V European Franciscan Youth Congress in Lithuania

Main facts and short History of Lithuania

Lithuania lies in the eastern Europe, on the coast of the Baltic Sea. In the north Lithuania borders with Latvia, in the east and south with Byelorussia, in the south-westwith Poland and with the Kaliningrad region of the Russian Federation. From the cartographic point of view, Lithuania is a Central European rather than an Eastern European country, as is sometimes groundlessly claimed. Located in the centre of Europe, Lithuania is situated at one of the largest crossroads of the continent. Such a location provides many communication conveniences but at the same time is fraught with serious dangers as far as the country’s security is concerned.

The Lithuanian state is an independent democratic republic. The foundations of the political and social system are enforced by the Fundamental Law (the Constitution) of the Republic of Lithuania adopted on October 25, 1992, which also establishes the rights, freedoms and obligations of citizens. State power in Lithuania is exercised by the Seimas (Parliament), the President of the Republic, the Government and the Court. The rich culture of Lithuania goes back thousands of years. Lithuanians are a branch of the Balts whose settlement dates back to around 200 B.C. Lithuanian is one of the oldest languages in Europe.

The first written mention of was Lithuania was in the Annales Quedlinburgenses in 1009 A.D. The first Lithuanian state was established by the Grand Duke Mindaugas in 1230. He converted to Christianity briefly and was crowned king of Lithuania in 1252. In 1387 Grand Duke Jogaila baptised Lithuania, formed a union between Lithuania and the Kingdom of Poland and granted Vilnius the rights of a city. XIV- XV centuries Lithuania, including its annexed lands, became one of the largest states in Europe. Lithuania was occupied by the Soviets in 1940 and only after more than 50 years, Lithuanians retained the goal of independence.

Lithuania’s own currency, the litas, was reintroduced in 1993, pegged the U.S. dollar. The 10-litas note carries the picture of two pioneers of Lithuanian aviation who flew the Atlantic in 1933. Also in 1993, the last Russian soldier left the country, and Lithuania became a member of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. In 2004 Lithuania became a member of EU. Economic development and effective free market are the main objectives of the Lithuanian Government’s economic policy. Rapid economic growth, low inflation, a sound banking system and an upsurge in private investment makes it a leader in economic development among Central and Eastern European countries. The Lithuanian trade policy follows EU law and principles laid down in the agreements of the World Trade Organization ( WTO).

Lithuanians have three the most important national celebration dates:

The 6^th of July – The day of Grand Duke Mindaugas coronation.

The 16^th of February – Lithuanian Independence day.

On 16 February 1918, the Council of Lithuania signed the Act of Independence of Lithuania, which proclaimed the termination of all state ties and declared Lithuania an independent state. Solemn commemorations, concerts, orchestra and other events take place in the capital and all over the country.

The 11^th of March – Day of restoration of Lithuanian independence.

The Act of Re-establishment of the state of Lithuania was signed on 11^th March 1990. On this day, Lithuania first of Baltic countries got free from Soviet union . The victims of fights for Lithuanian independence are honoured by all citizens and Government of Lithuania each year on this date.

Lithuanian Franciscan Youth Fraternity