Lithuania: Fast Facts and Hot Legislation

Author: Jared Fallon

The fascinating country of Lithuania is not very well known by Americans despite the fact that it has endured many hardships in the pursuit of democracy. This resilient nation that once was the largest country on the European continent eventually became the first member of the Soviet Republic to declare renewed independence. As a deeply historical, excitingly cultural, and surprisingly interesting Northern Baltic state, it is certainly worth finding more about.

Also see:

Slideshow: Lithuania in Pictures

Congressman Ferguson Makes Bones about Bones

Country Profile: The Republic of Lithuania

• Population: 3,600,000 (less than half of New York City’s)
• Size: Roughly that of West Virginia (America’s 9^th smallest state)
• Major Religions: Roman Catholic by far, #2 Orthodox
• Languages: Lithuanian, Russian, and Polish
• Per capita GDP: $16,800
• One of the fastest growing countries in the world, with a GDP growth rate of 8.8% in 2007
• Joined both NATO and the EU in 2004
• Prior to EU membership, Russia was the key economic and political driver of this northern Baltic state

Top Lithuanian Legislation

H.CON.RES.371: Strongly supporting an immediate and just restitution of, or compensation for, property illegally confiscated during the last century by Nazi and Communist regimes.

- Sponsored by Robert Wexler

- 32 Cosponsors

H.CON.RES.255: Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the United States commitment to preservation of religious and cultural sites and condemning instances where sites are desecrated.

- Sponsored by Mike Ferguson

- 59 cosponsors

S.CON.RES.87: A concurrent resolution congratulating the Republic of Latvia on the 90th anniversary of its declaration of independence.

- Sponsored by Gordon H. Smith

- 6 cosponsors (including Obama – maybe he does know something about foreign policy?)

Fast Facts:

• In the 14th century, Lithuania was the largest country in Europe
• Lithuania was the first member of the Soviet Republic to declare renewed independence
• Home to the only museum of devils in Europe
• Largest collection of Amber (the Gold of the Baltics) in the world
• Nearly every midsized-large city within the country holds an annual jazz festival
• The largest jazz fast is the countries’ second largest city and culture capitol: Kaunas
• Lithuania has more UNESCO World Heritage points than Latvia, Luxembourg, Moldova, Slovenia, Albania, Bosnia, Cyprus, and Georgia