Lithuania Fun Facts for Kids

The Kingdom of Lithuania was established in the 13th century, and under the rule of Grand Duke Gediminas in the 14th century, it became one of the largest and most influential states in Europe, forming the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In 1386, Lithuania entered into a dynastic union with Poland, culminating in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, a significant European power for over two centuries. However, by the late 18th century, the Commonwealth was partitioned by neighboring powers, and Lithuania was absorbed into the Russian Empire. Following World War I, Lithuania declared independence in 1918 but was occupied during World War II by the Nazis before being liberated by the Soviet red army and adopted into the Soviet Union. Lithuania broke from the Soviet Union in 1990, becoming the first Soviet republic to do so. Since then, Lithuania integrated into European and global institutions, joining NATO and the European Union in 2004. Lithuania’s current president, Gitanas Nausėda, has maintained a firmly pro-EU and anti-Russia stance on the global stage.

The flag of Lithuania was first adopted in 1918 during Lithuania’s first period of independence. The flag fell out of use in the second world war due to the Nazi occupation, and when Lithuania became part of the Soviet Union it gained a new soviet flag. When Lithuania broke from the Soviet union in 1990, the government decided to go back to their pre-war flag. The yellow symbolizes the sun, the green represents the forests, and the red represents the blood of those who have died for Lithuania.

Lithuania is a Baltic country and it borders the Baltic sea. It sits at the edge of the North European Plain, which makes up its middle lowland region—an area bounded by two highlands and a coastal lowland. Klaipėda is Lithuania’s warm water port on the Baltic sea—a historically important trade location.

World Land Mass Ranking: 124th

Highest Mountain: Aukštojas Hill 293.84 m (964.0 ft)

Longest River: Nemunas 475 km (295 mi)

Highest Mountain: Grauspitz 2,599 m (8,527 ft)

Longest River: Rhine 1,230 km (760 mi

Lithuanian

Lithuania Population: 2,886,515 (as of 2024)

Capital City: Vilnius

Capital City Population: 605,270 (as of 2024)

Lithuania’s climate reflects its double-sided location. On the one hand, as part of continental Europe, Lithuania is known for cold winters. But on the other hand, as a Baltic state bordering the sea, the country enjoys mild maritime weather throughout much of the year.

• Žydrūnas Savickas
• Arvydas Sabonis
• Vydūnas
• Jurga Ivanauskaitė

• Hearty and rustic, Lithuanian cuisine often features staples such as potatoes, rye bread, beets, mushrooms, and dairy products. One of the most iconic dishes is cepelinai, potato dumplings stuffed with meat, curd cheese, or mushrooms, typically served with a rich bacon and sour cream sauce. Cold beet soup, or šaltibarščiai, is another beloved dish, particularly refreshing during the summer months. Lithuanian cuisine also boasts a variety of breads, with dark rye bread being a staple at nearly every meal. The country’s love for mushrooms is evident in dishes like mushroom soup and various mushroom sauces. Traditional desserts such as šakotis, a tree-shaped cake, and kibinai, pastries filled with meat or cheese, showcase the sweet side of Lithuanian culinary traditions. Overall, Lithuanian cuisine offers a comforting and flavorful journey through the nation’s history and landscape.

  Below is a picture of cepelinai.

  Lithuania is a beautiful country with wonderful people.

• Lithuanian sports have a rich history, particularly during the Soviet era when Lithuanian athletes competed as part of the Soviet Union, gaining access to extensive resources and training facilities. This integration allowed many Lithuanian athletes to excel on the world stage, benefiting from the Soviet Union’s focus on sports excellence and investment in athlete development. Basketball, in particular, became a national passion, with Lithuanian players contributing significantly to the Soviet Union’s international successes, including Olympic gold medals. Beyond basketball, Lithuanian athletes also achieved remarkable success in other disciplines such as athletics, rowing, and cycling, often representing the Soviet Union in international competitions and winning numerous medals. Since 1990, Lithuania tried continued to build on this legacy, maintaining a strong presence in basketball and other sports.

  Below is a picture of players on the Lithuania men’s national basketball team.

• Culture

  As one of the last regions in Europe to adopt Christianity, Lithuania has preserved a wealth of pagan customs, which are still celebrated today, particularly during the midsummer festival of Joninės. The country’s folklore is rich with songs, dances, and tales that reflect its agrarian past and deep connection to nature. Lithuanian art and literature flourished during the national revival of the 19th century. Gryčia, a traditional Lithuanian farmstead, is characterized by its distinctive wooden architecture and serves as a cultural and historical symbol of rural life, reflecting the agrarian roots and craftsmanship of Lithuania’s past. The capital city, Vilnius, renowned for its Baroque architecture, is a cultural hub, hosting numerous festivals, theaters, and museums. Traditional crafts such as weaving, pottery, and amber jewelry making are cherished and passed down through generations. Despite historical challenges, Lithuania’s culture remains resilient, celebrating its heritage while embracing contemporary influences.

  Below is a picture of a Gryčia, a traditional Lithuanian dwelling.

1. Lithuania is home to several UNESCO sites.

2. Lithuania has a space program.

3. Lithuania is a hotbed for linguists.

4. Almost a third of the country is forest.

5. Lithuania has a national scent.

6. Lithuania was the last European country to Christainize.

7. The commonwealth was the largest country in Europe.

8. Lithuanian women could vote in 1918.

9. Lithuania is known for delicate Easter eggs.

10. Some remnants of paganism still remain in Lithuania .

1. 1.What does the red stripe symbolize? +

2. 2.When did Lithuania break from the Soviet Union? +

3. 3.What is a Gryčia? +

4. 4. What is cepelinai? +

5. 5.Name a sport popular in Lithuania? +

6. 6.Who is Žydrūnas Savickas? +

7. 7.What does the yellow stripe symbolize? +

8. 8.What is the capital of Lithuania? +

9. 9.What is the highest peak in Lithuania? +

10. 10.What does the green stripe symbolize? +