About Lithuania

Founded in the 13th century, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania once stretched from the Baltic to the Black Sea, making it one of medieval Europe’s largest states. Later, Lithuania formed a historic union with Poland and eventually regained independence in 1918, after centuries of foreign rule. After Soviet occupation, Lithuania was the first country to declare independence from the USSR in 1990 — a proud moment in its modern history. 

The official language is Lithuanian, one of the world’s oldest living Indo-European languages, belonging, together with Latvian, to the Baltic language group.

In addition to Lithuanian, you can communicate in Lithuania using:

• English is common among younger people and in tourist areas.

• Russian is widely understood.

• Polish can be used with many older Lithuanians, especially in Vilnius area.

Below are some useful phrases in Lithuanian:

• Hello – Sveiki!

• Hi – Labas!

• Thank you – Ačiū!

• Please – Prašau!

• Goodbye – Viso gero!

• Cheers! – Į sveikatą!

• Enjoy your meal! - Skanaus!

Lithuanian food is hearty, rustic, and flavorful. Local favorites include cepelinai (potato dumplings with meat), šaltibarščiai (cold beetroot soup with kefir), and kibinai (savory pastries). Meals are often served with dark rye bread, and you shouldn’t leave without trying gira (fermented low-alcoholic beverage) or herbal liqueur midus, made from honey - national alcoholic beverages from natural bee honey. 

Sweet lovers must try šakotis and šimtalapis.