Description:
Lithuania is the southernmost Baltic country, sharing linguistic roots with Latvia but set apart by its predominantly Roman Catholic makeup. The state of Lithuania was established in 1236 when Mindaugas defeated the Livonian knights at the Battle of Saule and became king. In the 14th century, a dynastic pact with Poland marked the beginning of a 200 year union, during which time Lithuania expanded its borders to the Black Sea. In the 16th century, Polish became the official language and Lithuania fell into a period of decline. Its resources were further drained during the Livonian wars with Russia and Sweden, and the country fell to Russian Rule in 1795. Lithuania declared its independence at the end of WWI in 1918, but strife with Poland continued into the 1920s. In WWII, Lithuania suffered the same fate as its Baltic neighbors, succumbing to Soviet occupation, German invasion, and then annexation by the USSR. Following the restoration of independence in 1991, Lithuania has prospered as a democratic republic. The present day visitor can enjoy a wealth of historically rich sights not only in Vilnius, but in lesser known destinations such as Kaunas, Klaipeda, and Siauliai.