The Republic of Lithuania is the country in Central Europe, by the Baltic Sea. Lithuania borders with Latvia, Belarus, Poland and Russia. The Republic of Lithuania is the country in Central Europe, by the Baltic Sea. Lithuania borders with Latvia, Belarus, Poland and Russia.

The first written record of the name of the country was in Lithuanians were later conquered by the neighboring lands. The Kingdom of Lithuania was established in the 13th century. The Grand Duchy of Lithuania remained independent and dominating country in Europe. It was also one of the last European countries to adopt Christianity. In the 15th century Lithuania became the largest state in Europe, merging with Poland and forming Polish- Lithuanian Commonwealth. In 1795, however, Lithuania was erased from the political map after the Partition with Poland. Lithuania was included by force into the Soviet Union after the World War II and regained the independence only in Some historical facts.

STATISTIC OF LITHUANIA Language – Lithuanian - 82%, 8% - Russian, 5.6% - Polish, 4.4% - other languages.

POLITICAL AND NATIONAL STRUCTURE The state of Lithuania is an independent, democratic republic. The state power in Lithuania belongs to the Seimas (Parliament), President of the Republic, Government and Court. Powers are limited according to the constitution, adopted in 1992 by a referendum. The territory of the state is one and not divisible.

Lithuania became the member of NATO on the 29 th of March,2004 They started the membership in EU on the 1 st of May, 2004

They don ‘ t have mountains but they are proud of their hills, plains and waters. Lithuania has about 3000 rivers and lakes. The largest river is the nemunas.

Vilnius – the capital city  the largest city in Lithuania  Was first mentioned in 1323  found by the king of Lithuania – Mindaugas.

Vilnius  The population of 600,000 inhabitants.  The Gediminas Castle and the Cathedral are its major symbols.

KAUNAS  the second largest city in Lithuania  a former temporary capital of Lithuania  first mentioned in 1361  Has the only zoo in whole Lithuania

Kaunas castle

Kaunas In the old town of Kaunas one can see perfect Gothic and Baroque examples.

Kaunas Cathedral