Lithuania is one of the states in the East ringing the Baltic Sea. Lithuania is the Center of Europe (18 km from Vilnius). To the north it borders on the Republic of Latvia to the east and south it borders on Byelorussia, to the southwest - on Poland and on district of Kaliningrad Established as a state in the 13th century, after a few hundred years the Grand Duchy of Lithuania attained the height of its power with the lands extending up to the Black Sea. After the 200-hundred-year-long union with Poland came to an end in 1795, Lithuania was annexed by tsarist Russia for more than 120 years.

Between the two World Wars Lithuania enjoyed a brief period of independence during which the country rapidly progressed in all spheres of national life, established diplomatic and economic relations with the world community. But then disaster struck again in 1940, and the country lost its national and political identity for another 50 years until March 11, 1990, when Lithuania broke away from the Soviet Union and restored its independence.

Lithuania tourism is up to standard and Lithuania vacations is unforgettable: beautiful, historic cities, romantic castles set in a landscape of rolling hills and lakes, unspoiled coastline, increasing number of Western-style hotels and restaurants, friendly and attentive service. The capital city Vilnius with its medieval atmosphere created over the centuries by artisans of diverse cultures blends the greatest architectural traditions of Europe into unique urban ensemble. Rich architectural heritage has placed the Old Town of Vilnius on the UNESCO's World Heritage List. Close to Vilnius is a fascinating 15th century Trakai Castle, a magnificent monument to the past glory of the medieval Lihuanian state.

Open-Air Countryside Museum in Rumsiskes gives a good insight into the way of life of Lithuanian farmers, farming traditions and rural architecture at the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th centuries.

Kaunas, the second largest city and the interim capital between the two World Wars, is full of the bygone epochs' charm, vibrant cultural traditions and interesting museums. A picture of any visit to Lithuania will be incomplete without the Baltic Seacoast famous for its Lithuania's premier seaside resort Palanga with its unique Amber Museum, a large botanical park, kilometers-long sand beaches, numerous summer festivals and concerts.

Lithuania is a land of outstanding scenic beauty with thousand of lakes, meandering rivers, ancient woodlands and old villages. Five national parks have been designated in Lithuania to protect this wealth. Neringa National Park, located on the Curonian Spit, attracts visitors with romantic old fishing villages, forests of pine trees stunted by sea wind, moving sand dunes stretching all along, the Hill of Witches decorated with wooden sculptures created by folk artists. Not far from Siauliai is the Hill of Crosses on of the most revered sites for the country's faithful, also a symbol of resistance

Full country name: Lithuania Area: 65,200 sq. km (25,174 sq. mi).
Population: 3,491,000
Capital City: Vilnius, pop. 543,000.
People: 82% Lithuanians, 8.2% Russians, 6.9% Poles, 1.5% Byelorussians
Language: The official language is Lithuanian, which alongside Latvian, belongs to the Baltic group of Indo-European languages. English, Russian, German, Polish are also spoken, especially in the larger towns.
Religion: Roman Catholic (predominant), Protestant, Russian Orthodox.
Climate: Lithuania enjoys one of the mildest climates along the Baltic coast. Summer sunshine may last nine hours a day, but winters can be very cold. Annual rainfall averages 490mm and humidity 80%.