Indigenous trade at the heart of South America
China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is the world's most populous country and one of the largest by area. It is located in East Asia and has a vast history, culture, and economy, making it a central player on the global stage.
Lithuania is a Northern European country, one of the three Baltic states, with a rich history and a strong sense of national identity. Below is an overview of Lithuania:
Key Facts:
Capital: Vilnius
Official Language: Lithuanian
Population: ~2.8 million (2023)
Currency: Euro (€)
Government: Unitary parliamentary republic
Independence: First declared in 1918, re-established from the Soviet Union in 1990
Geography:
Lithuania is located in northeastern Europe, bordered by Latvia, Belarus, Poland, and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. The landscape includes flat plains, rivers, lakes, and forests. It has access to the Baltic Sea with a short coastline.
History:
Grand Duchy of Lithuania: In the 14th and 15th centuries, Lithuania was one of the largest countries in Europe, stretching from the Baltic to the Black Sea.
Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth: A powerful state formed in 1569 that existed until the late 18th century, when it was partitioned by surrounding empires.
Modern Independence: Lithuania declared independence in 1918, but was later occupied by Nazi Germany and annexed by the Soviet Union. It regained independence in 1990, becoming the first Soviet republic to do so.
Economy:
Lithuania's economy has grown rapidly since joining the European Union in 2004. The country is known for its IT services, manufacturing, and agriculture. The GDP per capita is approximately $25,000, with major industries including electronics, chemicals, and biotechnology.
Culture:
Lithuania has a rich cultural heritage, with deep roots in folk traditions. It is predominantly Roman Catholic, and traditional festivals and music, such as the Lithuanian Song Festival, are integral to its identity. Traditional dishes include cepelinai (potato dumplings) and šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup).
Tourism:
Tourism highlights include:
Vilnius Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site with Baroque architecture.
Trakai Island Castle, a medieval fortress.
The Hill of Crosses, a significant pilgrimage site.
International Relations:
Lithuania is a member of the EU, NATO, and the Schengen Agreement, and plays an active role in European security, particularly in relation to Russia and its Baltic neighbors.
Copyright (C) S. Midttun, 2024
