About Lithuania

Every person has their own story, but many of us are united by the fact that, due to circumstances, we ended up in a new country where we need to build a new life as soon as possible. We hope that our portal Expaterra can help you!

So, Lithuania: a country of opportunities and warm hospitality, where everyone will find their home among picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Culture and Lifestyle

Lithuania is a country with a rich cultural heritage, a unique lifestyle, and distinctive cuisine.

Lithuanians are proud of their traditions, which are carefully preserved and passed from generation to generation. Folklore plays an important role in Lithuanian culture, including folk songs, dances, and crafts. A special place is held by the song and dance festival, bringing together thousands of participants and being part of UNESCO's cultural heritage. The country has a thriving theatrical art, literature, and music scene. Lithuanian theaters, such as the National Drama Theater and the Opera and Ballet Theater, offer a variety of productions. Literature is rich with works reflecting the national character and history. Music varies from traditional folk melodies to modern genres.

Lithuanians value family ties and hospitality. Family plays a central role in the lives of most residents. Traditional values work in conjunction with modern lifestyles, especially in cities.

Active outdoor recreation is popular among Lithuanians. The country is rich in forests, lakes, and rivers, which contribute to activities like hiking, fishing, and water sports. Urban parks and green areas provide opportunities for walking and sports.

Lithuanian cuisine is characterized by simplicity and heartiness, reflecting the country's agricultural traditions. The main ingredients include potatoes, meat (especially pork), dairy products, and vegetables. Popular dishes include cepelinai (large potato dumplings with meat or curd filling); cold beet soup (a cold soup made with kefir, served with boiled potatoes); Žemaičių blynai (potato pancakes with meat filling); kibinai (pies with meat or vegetable filling, traditionally associated with Karaim cuisine). Dairy products, such as cheeses and sour cream, are widely used in cooking. Mushrooms and berries gathered from local forests also frequently feature on the table. Lithuanians prefer natural and fresh products, and traditional recipes are passed down in families, preserving the country's culinary heritage.

Thus, the culture, lifestyle, and cuisine of Lithuania form a harmonious combination of tradition and modernity, reflecting the rich history and uniqueness of the Lithuanian people.

Lithuania ranks highly in various international rankings reflecting its competitiveness, level of prosperity, and quality of life. In 2024, Lithuania rose from 32nd to 30th place among 67 countries in the global competitiveness ranking compiled by the Swiss International Institute for Management Development.

According to the Prosperity Index published by the British think tank Legatum Institute in March 2023, Lithuania ranked 32nd among 167 countries. This index evaluates indicators such as economy, entrepreneurship, governance, education, healthcare, safety, personal freedoms, social capital, and environment.

A Lithuanian passport provides visa-free or simplified entry to 182 countries, indicating a high degree of freedom of movement for Lithuanian citizens.

However, in some areas, Lithuania's positions remain relatively low. In 2024, Lithuania ranked 61st out of 193 countries in the Soft Power Index, which evaluates cultural influence, diplomatic relations, and the attractiveness of a country on the international stage.

In 2023, Lithuania ranked 34th among 132 countries in the Global Innovation Index, reflecting the development of the innovation ecosystem. Although this is a relatively high position, it indicates room for further progress in the field of innovation.

These indicators emphasize the areas where Lithuania can concentrate its efforts to improve its positions on the international stage. However, it's important to note that the country is actively working on development and already demonstrates positive trends in various fields.

Local Language

Learning the Lithuanian language can present certain challenges due to its unique structure and features.

Lithuanian is one of the oldest Indo-European languages, preserving many archaic features. This makes it difficult to learn, especially for those accustomed to more modern language structures. Lithuanian distinguishes between long and short vowels, which may be unusual for beginners. For example, the meaning of a word can completely change depending on the length of the vowel. Unlike other European languages, Lithuanian has a limited number of loanwords, making the vocabulary less familiar to foreigners. Dialectal features can vary depending on the region, adding complexity when communicating with native speakers.

Lithuanian is the native language for approximately 3 million people, so finding speakers for practice may be more challenging compared to more widely spoken languages. Mastering the language requires more time for communication with native speakers, as well as studying the culture and context. Despite the challenges, mastering the language will open access to Lithuania's rich culture and history and facilitate integration into the local community.