last edited Dec 11, 2019
Introduction to Lithuania
Location Map of Lithuania
Lithuania
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Quick Overview
It is the southernmost of the three Baltic republics, but also the largest and most populous. Lithuania offers varied low-lying landscapes made up of plains and hills not exceeding 300 m in altitude, lakes (4,000!), rivers, and numerous forests (28% of the territory), with a small 100 km coastal strip to the west bordering the Baltic Sea.
Key Facts
- Type of place: country.
- Latitude/longitude: 54°41' N, 25°16' E.
- Local time:
- Capital: Vilnius.
- Nature of the state: parliamentary republic.
- Official language: Lithuanian.
- Currency: euro.
- Population: 2,793,284 inhabitants (2018).
- Area: 65,303 km².
- Density: 43 inhabitants/km².
- Highest point: Aukstojas (294 m)
- Lowest point: sea level.
- Coastline: 100 km.
- Driving: on the right.
Tourism
The best-known of the three Baltic States, Lithuania, like its neighbors, is a good compromise for those seeking a European destination that combines cultural and historical heritage, beautiful nature, and some "relaxation-holiday" opportunities—all at a fairly reasonable price.
Like other Baltic destinations, Lithuania attracts over 2 million visitors per year (2.825 million in 2018), primarily from Germany, Belarus, Russia, Poland, Latvia, and Ukraine. In 2015, 26,000 French travelers also stayed in the country.
Travel Essentials
- Destination: for beginner travelers.
- By air: France-Vilnius.
- Entry requirements: passport or ID card.
- Currency to bring: euros.
- Exchange rate:
- Daily "backpacker" budget:
- Best for accommodation:
- Best for getting around:
- Risks:
- Best time for climate/crowds/price:
- Interests (out of ): Nature ; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation-holidays .
Useful Addresses
Socio-Economic Statistics
- "Quality of life": 35/188 (rank in 2018)
- GDP per capita: $32,400 (2018)
- Average monthly income: ()
- Inflation: +3.7% (2017)
- "Official" unemployment: 7.1% (2017)
- Population below poverty line: 22.2% (2015)
- Life expectancy: 75.2 years (2018)
- Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -6.1 (2017)
- Population growth: -1.1% (2018)
- Literacy rate: 99.8% (2015)
- Urban population: 67.7% (2018)
- Press freedom: 36/180 (rank in 2018)
- Political regime: flawed democracy (36/167 in 2018)
Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook