony, heterophony, and polyphony. A unique form of polyphonic singing is Sutartinės (multipart songs), which has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Other folk song genres include wedding songs, war-historical songs, calendar cycle and ritual songs, and work songs.

Classical Music and Opera: The first opera in Lithuania was organized on September 4, 1636, at the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania by order of King Władysław IV Vasa. Today, operas are staged at the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre and by independent troupes like the Vilnius City Opera. Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis (1875-1911) is Lithuania's most famous composer and painter, whose Symbolist and Art Nouveau works have had a lasting influence. His symphonic poems Miške (In the Forest) and Jūra (The Sea) are staples of Lithuanian classical music. Modern classical composers who emerged in the 1970s, such as Bronius Kutavičius, Feliksas Bajoras, Osvaldas Balakauskas, Onutė Narbutaitė, and Vidmantas Bartulis, often explored archaic Lithuanian music combined with modern minimalism and neoromanticism.

Choral Music: Choral music holds significant importance in Lithuania. Vilnius is notable for having three choirs that are laureates of the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing (Brevis, Jauna Muzika, and the Chamber Choir of the Conservatoire). The Lithuanian Song Festival (Dainų šventė_{Dainų šventė}^Lithuanian) is a long-standing tradition, first held in Kaunas in 1924. Organized every four years, it gathers roughly 30,000 singers and folk dancers. In 2008, the Lithuanian Song and Dance Festival, along with its Latvian and Estonian counterparts, was inscribed as a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Jazz and Contemporary Music: The jazz scene was active even during the Soviet occupation, with the Ganelin/Tarasov/Chekasin trio establishing the Vilnius Jazz School in 1970-71. Annual events like the Vilnius Jazz Festival, Kaunas Jazz, and Birštonas Jazz are well-regarded. The Gatvės muzikos diena (Street Music Day) is an annual event that brings together musicians of various genres. The Music Information Centre Lithuania (MICL) collects, promotes, and shares information on Lithuanian musical culture.

12.6.1. Rock and Protest Music

Rock music in Lithuania, particularly during the Soviet era, served as a significant form of cultural expression and subtle protest against the regime. After the Soviet reoccupation in 1944, all artistic expressions were under strict Soviet censorship, and any criticism of the regime led to severe punishment.

The first local rock bands began to emerge around 1965, including groups like Kertukai, Aitvarai, and Nuogi ant slenksčio in Kaunas, and artists such as Kęstutis Antanėlis, Vienuoliai, and Gėlių Vaikai in Vilnius. Unable to express their opinions directly, Lithuanian artists often used metaphors in their song lyrics, which were readily understood by the local population. Patriotic rock events known as Roko Maršai (Rock Marches) became important platforms for such expression during the late 1980s, contributing to the national awakening.

The postmodernist rock band Antis, led by vocalist Algirdas Kaušpėdas, was particularly active in mocking the Soviet regime through allegorical lyrics. For example, their song Zombiai (Zombies) was widely interpreted as a reference to the Red Army soldiers occupying Lithuania. Vytautas Kernagis's song Kolorado vabalai (Colorado Beetles) was also popular for its satirical lyrics, where "Colorado beetles" were understood to represent Soviet officials adorned with the Ribbons of Saint George.

In the early years of restored independence, the rock band Foje, fronted by Andrius Mamontovas, became immensely popular, drawing tens of thousands to their concerts. After Foje disbanded in 1997, Mamontovas continued as one of Lithuania's most prominent musicians and an active participant in charity events. Marijonas Mikutavičius is famous for creating Trys milijonai (Three Million), an unofficial Lithuanian sports anthem, and the official anthem for EuroBasket 2011, Nebetyli sirgaliai (Celebrate Basketball).

12.7. Cuisine

Lithuanian cuisine features products suited to the cool and moist northern climate of Lithuania. Key ingredients include barley, potatoes, rye, beets, greens, berries, and mushrooms, which are locally grown. Dairy products are a specialty. Fish dishes are popular in the coastal region. Sharing climatic and agricultural similarities with Northern Europe, Lithuanian cuisine has some resemblances to Scandinavian cuisine but also possesses distinct features shaped by its long and varied history.

Traditional dairy products include white cottage cheese (varškės sūris_{varškės sūris}^Lithuanian), curd (varškė_varškė^Lithuanian), soured milk (rūgpienis_rūgpienis^Lithuanian), sour cream (grietinė_grietinė^Lithuanian), butter (sviestas_sviestas^Lithuanian), and a unique sour cream butter called kastinys. Traditional meat products are often seasoned, matured, and smoked, such as smoked sausages (dešros_dešros^Lithuanian), lard (lašiniai_lašiniai^Lithuanian), skilandis (a cured meat sausage), and smoked ham (kumpis_kumpis^Lithuanian).

Soups (sriubos_sriubos^Lithuanian) are an integral part of the diet. Examples include boletus soup (baravykų sriuba_{baravykų sriuba}^Lithuanian), cabbage soup (kopūstų sriuba_{kopūstų sriuba}^Lithuanian), beer soup (alaus sriuba_{alaus sriuba}^Lithuanian), milk soup (pieniška sriuba_{pieniška sriuba}^Lithuanian), and the iconic cold beet soup (šaltibarščiai). Various kinds of porridges (košės_košės^Lithuanian) are also traditional. Freshwater fish, herring, wild berries, mushrooms, and honey remain highly popular.

One of the oldest and most fundamental Lithuanian food products is rye bread (ruginė duona_{ruginė duona}^Lithuanian), especially dark rye bread (juoda duona_{juoda duona}^Lithuanian). It is eaten daily and plays an important role in family rituals and agrarian ceremonies.

Lithuanians and other nations that were part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania share many dishes and beverages. German traditions also influenced Lithuanian cuisine, introducing pork and potato dishes like potato pudding (kugelis) and potato sausages (vėdarai), as well as the baroque tree cake known as šakotis. An exotic influence comes from Eastern (Karaite) cuisine, with kibinai (meat-filled pastries) being popular. Lithuanian noblemen often hired French chefs, leading to French cuisine influences.

The Balts have used mead (midus_midus^Lithuanian) for thousands of years. Beer (alus_alus^Lithuanian) is the most common alcoholic beverage. Lithuania has a long tradition of farmhouse beer brewing, first mentioned in 11th-century chronicles, originally for ancient Baltic festivities and rituals. This tradition has survived to a greater extent in Lithuania than elsewhere, leading to a unique commercial brewing culture. Lithuania consistently ranks high in beer consumption per capita in Europe. As of 2015, there were 75 active breweries, 32 of them microbreweries. The microbrewery scene has been growing, with numerous craft beer bars opening.

Several Lithuanian restaurants are listed in the White Guide Baltic Top 30. In 2024, Lithuanian restaurants were included in the Michelin Guide for the first time, further raising the profile of its gastronomy.

12.8. Media

The Constitution of Lithuania provides for freedom of speech and freedom of the 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.

In 2021, the best-selling daily national newspapers in Lithuania included Lietuvos rytas (read by 5.4% of all weekly readers), Vakaro žinios (3.2%), and Kauno diena (2.9%). Among weekly newspapers, popular titles were Savaitė (16.5%), Žmonės (a people magazine, 8.4%), Prie kavos (4.1%), Savaitgalis (a weekend supplement of Lietuvos rytas, 3.9%), and Verslo žinios (a business newspaper, 3.2%).

The most popular national television channels in 2021 were TV3 (reaching 34.6% of the daily audience), LNK (32.3%), LRT Televizija (the public broadcaster, 31.6%), BTV (17.3%), Lietuvos rytas TV (16.2%), and TV6 (15.3%).

The most popular radio stations in 2021 were M-1 (with 14.5% of daily listeners), Lietus (12.7%), Radiocentras (9.1%), and LRT Radijas (the public radio station, 8.5%). The media landscape includes a mix of public and private broadcasters, print publications, and a growing number of online news portals and digital media outlets.

12.9. Public Holidays and Festivals

Lithuania observes several public holidays that reflect its history, culture, and religious traditions. As a result of its thousand-year history, Lithuania has two National Days:

• Statehood Day** (Valstybės (Lietuvos karaliaus Mindaugo karūnavimo) diena_{Valstybės (Lietuvos karaliaus Mindaugo karūnavimo) diena}^Lithuanian) on July 6, commemorating the coronation of Mindaugas as King of Lithuania in 1253.
• Day of Restoration of the State of Lithuania** (Lietuvos valstybės atkūrimo diena_{Lietuvos valstybės atkūrimo diena}^Lithuanian) on February 16, marking the declaration of independence from Russia and Germany in 1918.
• Day of Restoration of Independence of Lithuania** (Lietuvos nepriklausomybės atkūrimo diena_{Lietuvos nepriklausomybės atkūrimo diena}^Lithuanian) on March 11, celebrating the declaration of restored independence from the Soviet Union in 1990.

Other significant public holidays include:

• New Year's Day** (January 1)
• Easter** (Velykos_Velykos^Lithuanian; Sunday and Monday, date varies)
• International Workers' Day** (May 1)
• Mother's Day** (First Sunday in May)
• Father's Day** (First Sunday in June, a public holiday since 2009)
• Saint John's Day / Midsummer Day** (Joninės_Joninės^Lithuanian or Rasos_Rasos^Lithuanian) on June 24, a traditional festival with pagan roots celebrating the summer solstice.
• Assumption Day** (Žolinė_Žolinė^Lithuanian) on August 15
• All Saints' Day** (Visų Šventųjų diena_{Visų Šventųjų diena}^Lithuanian) on November 1
• Christmas Eve** (Kūčios_Kūčios^Lithuanian) on December 24 (often a half-day or full day off by custom/agreement)
• Christmas Day** (Kalėdos_Kalėdos^Lithuanian) on December 25 and December 26 (Boxing Day / Second Day of Christmas)

As of 2018, there are 13 official public holidays that come with a day off.

Lithuania hosts numerous cultural festivals. Kaziuko mugė (Saint Casimir's Fair) is an annual fair held in Vilnius since the beginning of the 17th century, commemorating the anniversary of Saint Casimir's death and attracting thousands of visitors and craftsmen. Other notable festivals include the Vilnius International Film Festival (Kino Pavasaris), Kaunas City Day (Kauno miesto diena_{Kauno miesto diena}^Lithuanian), the Klaipėda Sea Festival (Jūros šventė_{Jūros šventė}^Lithuanian), Mados infekcija (Fashion Infection - a fashion festival), the Vilnius Book Fair, the Vilnius Marathon, the Devilstone Open Air music festival, the historical reenactment festival Apuolė 854, and the Great Žemaičių Kalvarija Festival (a major Catholic pilgrimage).

12.10. Sports

Sports play an important role in Lithuanian national culture, with basketball being the most popular and often considered the national sport. The Lithuania men's national basketball team has achieved significant international success, winning the EuroBasket on three occasions (1937, 1939, and 2003) and securing a total of eight other medals in the EuroBasket, the FIBA World Championship, and the Olympic Games (bronze medals in 1992, 1996, and 2000). National team games attract high viewership; in 2014, 76% of the population watched their games live. Lithuania hosted the EuroBasket in 1939 and 2011. The historic Lithuanian basketball club BC Žalgiris from Kaunas won Europe's top club competition, the EuroLeague, in 1999. Lithuania has produced numerous NBA players, including Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductees Arvydas Sabonis and Šarūnas Marčiulionis, as well as more recent stars like Jonas Valančiūnas and Domantas Sabonis.

Lithuania has won a total of 26 medals at the Summer Olympic Games since regaining independence, including six gold medals in athletics, modern pentathlon, shooting, and swimming. (Lithuanian athletes also won Olympic medals representing the Soviet Union). Discus thrower Virgilijus Alekna is one of the most successful Lithuanian Olympians, winning gold medals in the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympics, a bronze in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and multiple World Championship medals. Swimmer Rūta Meilutytė gained international fame by winning a gold medal in the 100m breaststroke at the 2012 London Olympics at the age of 15, sparking a surge in swimming's popularity.

Football (soccer) is also popular, although the national team has not achieved the same level of international success as the basketball team. The top professional football league is the A Lyga.

Other sports where Lithuanians have achieved success include rowing, cycling, wrestling, and ice hockey. The men's national ice hockey team won gold medals at the 2018 IIHF World Championship Division I. While winter sports are less prominent due to the climate, facilities like the Snow Arena in Druskininkai (the first indoor ski slope in the Baltics) support winter sports activities. Lithuanian Paralympic athletes have also achieved notable success, particularly in goalball, where the men's team won gold at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.

Lithuania hosted the 2021 FIFA Futsal World Cup, the first FIFA tournament held in the country.