Local name: Lietuvos Respublika

Surface : 65,301 sq km (25,213 sq miles)

Population : 3,482,300 inhabitants

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs are in use

Climate: Temperate climate, but with considerable temperature variations. Summer is warm with relatively mild weather in spring and autumn. Winter, which lasts from November to mid-March, can be very cold. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year with the heaviest rainfall in August. Heavy snowfalls are common in the winter months

PASSPORTS: Passport valid for a minimum of 3 months after expiry of visa, required by all. VISAS: Required by all except the following: nationals of Andorra, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hong Kong (SAR), Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Macau (SAR), Malta, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Poland, San Marino, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Switzerland, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela for tourist stays of up to 90 days.

Capital : Vilnius. Population: 543,000

System : Republic. Gained independence from Russia/Germany 1918-1940, and then from the Soviet Union in 1990 - Under the constitution adopted in October 1992, legislative authority rests with the popularly elected Seimas, the parliament, with 141 Government members. The president is the head of state and is elected for a 5-year term by universal adult suffrage. Executive power is vested in the Government, consisting of the prime minister, who is appointed by the president with approval of the Seimas, and his cabinet.

Languages : Lithuanian is the official language. Lithuania has a large number of dialects for such a small territory, including High Lithuanian (Aukstaiciai) and Low Lithuanian (Zemaiciai).

Religions :  Predominantly Roman Catholic with Evangelical Lutheran, Evangelical Reformist, Russian Orthodox, Baptist, Muslim and Jewish minorities.

Money : Litas (Lt) = 100 centas. Notes are in denominations of Lt500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of Lt5, 2 and 1, and the worthless 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 centas

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