 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.
 Of the many things to see in the country, the majority of attractions of interest to tourists are located in and around Vilnius, the architecturally-striking capital city. Highlights in Vilnius range from cathedrals and churches to monuments and museums. In other parts of Lithuania, visitors will find national parks, picturesque traditional villages and seaside resorts.
Since the country’s independence, accommodation options have improved and now include a range of Western-style hotels. The majority of the government’s modernisation and renovation efforts have been concentrated in Vilnius, but other cities have begun to develop better tourist amenities. The country now boasts a selection of upscale and international chain hotels, such as the Crowne Plaza Hotel and the Ramada Vilnius Hotel.
Lithuania is easily reached by air, and by road from all parts of continental Europe. Tourists will find locals eager to welcome them and to show off the natural and cultural attractions the country has to offer.
History
Lithuanian history can be traced back for thousands of years, to the Balts, who first settled this area in approximately 200 BC. It wasn’t until 1009AD that the first written account of Lithuania appeared, in the Annales Quedlinburgenses. In 1230, the first state was founded by Grand Duke Mindaugas.
 The establishment of Vilnius is attributed to Grand Duke Gediminas, who reigned from 1316 to 1341. It wasn’t until the rule of Grand Duke Vytautas, from 1339 to 1430, however, that Lithuania reached its peak. The foundations were put in place for a Catholic state that was integrated into Europe, with its borders extended as far as the Black Sea.
In 1569 the Polish-Lithuanian kingdom was formed, and a decade later, Vilnius University was founded. By the late 1700s, this union came under threat from Austria, Prussia and Russia, and by 1795 most of Lithuania had been annexed by Russia. The university was closed and publication of Lithuanian books was banned. A century later, continued persecution and extreme financial hardship had forced many thousands of Lithuanians to emigrate.
At the end of WWII, Lithuania was re-established as a state after Germany and Russia were defeated. Although industry and regional trade improved shortly thereafter, battles with Poland and Russia led to the annexation of Vilnius, and the transfer of the country’s capital to Kaunas. In 1940, the Soviet Union occupied Lithuania, and then in 1941, the Nazis took control. By 1944 the Soviets were returned to power.
 For a number of years after the end of WWII, a degree of armed resistance against the Soviets continued, but it wasn’t until 11 March 1990 that a free republic was declared. Shortly after the collapse of the domination by Moscow, Lithuania became a member of the United Nations in 1991.
 Algirdas Brazauskas was unanimously elected the first president of Lithuania in February of 1993. In the same year, the national currency, known as the litas, was introduced once again and the country joined the Council of Europe.With its economy restructured and gaining momentum, Lithuania joined the EU in 2004. It enthusiastically welcomes western tourists and nature lovers from around the region to appreciate its many attractions and wealth of recreational opportunities.
Weather
Lithuania’s climate is characterised by four distinct seasons, and by weather that can be rather unstable at times. Given the country’s geographical position, its climate falls between continental and maritime conditions, meaning that rainfall is experienced throughout the year.
 Summer is typically the most popular time to visit, and is a period of warm and generally sunny weather. Toward the end of summer rainfall is the heaviest, which makes for cooler evenings. The average temperature in July is approximately 18°C.
 Both the spring and autumn months are mild, with relatively stable weather and the least amount of rainfall. April through June and September through October are ideal times to visit the country, when it’s warm enough to spend time enjoying the outdoors. An additional benefit is that there are fewer visitors, often translating to lower prices, and definitely wider availability in accommodation options.
 Winter in Lithuania lasts from November through the middle part of March, and the weather can be quite cold. Snow is common, and sub-zero temperatures can be a daily occurrence. January’s average temperature is -4.8°C.
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