Heard of the Republic of Lithuania? This Baltic nation was once the largest European country that still has plenty to offer. From epic scenery to UNESCO World Heritage sites, many travelers leave in awe.
The other Baltic states, Estonia and Latvia, along with Lithuania, persuaded their independence by forming a 600 km human chain. I’ve got 12 more fun facts to share with you…
1. They Celebrate 2 Independence Days
The citizens of Lithuania commemorate the break from foreign power twice a year.
Lithuania became an independent country on 11th February 1918, celebrated as State Restoration Day. On 11th March, Lithuanians celebrate the Restoration of Independence Day when it got unshackled by the USSR in 1991.
2. Love For Hot Air Balloons Is Real In Lithuania
Why do I say that? Lithuania has the world’s highest per capita hot air balloons.
Vilnius is the only European capital where you will find soaring hot air balloons which symbolize freedom. An early morning flight is always at the top of everyone’s bucket list.
3. Crazy Fast Internet Across The Country
Lithuania, along with serene landscapes, medieval architecture, and delicious delicacies, offers one of the world’s fastest download and upload speeds. No Netflix glitches here!
Many public spaces also have free Wi-Fi. This country absolutely loves staying connected!
4. A Country Known For Stunning Scenery
Almost half of the country is covered with scenic forests, drawing travelers worldwide to explore its woodland, national parks and thousands of lakes.
Lithuania is also known as the land of storks, with the highest population among other European nations. When seeing a flying stork, people in Lithuania believe it to be a sign of good luck.
5. Basketball Is Not Only A Sport But A Religion In Lithuania
Whenever I hear about basketball, the USA naturally comes to mind. But a lesser-known fact is that Lithuanians are just as proud. They treat basketball as a sport and respect it as a religion.
Arvydas Sabonis is known to be one of the best basketball players making it to NBA fame along with many other Lithuanian players.
6. “The Scent Of Lithuania” Is A National Fragrance.
Do countries have a national scent? Yes. Lithuania is the only country with its own fragrance with notes of sandalwood, musk, patchouli, cedar, amber, raspberry, and blends of wildflowers and tree moss.
7. Lithuanians Have A Religion That Worships Nature
This is definitely something I could get behind! Lithuania is the last country to adopt Christianity. It was in the 14th century when Roman Catholicism was embraced as their religion.
But before that, their religion was said to be Romuva. Revering nature and its wonders is the basis of their faith.
8. An Emerald-green River. Natural Or Artificial?
To celebrate the religious St. Patrick’s Day, the river Vilnia is harmlessly dyed emerald green which Irish plumbers discovered back in the sixties.
Yes, it sounded strange to me, but this is how the locals celebrate this annual event. This day marks the traditional death of the primary patron saint of Ireland.
9. A Stelmuze Oak Tree That Survived The Crusades!
A Stelmuze Oak tree in Lithuania has lived for more than 1500-2000 years, which defines a symbol of strength. It is one of the oldest trees in Europe that has seen the world war and many crusades.
It stands 23m tall and will take about nine people to hug around the tree.
10. A Republic In A Republic
Uzupis is a neighbor of Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania. It’s a self-declared independent state with its own currency, constitution, president, plus an army of just 11 men.
11. One Hundred Thousand Crucifixes On The Hill Of Crosses!
Hill of crosses is a Lithuanian pilgrimage destination whose emergence is still a mystery. Pilgrims visit the site and leave rosaries and cross there. (There are about 100,000 crucifixes on the hill of Siauliai).
During Russian rule, the place was destroyed repeatedly just to be rebuilt by the locals again. It symbolized immovable faith and hope for a better future in Lithuania.
12. Lithuanian Language – The Only Surviving Indo-European Linguistic.
Lithuanian is one of the oldest languages in the world and is closely connected to Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language. It is older than Latin and Greek. It is the only language retaining the Indo-European essence, which seems to fade.