Tracing The History Of Lithuania
In the 14th century, Lithuania was the biggest country in the European continent. In 1569, with the rise of the Lublin Union, Lithuania combined with Poland to establish the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth: a pairing that was successful for over two centuries until the period from 1772 to 1795 when the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was taken apart by various surrounding countries and a majority of Lithuanian territory was taken by the Russian Empire.
Once the World War I came to an end, the Lithuanian Act of Independence was formalized on the 16th of February 1918 and it pronounced the reconstruction of a sovereign state. During the period of the World War II, the Soviet Union and then the Nazi Germany forces occupied Lithuania from 1940 onwards. On 11th March 1990, by declaring independence, Lithuania became the first of the Soviet republics to do so.
Lithuania In The Present Day
In the present day, the Republic of Lithuania enjoys an active role in the European Union as of May 2004 and is also a part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization since the same year.
The present day face of Lithuania is shaped by its unique history and long tradition. In the Baltic region it is known to be the only nation to have as many as eight hundred years of a statehood structure. The first reference to the country was made in 1009, more than a thousand years ago- testament to the early rising of the country. The interesting location of the country, right between the Western world and the Eastern world, has lent it a unique charm and character, and the people have borrowed elements from both sides to weave together an identity that is exclusively Lithuanian.
During the modern times, the Republic of Lithuania has enjoyed considerable growth and progress and before the economic crisis of 2008-2009 spread across the world, the economy of Lithuania was recognized as one of the most rapidly growing within the European Union.
Lithuania in the present day and age enjoys an important position in the European Union, the Council of Europe and NATO.
The year 2009 saw the capital city of Vilnius being awarded the honor of being the European Capital of Culture.
Travel To Lithuania
To visit Lithuania and spend time in its charming capital city of Vilnius, City Breaks travel packages to Vilnius are offered by the Baltic Travel Company. With a plethora of hotels, dining opportunities, recreational facilities and sightseeing excursions to choose from, this trip to Lithuania promises to be an unforgettable holiday.