Territory: 65 303 sq. km
Population:
~3,48 million (Lithuanians -83,45%, Poles - 6.74%, Russians - 6.31%, others - 3.50%)
Climate:
average temperature in winter -4,9°C
average temperature in summer +17,0°C rainfall per year -748mm
Official lanquage: Lithuanian
Currency: Litas
Religion: primarily
Roman Catholics |
Marginal coordinates of Lithuania:
in the north - 56°27' north latitude, in the south - 53°54' north latitude, in the west - 20°56' east longitude, in the east - 26°51' east longitude
Rivers and Lakes:
816 rivers with longer than 10 km riverline
2834 lakes with more 0,5 ha area
The highest point:
Juozapinės hill (293,6 m)
The largest river:
Nemunas (937 km, 475 km in Lithuania)
The largest lake:
Drūkšiai (42,26 sq. km) |
Lithuania – is the country of the Cental Europe, that is not too big but owing ancient statement traditions. In the west Lithuania is washed by the Baltic sea and commonly ascribed to the Baltic States. Lithuania is situated right in the georgraphical center of the Europe.
By its territory (65 302 sq. km) Lithuania is similar to Ireland and Latvia, slightly bigger than Switzerland, Denmark, Belgium or Holland and smaller than Austria.
- THE GEOGRAPHYCAL POSITION
Lithuania extends 373 km from the east to the west and 276 km from the north to the south. The country is located in the G+2 time zone. Following other European countries Lithuania has introduced the summer time: the daylight-saving goes 1 hour forward on last Sunday of March at 3 a.m. and 1 hour back on last Sunday of October at 4 a.m.
The country has borders wth five neighboroughs: Latvia in the north, the border line extends 588 km, Byelorussia in the east and south – 660 km border line, Poland (103 km border line) and Russian Federation (273 km border line) in the the south-west. The 75% of the Lithuanian border line is running by rivers and lakes. The Lithuanian economic zone in the Baltic sea (about 6400 sq. km) extends till Sweden territorial waters.
Lithuania has 90.6 km coast line.
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The climate of Lithuania is determined by its geographical position in the middle latitudes, near the sea and ocean, with prevailing of the air flows from the west and also by its relief peculiarities. Human activities have the growing impact on the climate of the country. The climates varieties are conditioned by location in the northern part of the middle latitude zone.
According to the climate classification Lithuania belongs to the southwestern sub area of the Atlantics wood continental area. Only Lithuanian coast of the Baltic Sea from the point of climate is similar to the Western Europe and could be referred to the separate South Baltic sub area.
Atmospheric fronts, numbering 160-170 per year, usually determine the whether in Lithuania.
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Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania. Already in times of the Great Dutchy of Lithuania Vilnius located in the center of the Lithuanian ethnic territoies was the axle of the state activities.The beautifull legend describes the founding of the city by the Great Duke Gediminas who while hunting in the forests had seen the dream about the iron wolf. Duke’ magus Lizdeika had explained the dream predicting to Vilnius the great power, honour and fame all over the world. After Lithuania was converted to Christianity and the Great Duke Jogaila credited Vilnius with Magdebourg rights on March 22nd of 1387, city started growing and extending, was ruined and again reconstructed. Now Vilnius is the capital of the country, the principal city of the county and the main Lithuania’s link to the world. Also it is the place of residency for President, Seimas (Parliament), Government, Supreme Court as well as for diplomatic missions. Vilnius is the centre of Lithuanian education, science, medical treatment, culture and banking. The old town of Vilnius famous for its fascinating architecture, beautifull cultural monuments, marvelous backstreets and courts is included into UNESCO World Heritage list. From the point of East and West Vilnius location provides a lot of conviniences: many political, economic, cultural interests are being crossed there, the people of different nationalities and religion live in this city.
- THE ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
Administratively, Lithuania is divided into 10 counties that include the territories of 9 urban, 43 district and 8 newly formed local administrative units, the latter in turn are divided into seniūnijas (the smallest administrative units). The Heads of the counties are delegated by the Government and entitled to guarantee the Constitution’s and Laws’ observance in subordinated territories.
The Lithuanian state is an independent democratic republic. The Constitution of Lithuania is on defense of human natural rights and freedoms, guarantees the freedom to choose any religion and to profess it in public or private, the right to form and to join political, national and public associations and in compliance with Laws to protect rights and freedoms. Lithuanian citizens express the high will either directly – on referendums, on indirectly - through their elected representatives. State power in Lithuania is exercised by the Seimas (Parliament), the President of the Republic, the Government and the Court.
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