Fact 1: The Oldest Language still in use
The Lithuanian language carries a lot of historical significance; it is one of the oldest languages spoken today. It's closely related to Sanskrit, the classical language of India, and even carries some likeness to Latin and Ancient Greek. A testament to its longevity, Lithuanian has not gone through much evolution from Old Indo-European, making it vital for those studying linguistic history.
Fact 2: A Nation of Storks
Did you know that Lithuania is commonly referred to as the "Land of Storks"? This is because it is home to one of the highest concentrations of white storks in the world. The locals see these storks as a symbol of good luck, and their nests are a common sight on rooftops and telephone poles. The official count of storks even exceeds the number of home addresses in Lithuania!
Fact 3: Basketball Giants
Basketball is the national sport, and they've mastered it. Lithuania’s men's national basketball team has won numerous international basketball championships and has produced some of the leading NBA players. They're a force to be reckoned with on the global basketball scene, and their love for the game rivals that of North America’s.
Fact 4: Flag hoisting on the Moon
Neil Armstrong, on his mission to the moon, carried a Lithuanian flag (among flags of other nations) provided by Lithuanian-American teen scout Jonas Puzinas. This small flag sat alongside the famous American one planted there in 1969, kept there to symbolize Lithuania’s bond with space exploration.
Fact 5: Capital with a Unique Twist
Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is the only capital in the world that allows hot air ballooning in the city center. Residents and tourists enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the city. The spectacular medieval old town, cathedrals, and other landmarks provide an unforgettable experience.
Fact 6: Home to Europe's Geographical Centre
According to the French National Geographic Institute, the geographical center of Europe is in Lithuania. It pinpointed a spot near the village of Bernotai, approximately 26 kilometers north of the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius.
Fact 7: Lost in Time
Unique to Lithuania, there is an ingenious sundial known as the "Saulelydis," owned by the townsfolk of Nida in the western part of the country. The sundial is masterly crafted to offer a display not only of the time but also the season and the astrological zodiac sign the sun falls in.
Fact 8: A Forest of Crosses
Lithuania is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site that could be described as eerie. The Hill of Crosses is a unique place with over 200,000 crosses laid out by individuals over generations, symbolizing the endurance of Lithuanian Catholicism despite various threats throughout history.
Fact 9: Literacy Pride
Dating back to the 16th century, Lithuania had Karaites—a small community that preserved their interpretation of Judaism—which led to promoting literacy. This love for reading remains strong, and today Lithuania boasts one of the highest literacy rates worldwide, reaching 99.8%.
Fact 10: Sorrowful History
In 1989, approximately two million Lithuanians, Latvians, and Estonians joined hands, forming a 600-kilometer human chain spanning the three Baltic states. This peaceful demonstration, known as the Baltic Way, protested against the illegal Soviet occupation.
Fact 11: Epic Easter Customs
Lithuanian Easter customs are awe-inspiring. The most famous custom is Margučiai, where eggs are delicately decorated with patterns and symbols by dripping hot wax on the eggshell before it's dyed.
Fact 12: Home to a UNESCO World Book Capital
Lithuania’s capital Vilnius was named a UNESCO World Book Capital in 2017. This reflects Lithuania's love for literature and reading. The year-long program was filled with book-related events, promising a dynamic celebration of literature.
Fact 13: Pagan Roots
Lithuania was the last pagan country in Europe, only adopting Catholicism as late as 1387 under King Mindaugas. Despite the Catholic conversion, many old pagan traditions and holidays remain celebrated today.
Fact 14: Authentic Amber
Amber is solidified tree resin and has been collected on the shores of the Baltic Sea for millenia. Lithuania is world-renowned for its amber, often called Baltic Gold, as it often contains perfectly preserved insects and plants over 40 million years old.
Fact 15: Land of Lakes
Lithuania is often referred to as the "Land of a Thousand Lakes" due to the myriad of glacial lakes that are spread across the country. In all, Lithuania features nearly 3,000 lakes, creating a breathtaking landscape.
Fact 16: The Legend of Iron Wolf
The name of the capital, Vilnius, originates from the Lithuanian word "vilnis" and folkloric tales about an iron wolf howling. According to legend, Grand Duke Gediminas had a dream about an iron wolf, signifying the establishment of a city as strong as iron.
Fact 17: Rich History in Folk Music
Lithuania has a deep history of folk music, which dates back as early as the 5th century. This music often includes multi-voiced songs called sutartinės, known for their unique rhythms, melodies, and harmonies.
Fact 18: The Heroes of January thirteenth
January 13th is commemorated every year in Lithuania to honor those who stood against the Soviet military in 1991 during the Lithuanian Freedom Defences. The stand, which resulted in 14 deaths, demonstrated the Lithuanian people’s determination to regain their independence.
Fact 19: Lithuania's Unique Curonian Spit
The Curonian Spit is a unique geographical feature shared with Kaliningrad. This 98 km long, thin sand dune peninsula separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its extraordinary blend of cultural and natural elements.
Fact 20: Lithuania's Independence Day Coincidence
Interestingly, Lithuania has declared its independence twice, both times on February 16. The first declaration was in 1918 after the end of WWI, and the second was in 1940, before WWII, re-establishing their freedom from the Soviet Union.