Area: 65,300 sq. km
Borders: Lithuania shares a common continental border of 660 km with Belarus, 588 km with Latvia, 103 km with Poland, and 273 km with Russia (Kaliningrad Region). From east to west the country stretches 373km, and the distance from the southern end of the country to northern one is 276km.
Climate: (www.meteo.lt). The climate of Lithuania is transitional between maritime and continental. It is characterized by seasonal changes of temperature, by moderate heat in summer and by adequate humidity and sufficient number of bright days. The average temperature in winter is - 4.9° C, in summer +17° C, although in summer it can rise above +30° C, and in winter fall to +30° C. Don't forget your sweater and gloves.
Population and Ethnic composition: With respect to population, Lithuania is the largest of the three Baltic Republics. The Lithuanians predominate in the national composition of population and make 83% of the total, Polish 6.3%, Russians 6.3 %, Belorussian 1.2%.The majority of inhabitants are Roman Catholics. There are also Russian Orthodox and Evangelical Lutherans.
Cities: The capital is the city of Vilnius, with the population of 541 278; other major cities include Kaunas (364 059), Klaipėda (188 767), Siauliai (130 020), Panevėžys (116 247), Alytus (69 859) and Marijampolė (47 693).
Official Language: Lithuanian.
Most Common Foreign Languages: English, Russian, Polish and German.
Time: Local time is in the Central European Time Zone: GTM +2hrs.
State Type of Government: democratic, parliamentary republic. It is governed by a democratically elected Parliament. It consists of 141 members elected for four-year term. The President is elected by direct vote for a term of five years. The head of the Government is the Prime Minister, and the Cabinet is composed of 14 ministers.
Head of State: President (elected every 3 years and 3 months, Valdas Adamkus).
Memberships: European Union, NATO, United Nations Organisation, Council of Europe, World Trade Organisation, Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Council of the Baltic Sea States, etc.
Currency: Lithuanian national currency is the litas (LT), it is pegged to euro at the rate of 3.4528Lt=1€. Higher education in Lithuania There are two types of higher education institutions in Lithuania: universities and colleges. University studies are undergraduate studies, Master studies, doctoral studies, residency studies. Non-university studies are undergraduate professional studies focussed on practical activities. Duration of studies: 3-4 years. The graduates of non-university undergraduate studies obtain vocational bachelor qualification.Undergraduate studies at universities. Duration of studies: four years. Graduates of undergraduate studies are awarded a Bachelor's degree and (or) a professional qualification.
Master studies are open for those that have obtained a Bachelor's degree. Duration of studies: 1.5-2 years. Graduates of Master studies are awarded a Master's degree. Residency studies are intended to help those individuals that have obtained respective qualifications in the subject areas defined by the Government (medicine, odontology, veterinary medicine) to prepare for independent practical activities. Duration of studies: 2-6 years. The graduates of residency studies obtain a professional qualification.
More about Lithuania: http://www.travel.lt/turizmas/content/welcome.jsp |
