Lithuania, officially known as the Republic of Lithuania, is a country situated in the Baltic region of Europe. It shares its borders with Latvia to the north, Belarus to the east and south, Poland to the south, and Russia to the southwest. Additionally, it has a maritime border with Sweden to the west. Vilnius is not only the capital but also the largest city of Lithuania. Other significant cities include Kaunas, Klaipėda, Šiauliai, and Panevėžys. The nation spans over an area of 65,300 km² (25,200 sq mi) and has a population of approximately 2.86 million people. Lithuanian is the official language, spoken by the majority of the population who belong to the Balts ethnolinguistic group.
Geography
Lithuania is characterized by its location in the Baltic region, occupying a total area of 65,300 km². The country’s geography is marked by its latitude, lying between 53° and 57° N, and mostly within the longitudes 21° and 27° E. The nation boasts a coastline of about 99 kilometers along the Baltic Sea, although only 38 kilometers face the open sea directly. The rest of the coastline is protected by the Curonian Spit, a sandy peninsula. Klaipėda, a significant warm-water port, is located at the mouth of the Curonian Lagoon.
The landscape of Lithuania is a mix of moderate lowlands and highlands, shaped by the last ice age’s glaciers. The highest point is Aukštojas Hill, reaching 294 meters. The country is also known for its numerous lakes and wetlands, with forests covering over a third of its territory. Notably, the geographic center of Europe, as determined by the French National Geographic Institute, is located in Lithuania, near its capital Vilnius.
Population
Lithuania’s population has maintained a high level of homogeneity since the Neolithic period. Genetic studies indicate that modern Lithuanians share a close genetic affinity with other Northern and Eastern European populations. As of 2021, the population structure is segmented into three main age groups: 0–14 years, 15–64 years, and 65 years and over. The median age in 2022 was 44 years.
The total fertility rate in Lithuania is below the replacement level, with an average of 1.34 children born per woman in 2021. There has been a noticeable trend in the average age of first childbirth, which is around 30.3 years, and the age of first marriage is slightly lower, indicating changing social norms and family structures. The population’s sex ratio in the age category of 15–44 slightly favors males.
In conclusion, Lithuania is a nation rich in history and cultural heritage, marked by its distinctive geographic features and a population that reflects the broader demographic trends of modern Europe.