Country Profile: Lithuania

Lithuania, located in Eastern Europe by the Baltic Sea, is bordered by Latvia, Russia, Belarus, and Poland. With a population of approximately 2.8 million, it showcases a rich historical tapestry, having existed as a significant power in Europe during the 14th century. Today, Lithuania is a member of the EU and NATO, experiencing a robust economy characterized by private consumption and EU-driven investments. Governance is established as a semi-presidential republic, emphasizing both democratic principles and the rule of law.

Geography

Lithuania spans an area of 65,300 sq km and features a mixed landscape of lowlands, fertile soils, and numerous lakes. Its coastline extends 90 km along the Baltic Sea, contributing to its maritime economy. The country experiences a transitional climate, characterized by moderate winters and wet summers, with natural resources including peat and arable land.

• Total land area: 65,300 sq km
• Major lakes: Curonian Lagoon (1,620 sq km)
• Natural resources: Peat, arable land, amber
• Forest coverage: 35.3% (2023)
• Elevation: Highest point at Aukstojas (294 m)

People and Society

As of 2025, Lithuania's estimated population stands at 2,815,687, with a significant urban population of 68.7%. The country is characterized by ethnic diversity, with 84.6% being Lithuanian, 6.5% Polish, and 5% Russian. The predominant religion is Roman Catholicism, influencing many cultural aspects of society.

• Population (2025): 2.8 million
• Urban population: 68.7%
• Life expectancy: 76.1 years (2024)
• Median age: 44 years (2025)
• Total fertility rate: 1.22 children/woman (2025)

Economy

Lithuania is recognized as the largest economy in the Baltic region and a high-income member of the EU. The economy relies heavily on private consumption and EU investments but faces structural challenges, such as an aging workforce and high energy import costs. The services sector dominates the economy, contributing 63.6% of GDP.

• GDP (2024): $84.869 billion
• GDP growth rate (2024): 2.8%
• Unemployment rate (2024): 7.6%
• Public debt: 36.9% of GDP (2023)
• Exports (2024): $62.896 billion

Government

Lithuania operates as a semi-presidential republic with a unique political system characterized by a strong role for both the president and parliament. The country achieved its independence from the Soviet Union in 1990 and has since restructured its governance to align with EU standards. Universal suffrage is granted at the age of 18.

• Capital: Vilnius
• Government type: Semi-presidential republic
• Current president: Gitanas Nausea (since 2019)
• Legislative branch: Unicameral Parliament (Seimas) with 141 seats
• Next parliamentary election: October 2028

Military and Security

The Lithuanian Armed Forces are equipped to handle the country’s defense, focusing primarily on threats from Russia. As a NATO member, Lithuania contributes to regional security through participation in joint military missions and exercises, emphasizing its commitment to collective defense.

• Active military personnel: Approximately 20,000 (2025)
• Military expenditures: 4% of GDP (2025)
• Military service age: 19-26 years for conscription
• NATO membership since: 2004
• Active participation in international missions: UN peacekeeping since 1994

Energy

Lithuania's energy sector is marked by a strong reliance on renewable sources, especially wind energy, which accounts for 51% of total installed capacity. The country has made significant strides in electricity access, achieving 100% electrification.

• Installed electricity capacity: 5.426 million kW (2023)
• Electricity consumption: 10.992 billion kWh (2023)
• Natural gas consumption: 1.49 billion cubic meters (2023)
• Coal consumption: 166,000 metric tons (2023)
• 100% electricity access (2022)

Environment

Lithuania faces environmental challenges, including water and air pollution, as well as deforestation. The government is a participant in several international environmental agreements, showing commitment to addressing these issues through collaborative efforts.

• Forest area: 35.3% of land (2023)
• Water pollution issues: Present
• Carbon dioxide emissions: 12.877 million metric tons (2023)
• Municipal waste recycled: 34.9% (2022)
• Total renewable water resources: 24.5 billion cubic meters (2022)

Transportation

Transportation infrastructure in Lithuania includes a mix of railways, roads, and air travel. The country has 64 airports as of 2025 and continues to develop its maritime capabilities, with 59 vessels in its merchant marine fleet.

• Total railways: 1,911 km (2020)
• Airports: 64 (2025)
• Merchant marine fleet: 59 vessels (2023)
• Major port: Klaipeda
• Railway electrification: 152 km

Communications

Lithuania exhibits a high level of connectivity, with a significant proportion of its population utilizing the internet. Mobile cellular subscriptions are notably high, showcasing the country's advancement in telecommunications.

• Internet users: 89% of the population (2023)
• Mobile cellular subscriptions: 3.97 million (2024)
• Fixed-line telephones: 224,000 (2023)
• Broadband subscriptions: 806,000 (2023)
• Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 139 (mobile, 2024)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	2,815,687 (2025 est.)
Area	65,300 sq km
GDP	$84.869 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate	7.6% (2024 est.)
Life expectancy	76.1 years (2024 est.)
Total fertility rate	1.22 children/woman (2025 est.)
Military expenditures	4% of GDP (2025 est.)
Electricity access	100% (2022 est.)
Gini Index	36.6 (2022 est.)
Urban population	68.7% (2023)