Lithuania is located on the Baltic Sea’s eastern coast. It was the first of the Baltic countries to declare its independence from the Soviet Union, in 1990. Since that time, the country’s economy has undergone a major restructuring, and in the spring of 2004, Lithuania joined the EU. Western tourists have started to visit in increasing numbers, drawn by the historical attractions of Vilnius, the capital, and the forests, lakes and rivers covering a sizable portion of the country.

A relatively small country, Lithuania borders the Baltic Sea for approximately 100km, and is surrounded by Belarus, Latvia, Poland and a part of the Russian Federation. Featuring 18 navigable rivers, 2,500 lakes and forests that cover one-third of its land mass, Lithuania is officially classified as the geographical centre of Europe.