Lithuania is a Northern European country located in the Baltic region, with a strategic geographic position and a rich historical background. Key Details: - Geographic Location: Northeastern Europe, bordered by [[Latvia]] to the north, [[Belarus]] to the east and south, [[Poland]] to the south, and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad to the southwest - Capital: Vilnius - Population: Approximately 2.8 million - Official Language: Lithuanian - Government: Parliamentary representative democratic republic - Member of: [[European Union (EU)]], NATO, Schengen Area Notable Characteristics: 1. Historical Context: - Gained independence from Soviet Union in 1990 (first Soviet republic to declare independence) - Has a long history of statehood, including the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, one of the largest states in medieval Europe - Experienced significant political and economic transformation since independence 2. Economy: - Market-based economy with a strong focus on services, technology, and manufacturing - Growing reputation as a tech and startup hub in Eastern Europe - Significant sectors include IT, biotechnology, and fintech - Successful in attracting foreign investment and developing a knowledge-based economy 3. Cultural Highlights: - Rich cultural heritage with strong linguistic traditions - Lithuanian language is considered one of the most archaic living Indo-European languages - Strong tradition of folk music, art, and literature - Celebrates numerous traditional festivals and maintains strong cultural identity 4. Natural Environment: - Diverse landscape with forests, lakes, and a coastline along the Baltic Sea - Significant biodiversity, including extensive forest areas - Known for its beautiful natural landscapes and national parks 5. Modern Developments: - Successful integration into Western economic and political structures - Member of European Union and NATO since 2004 - Developing a modern, innovative economy - Strong emphasis on digital technologies and innovation - Prominent in basketball, considered a national passion