Lithuania
Region
🌍 Europe
Population
👥 2
Currency
💱 Euro
Languages
🗣️ Lithuanian
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Lithuania, the largest of the Baltic states, invites visitors to explore its captivating blend of history, nature, and vibrant culture. This enchanting country is best known for its well-preserved medieval Old Towns, particularly in the capital, Vilnius, and its stunning natural landscapes, including vast forests, pristine lakes, and a picturesque Baltic coastline. First-time visitors can expect a warm welcome, a rich tapestry of historical sites ranging from ancient castles to poignant Soviet-era reminders, and delicious, hearty cuisine. From the rolling hills of the Highlands to the sandy beaches of the Curonian Spit, Lithuania offers a diverse range of experiences. Prepare to be charmed by its laid-back atmosphere, affordability compared to Western Europe, and the genuine friendliness of its people. It's a destination perfect for those seeking authentic European charm away from the typical tourist crowds.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Republic of Lithuania
Continent
Europe
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Lithuanian
Independence
March 11, 1990 (from the Soviet Union)
Top-Level Domain
.lt
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+370
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+02:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Vilnius
ISO Alpha-2
LT
ISO Alpha-3
LTU
UN Code
440
Geographic Coordinates
56,24
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
65,300#124 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
2,887,761#139 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
45.87
Highest Point (m)
293.8 meters (Juozapinė Hill)
Lowest Point (m)
0 meters (Baltic Sea)
Land Use
Primarily agricultural land, with forests covering a significant portion.
Irrigated Land
A relatively small area of land is irrigated.
Coastline Length
99 kilometers
Climate
Transitional, with features of both maritime and continental climates; four distinct seasons.
Natural Resources
Arable land, peat, amber, and some mineral deposits.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Belarus, Latvia, Poland, Russia
Major Rivers
Neris, Nemunas (Neman), Venta
Major Lakes
Drūkšiai, Dusios, Galvės
Government Type
Parliamentary republic
Administrative Divisions
10 counties
Legal System
Civil law system based on the Napoleonic Code; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations.
Chief of State
President Gitanas Nausėda
Head of Government
Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė
Cabinet
Council of Ministers
Elections
Presidential elections are held every five years; parliamentary elections every four years.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court, courts of appeal, district courts.
Legislative Branch
Seimas (unicameral parliament)
Major Political Parties
Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats, Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union, Social Democratic Party of Lithuania.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Euro
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
95.21#80 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
164.19#89 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
32,958.67#51 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2.27
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
22.15
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
64.8
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3.79#73 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1,553,918
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
6.73#65 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Approximately 38% of GDP.
Budget
Lithuania's budget covers various governmental expenditures.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
69.49#56 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
65.81#60 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Lithuania holds foreign reserves.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange rates can be found at major banks and online currency converters.
GDP by Sector
Services, industry, and agriculture contribute to Lithuania's GDP.
Major Industries
Manufacturing, IT, and financial services are major industries.
Major Export Partners
Germany, Latvia, Poland are among the major export partners.
Major Import Partners
Germany, Poland, and Russia are among the major import partners.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2011)Checked September 29, 2026
99.82#12 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
6.6
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
13
Net Migration Rate
Lithuania's net migration rate fluctuates.
Median Age
Approximately 45 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
69.08#95 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Urbanization is relatively stable.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
77.2#82 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
HIV/AIDS prevalence is low.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
7.6
Ethnic Groups
Lithuanians comprise the majority, with Polish, Russian, and Belarusian minorities.
Religions
Primarily Roman Catholic.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Lithuanian
Education
Education System
Lithuania's education system includes pre-primary, primary, basic, secondary, and higher education. It emphasizes a strong foundation in languages, sciences, and culture.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2018)Checked September 29, 2026
16.6
Government Education Spending
Lithuania spends a significant portion of its GDP on education, supporting free education at primary and secondary levels, and partially subsidizing higher education.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Major universities include Vilnius University, Kaunas University of Technology, and Vytautas Magnus University.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Lithuanian culture blends ancient Baltic traditions with influences from its history, including periods of Polish, Russian, and Western European influence. It emphasizes music, folklore, and a strong sense of national identity.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- Naujieji metai (2026-01-01)
- Lietuvos valstybės atkūrimo diena (2026-02-16)
- Lietuvos nepriklausomybės atkūrimo diena (2026-03-11)
- Velykos (2026-04-05)
- Antroji Velykų diena (2026-04-06)
- Tarptautinė darbo diena (2026-05-01)
- Joninės, Rasos (2026-06-24)
- Valstybės diena (2026-07-06)
- Žolinė (2026-08-15)
- Visų šventųjų diena (2026-11-01)
- Vėlinės (2026-11-02)
- Šv. Kūčios (2026-12-24)
Popular Music
Popular music includes traditional folk music, contemporary pop, rock, and electronic music. There is a growing scene of Lithuanian artists.
Traditional Food
Traditional food includes cepelinai (potato dumplings), šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup), and kugelis (potato pudding).
Sports
Basketball is the most popular sport, with Lithuania having a strong national team. Other popular sports include football (soccer) and cycling.
Major Festivals
Major festivals include the Vilnius International Film Festival (Kino Pavasaris), Kaunas Jazz Festival, and numerous cultural and music festivals.
Famous People
Famous people include artists like Jonas Mekas, basketball players like Arvydas Sabonis, and writers such as Kristijonas Donelaitis.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Lithuania has numerous castles, churches, and historical towns.
UNESCO Sites
UNESCO sites include the Vilnius Historic Centre, Curonian Spit, and Kernavė Archaeological Site.
Annual Tourist Visits
Millions of annual tourist visits.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is growing, with a focus on historical sites and nature.
Top Tourist Attractions
Vilnius Old Town, Trakai Castle, Curonian Spit.
Famous Cities
Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, Šiauliai.
National Parks
Several national parks, including Aukštaitija and Dzūkija.
Protected Areas
Significant protected areas for nature conservation.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Lithuania for a balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds is during the shoulder seasons of late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September). May and June offer blooming landscapes and comfortable temperatures ideal for exploring cities and outdoor activities. September brings crisp air, beautiful fall foliage, and is perfect for hiking and enjoying harvest festivals. Summer, from July to August, is the warmest period, making it ideal for beach holidays along the Baltic Sea coast and enjoying the vibrant festival scene. For city breaks, spring and autumn provide milder weather for extensive sightseeing. If you are interested in winter sports or a cozy, festive atmosphere, December and January can be enchanting, though very cold. For nature lovers, summer is best for exploring national parks and enjoying long daylight hours.
Tourist Visa Info
Schengen visa rules apply.
Visa Requirements Overview
Lithuania, as a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, has specific visa requirements for tourists. Citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, can enter Lithuania visa-free for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism or business. Citizens from certain other countries will require a Schengen visa to enter Lithuania. It is essential for all travelers to verify the specific visa requirements based on their nationality well in advance of their travel plans. Always ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay and that you have proof of sufficient funds and onward or return travel arrangements. Rules can change, so consulting the official Lithuanian immigration or foreign affairs website or the Lithuanian embassy in your home country is highly recommended.
Travel Advisory
Generally safe, with some caution advised regarding border areas.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
Lithuania's healthcare quality index is moderate.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary depending on the service.
Number of Hospitals
Lithuania has a network of hospitals.
Universal Healthcare
Lithuania has a universal healthcare system funded by mandatory health insurance contributions and government funding, providing access to healthcare for all residents.
Medical Services Overview
Healthcare services are available through public and private providers.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available throughout the country.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
112 (general emergency number, which includes police)
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
112 (general emergency number, which includes ambulance)
Emergency Number (Fire)
112 (general emergency number, which includes fire)
Crime Rate
Relatively low crime rate.
Safety Index
High safety index.
Military Expenditure
Around 2% of GDP.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services are well-organized and responsive.
Safety Overview
Lithuania is generally a safe country for tourists, with low rates of violent crime. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded tourist areas, markets, and on public transport, so it's wise to be aware of your surroundings. Common scams are rare but might involve overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help, particularly in tourist hotspots. It's advisable to be cautious with any unsolicited offers and to verify information from official sources. While most areas are safe, exercising standard precautions, especially at night in less well-lit or less populated areas, is always recommended. Keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying large amounts of cash or expensive items. Emergency services are reliable and accessible, and generally, visitors can enjoy their trip without significant safety concerns.
Military Branches
Army, Navy, Air Force, and various support units.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Near universal electricity access.
Water Access
High access to improved water sources.
Sanitation Access
High access to improved sanitation facilities.
Railways
Lithuania has an operational railway system connecting major cities and international destinations.
Roadways
Well-developed road network, including highways and local roads.
Transportation System
Lithuania has a well-developed transportation system, including road, rail, and air transport.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Kaunas International Airport (KUN), Palanga International Airport (PLQ), Vilnius International Airport (VNO), Panevėžys Air Base (PNV), Šiauliai International Airport (SQQ)
Ports
Major ports include Klaipėda, a key Baltic Sea port.
Public Transit
Public transit in major cities includes buses and trolleybuses.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
89.16#68 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
High mobile subscription rate.
Tech Startups
Growing tech startup scene.
Innovation Index
Good innovation index.
ICT Development Index
High ICT Development Index.
TV Broadcast Stations
Multiple TV broadcast stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Multiple radio broadcast stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
Type C/F, 230V, 50Hz
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
4.49#61 of 202
Air Quality Index
Moderate air quality; pollutants include PM2.5, ozone.
Water Pollution Level
Moderate water pollution; sources include agricultural runoff and industrial discharge.
Renewable Energy Usage
Growing renewable energy sector, with increasing use of solar and wind power.
Environmental Issues
Air and water pollution, deforestation, and climate change impacts.
Natural Hazards
Occasional severe storms and floods.
Waste Management
Developing waste management infrastructure; increasing recycling rates.
Environmental Agreements
Party to major international environmental agreements.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Maintains diplomatic missions globally.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
NATO, EU, Eurozone, OECD, Schengen Area
Major Treaties
Participates in numerous international treaties related to environmental protection, trade, and human rights.
Visa-Free Countries
Offers visa-free travel to citizens of many countries.