Country Profile: Lithuania

Lithuania, located in Eastern Europe along the Baltic Sea, is bordered by Latvia, Russia, Poland, and Belarus. The country has a population of approximately 2.6 million, with significant urban concentrations in Vilnius and Kaunas. Lithuania boasts a robust economy characterized as the largest among the Baltic nations, driven by private consumption and investment from EU funds. It operates as a semi-presidential republic, having reclaimed its independence in 1990 after a history of occupation and foreign domination.

Geography

Lithuania is situated in Eastern Europe, bordered by the Baltic Sea to the west and sharing land boundaries with Latvia, Russia, Poland, and Belarus. The nation's landscape features lowland terrains interspersed with lakes and fertile soils, making it suitable for agriculture. The climate is transitional, experiencing wet and moderate winters and summers.

Area: 65,300 sq km, slightly larger than West Virginia.
Highest Point: Aukstojas at 294 m.
Land Boundaries: Total of 1,545 km.
Coastline: 90 km along the Baltic Sea.
Major Lakes: Curonian Lagoon (1,620 sq km).

People and Society

Lithuania's estimated population is about 2.6 million, consisting predominantly of ethnic Lithuanians (84.6%). The country experiences a negative population growth rate and has a median age of 45.1 years. The official language is Lithuanian, reflecting the culture's deep historical roots, while Roman Catholicism remains the predominant religion.

Population (2024 est.): 2,628,186.
Urbanization Rate: 68.7% of the population lives in urban areas (2023).
Life Expectancy: 76.1 years at birth (2024).
Birth Rate: 8.9 births per 1,000 population (2024).
Total Fertility Rate: 1.62 children per woman (2024).

Economy

Lithuania is classified as a high-income country, being the largest economy in the Baltic region. The economy is supported by private consumption and investments from the EU. However, it faces challenges such as an aging workforce and high costs of energy imports.

GDP (PPP, 2024 est.): $136.227 billion.
GDP Growth Rate (2024 est.): 2.8%.
Unemployment Rate (2024 est.): 7.6%.
Exports (2024 est.): $62.896 billion.
Household Consumption: Accounts for 57.3% of GDP (2023).

Government

Lithuania functions as a semi-presidential republic. The government is characterized by a legislative assembly known as the Seimas and an executive branch headed by the President. The country operates under a civil law system and holds regular elections.

Capital: Vilnius; coordinates 54 41 N, 25 19 E.
Independence Declared: March 11, 1990, from the Soviet Union.
Total Seats in Parliament (Seimas): 141, all directly elected.
Suffrage: Universal at age 18.
Current President: Gitanas Nauseda since July 12, 2019.

Military and Security

The Lithuanian Armed Forces include the Land Forces, Navy, and Air Force. Lithuania allocates a significant portion of its GDP to military expenditures, reflecting its commitment to national defense, especially in light of regional tensions with Russia.

Active-Duty Personnel: Approximately 20,000 (2025).
Military Expenditures (2024 est.): 3.1% of GDP.
NATO Membership: Joined in 2004.
Conscription Age: 19 to 26 years, with a 9-month service obligation.
Participates in NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence: Hosting multinational forces since 2017.

Energy

Lithuania has achieved 100% electrification and relies on a mix of energy sources for its electricity generation, including significant contributions from renewable sources. The country is working towards improving energy efficiency and reducing reliance on imported energy.

Electricity Consumption: 10.992 billion kWh (2023).
Installed Capacity: 5.426 million kW (2023).
Natural Gas Consumption: 1.49 billion cubic meters (2023).
Renewable Energy Share: Wind accounts for 51% of total installed capacity (2023).
Nuclear Reactors: Two permanently shut down as of 2025.

Environment

Lithuania faces several environmental challenges, including water and air pollution and soil degradation. The country is active in various international environmental agreements, promoting sustainability and conservation efforts.

Urban Population: 68.7% (2023).
Water Pollution Issues: Common due to industrial activities.
Total Water Withdrawal: 136.78 million cubic meters (2022).
Recycling Rate: 34.9% of municipal solid waste (2022).
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: Approximately 12.877 million metric tonnes (2023).

Transportation

Lithuania has a well-developed transportation system, featuring a network of roads, railways, and airports. The country is also home to significant maritime infrastructure, facilitating trade and travel.

Total Railways: 1,911 km (2020).
Airports: 64 in total (2025).
Merchant Marine Fleet: 59 vessels (2023).
Ports: 2 major ports with oil terminals.
Civil Aircraft Registration Prefix: LY.

Communications

The telecommunications sector in Lithuania is advanced, with high mobile and internet penetration rates. The country has a mix of public and private broadcasters providing television and radio services.

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 3.92 million (2023).
Internet Users: Approximately 89% of the population (2023).
Fixed Broadband Subscriptions: 806,000 (2023).
Total Fixed-Line Telephones: 224,000 (2023).
Telecommunications Infrastructure: Includes various private and public media channels.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	2,628,186	2024 estimate
Area	65,300 sq km	Slightly larger than West Virginia
GDP (PPP)	$136.227 billion	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	7.6%	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy	76.1 years	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	8.9 births/1,000	2024 estimate
Total Fertility Rate	1.62 children/woman	2024 estimate
Military Expenditures	3.1% of GDP	2024 estimate
Energy Consumption per Capita	83.7 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
Carbon Dioxide Emissions	12.877 million metric tons	2023 estimate