The Republic of Lithuania, known in Lithuanian as Lietuvos Respublika (Lietuva [lʲɪɛtʊˈvɐ]), is a captivating country situated in the heart of the Baltic region of Europe. As one of the three sovereign Baltic states, it holds a prominent position on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, serving as a vital gateway between Eastern and Western Europe.

Lithuania's strategic geographical location is defined by its extensive land borders: it shares its northern frontier with Latvia, its eastern and southern boundaries with Belarus, its southern border with Poland, and its southwestern edge with Russia's Kaliningrad Oblast. Additionally, it maintains a maritime border with Sweden across the Baltic Sea to the west. Spanning an area of approximately 65,300 square kilometers (about 25,200 square miles), Lithuania is home to a population of around 2.8 million inhabitants. Its vibrant capital and largest metropolis is Vilnius, a historic city renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. Other significant urban centers include Kaunas, a former temporary capital with a strong historical and cultural legacy, and Klaipėda, the country's only major seaport, crucial for its maritime trade and economic links.

The people of Lithuania, known as Lithuanians, are an integral part of the ancient ethno-linguistic group of the Balts. They predominantly speak Lithuanian, a language of immense historical significance as one of only two living Baltic languages, the other being Latvian. Lithuanian is particularly notable for retaining many archaic features, making it one of the oldest surviving Indo-European languages.

A Rich Tapestry of Lithuanian History

For millennia, the fertile southeastern shores of the Baltic Sea were continuously inhabited by various indigenous Baltic tribes. A pivotal moment in Lithuanian history occurred in the 1230s when Mindaugas, a powerful duke, successfully united these disparate Lithuanian lands. This unification culminated in the foundation of the Kingdom of Lithuania on 6 July 1253, with Mindaugas becoming its first and only crowned king.

The 14th century marked the zenith of Lithuanian power, as the Grand Duchy of Lithuania emerged as the largest country in Europe. Its vast territorial expanse at this time included not only present-day Lithuania but also significant portions of modern-day Belarus, Ukraine, and parts of Poland and Russia. This expansive state was remarkable for its multi-ethnic and multi-religious character, fostering a unique blend of cultures.

A significant dynastic alliance began in 1386, establishing a de facto personal union between the Crown of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. This was cemented by the marriage of the Polish queen Jadwiga (Hedwig) and Lithuania's Grand Duke Jogaila. Jogaila's subsequent baptism and coronation as King Władysław II Jagiełło of Poland (jure uxoris, by right of his wife) not only marked the Christianization of Lithuania but also laid the groundwork for one of Europe's most enduring political entities.

This evolving relationship formally culminated with the Union of Lublin in July 1569, which established the mighty Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. For over two centuries, this unique federal state flourished, characterized by its elective monarchy, parliamentary system (Sejm), and a high degree of religious tolerance. However, the Commonwealth's power waned, leading to its tragic dismantling between 1772 and 1795 through the Partitions of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth by neighboring imperial powers – primarily the Russian Empire, which annexed the majority of Lithuania's territory, along with Prussia and Austria.

The dawn of the 20th century brought new hope. As World War I drew to a close and empires crumbled, Lithuania seized its opportunity for self-determination. The historic Act of Independence of Lithuania was signed on 16 February 1918, formally establishing the modern Republic of Lithuania.

Yet, the newly re-established nation faced immense challenges. During World War II, Lithuania endured devastating foreign occupations, first by the Soviet Union in 1940 (following the secret Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact), and subsequently by Nazi Germany from 1941 to 1944. As German forces retreated in 1944, the Soviet Union reoccupied Lithuania, initiating decades of Soviet rule. A resilient armed resistance movement, often referred to as the "Forest Brothers," courageously fought against the Soviet occupation until the early 1950s.

The yearning for freedom never extinguished. On 11 March 1990, in a momentous act of self-determination and nearly a year before the formal dissolution of the Soviet Union, Lithuania boldly passed the Act of the Re-Establishment of the State of Lithuania. This made Lithuania the first Soviet republic to unequivocally proclaim its independence, setting a powerful precedent for other captive nations.

Modern Lithuania: A Developed European Nation

Today, Lithuania stands as a developed country with a robust, high-income advanced economy. It consistently ranks very high on the Human Development Index (HDI), reflecting strong social and economic progress. The nation garners favorable international recognition for its commitment to core democratic values, ranking highly in terms of civil liberties, press freedom, internet freedom, democratic governance, and overall peacefulness.

Lithuania is an active and integrated member of numerous crucial international organizations, underscoring its commitment to global cooperation and stability. These memberships include:

• The European Union (EU), signifying its deep economic and political integration with Europe.
• The Council of Europe, focused on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
• The Eurozone, having adopted the Euro as its currency, enhancing economic stability and integration.
• The Nordic Investment Bank, facilitating investment in the Nordic-Baltic region.
• The Schengen Agreement, allowing for passport-free travel within a large area of Europe.
• The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), ensuring collective defense and security.
• The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), promoting policies that improve economic and social well-being.

Furthermore, Lithuania actively participates in the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) regional co-operation format, fostering close ties with its Nordic and Baltic neighbors, and holds a permanent observer status in the Nordic Council, further strengthening its regional engagement and shared values.

The Road to Re-Recognition of Independence

Following its declaration of independence on 11 March 1990, Lithuania sought to solidify its mandate. On 9 February 1991, an independence referendum was held. The results were overwhelming: just over 93% of those who cast a ballot voted in favor of independence. More significantly, 76.5% of all eligible voters supported independence, far exceeding the necessary 50% threshold. This clear popular mandate reinforced Lithuania's claim to sovereignty.

While the declaration and referendum were crucial steps, full international recognition was pivotal. Lithuania's independence was subsequently achieved and widely recognized in August 1991, catalyzed by the failed Soviet coup attempt in Moscow. The United States officially re-recognized the independence of the Republic of Lithuania on 2 September 1991, followed by the Soviet Union's own recognition on 6 September 1991, just prior to its formal dissolution.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lithuania

What is the official name of Lithuania?

The official name of Lithuania is the Republic of Lithuania, or Lietuvos Respublika in Lithuanian.

Where is Lithuania located?

Lithuania is located in the Baltic region of Europe, specifically on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. It is one of the three Baltic states.

What are the main geographical features of Lithuania?

Lithuania is known for its flat plains, numerous lakes, and extensive forests. It borders Latvia, Belarus, Poland, and Russia's Kaliningrad Oblast by land, and Sweden by sea.

What language is spoken in Lithuania?

The official language is Lithuanian, which is one of the two surviving Baltic languages and an ancient branch of the Indo-European language family.

Who united Lithuania historically?

Lithuanian lands were united by Duke Mindaugas in the 1230s, who became the first King of Lithuania in 1253.

When did Lithuania regain its independence from the Soviet Union?

Lithuania declared the re-establishment of its statehood on 11 March 1990, becoming the first Soviet republic to do so. Its independence was subsequently achieved and widely recognized in August and September of 1991.

What major international organizations is Lithuania a member of?

Lithuania is a proud member of the European Union (EU), NATO, the Eurozone, the Schengen Agreement, the Council of Europe, and the OECD, among others.