Lithuania: The name of Lithuania was first mentioned a thousand years ago (in 1009). Located on the crossroad between the west and east cultures, the country experienced a dramatic history of events for resettlement and independence.

In the middle ages Lithuania was the biggest country in Eastern Europe, handicraft and trade with other countries were thriving. Now Lithuania is an active member of the European Union (since 2004) and NATO Alliance (since 2004). Statehood traditions are 800 years old and the oldest in the Baltic States.

With a population of over 3 million, Lithuania is in the geographical centre of Europe and the Baltic Sea, bordered by Latvia, Russia, Poland, and Belarus.

Some facts about Lithuania: .Language: Lithuanian, an Indo-European language which closely resembles ancient Sanskrit and is transcribed from Latin.  .Political System: Democratic Republic with a governing Prime Minister and multi-party system.  Cuisine: Lithuanian cuisine features the products suited to its cool and moist northern climate: barley, potatoes, rye, beets, greens, berries, and mushrooms are locally grown, and dairy products are one of its specialties. Since it shares its climate and agricultural practices with Eastern Europe, Lithuanian cuisine has much in common with other Eastern European and Ashkenazi cuisines.

Climate: Lithuania’s climate, which ranges between maritime and continental, is relatively mild. Average daily temperature is 16-20 in July, although temperatures can reach 30 to 35.

Sporting history: Lithuania is very strong in basketball with multiple medals at the Olympics and World Championships. Lithuania is also home to the world strongest man, Savickas, the world first acrobatic pilot to perform to music and a European and World Champion dancesport formation team.

Siauliai: Ðiauliai, with a population of about 130.000, is the economic, cultural and educational center of Northern Lithuania. Due to its perfect geographical location, Siauliai became the trade and industrial center of Lithuania from the very start. Consequently, during World War II, 85% of Siauliai was ruined. The only building that remained was the renaissance cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul. The tower (70m) is visible from a long distance and is the main panoramic accent of the city.  Siauliai is known as the Sun City, has a strong history in culture and sports, and is the site of the Hill of Crosses – the final pilgrimage destination of thousands of Catholics each year. The hill is estimated to house over 100,000 crosses, as well as crucifixes, carvings and statues, effigies and rosaries.

Taken from the TAFISA website: http://www.tafisa.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=70&Itemid=74

Stan 2012 06 26 21:40