Lithuania is the largest and southernmost of the three Baltic States in northeastern Europe, bordered by Latvia, Belarus, Poland, and Russia’s Kaliningrad Oblast. Vilnius is the capital and largest city. Lithuanians make up the majority of the population, and Lithuanian is the official language.

Historically, Lithuania was a powerful medieval state and part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, lasting from the 14th to 18th centuries. It declared independence in 1918, was later occupied by the Soviet Union, and re-established independence in 1990. Lithuania is a parliamentary republic and a member of the European Union and NATO.

Its economy includes manufacturing, agriculture, and services. The country is known for its low-lying plains, numerous rivers, and mixed forests, and it maintains strong European ties.