Key facts
about Lithuania
A small nation learns early to be resourceful – and that the best way forward is often together. Since restoring its independence in 1990, Lithuania has seen first-hand what can be achieved when people come together around shared goals and have freedom to create.
What began as a determined effort to rebuild and transform has grown into a lasting drive to create, explore and improve. Today, ambition and initiative have become part of Lithuania’s DNA.
It’s this spirit that inspires Lithuanians to edit genes, simplify global payments for millions, build world-class lasers and help filmmakers bring ambitious ideas to life. Different fields, single mindset: collaboration, curiosity and a constant desire to push boundaries.
We share, we invite, we build – and then we look for what comes next.
Co-creation, the Lithuanian way: resourceful, restless and always ready for what’s next.
Geography
A Northern European country on the Baltic Sea
What makes Lithuania special is not simply that it marks the compass point where Northern, Eastern, Western Europe converge. More importantly, it is the place where the values of democracy, freedom, tolerance and hospitality find unity and voice. Co-operating with other European nations, we build bridges between institutions, businesses and people. We see it as our mission to defend freedom and democracy in our part of the world and beyond.
Vilnius – a green capital that’s primed for innovation and creativity
With its lush green spaces and cosmopolitan centre, Vilnius strikes the right balance for people looking for inspiration, career growth and modern healthy living. With 46% of the territory being a green space, it is one of the cleanest and greenest cities in the EU. But Vilnius’s beautiful exterior belies a fiercely innovative and dynamic soul. The city is a leader in open data initiatives, and its thriving startup sector is a draw for some of the best entrepreneurial minds in the EU.
Nature in Lithuania is always right beside you
For Lithuanians, green is not simply a colour – it’s a way of life. That’s why they never lose their touch with nature. And this is even true for city dwellers. Wherever you turn, you’ll see green in every shade and hue. Forests blend into urban sites, while ancient woods and bogs host rare animals and birds – from the mighty bison to the hard-to-spot aquatic warbler. An extensive network of well-marked trails allows you to easily escape the hustle and bustle of the city into a world of forest, field and flower.
Four different seasons allow you to enjoy the country in many different ways
The variety of seasons and weather ensures life in Lithuania is anything but boring. You can experience all four seasons here: in winter, fun in the snow, and in warmer months, active leisure time in nature, by the sea or the many lakes and rivers.
History
Lithuania - a name first coined 1,000 years ago
A millennium is a long time for any country. Lithuania has survived the trials of history to become a creative and modern Northern European state and an active member of NATO, the EU and OECD. Although Lithuania’s name found its first mention in the Annals of Quedlinburg in the year 1009, people had inhabited its lands from around 12 000-14 000 B.C.
A historically welcoming and collaborative nation
We have a long and successful history of co-operating with countries beyond our borders to achieve greater results. In fact, this co-creating spirit stretches back to the 14th century, when Grand Duke Gediminas wrote in his letter to European rulers in 1323 that “we open our land, our dominions and our kingdom to every person of goodwill.” And from then on we have welcomed people from all walks of life and from all countries to help us build a better future, not only for Lithuania, but for the greater world beyond.
A realm uniting diverse peoples and lands
Lithuania has long been in the business of bringing diverse people, beliefs and traditions together. For evidence of this, all we need to do is look back to Medieval times, when the Grand Duchy of Lithuania stretched from the Baltic to the Black Seas. The GDL reached its maturity in 1253, when Mindaugas was crowned Lithuania’s one and only King. And what was it that spurred the country’s quick expansion? Its inclusive and tolerant approach to other peoples’ beliefs and traditions.
The singing revolution that accelerated the Soviet Union’s demise
Lithuania was the first country to declare independence from the Soviet Union, paving the way for other nations to break free. Rather than fight with guns, Lithuanians took the peaceful route, and one might even say they won their freedom singing. The turning point in the peaceful protests held by Lithuanians was the Baltic Way – a human chain of 2 million people formed from Vilnius to Tallinn on 23 August 1989.
People
We’re all about walking the walk
Ever since Lithuania regained independence, we had to prove ourselves to the world. By bringing the country’s best minds together, we carved ourselves niches in photonics and biotechnology, and created a welcoming and bustling hub for fintech and cybersecurity. At the same time, our musicians, artists and filmmakers are finding their way into the hearts of millions across the world. And it’s just the beginning!
Talent is our (super)natural resource
What Lithuania lacks in gold and oil, it makes up with its scientists, developers and inventors. With free education and accessible career opportunities, we have raised a generation of problem solvers and co-creators. The influx of international companies coming here to do research and tackle global challenges is the best litmus test for the quality of our super(natural) resource.
Enjoying our freedom 110%
Once we tasted independence more than 34 years ago, we just can’t get enough! Freedom in Lithuania comes in many shapes and sizes: from daring experimental art to unrestricted scientific discovery in the fields of gene editing and nanoparticle physics.
Getting recharged in nature
In Lithuania, nature and culture have gone hand in hand since the times of the Baltic tribes. We like to combine our digital lifestyle with nature getaways. Depending on the season, you’ll find us cross-country skiing, cycling, picking mushrooms or swimming in a lake.
Economy
A growing innovation ecosystem
Lithuania’s startup ecosystem is fast becoming a greenhouse for global and local innovators in the fields of fintech, IT, life sciences and gaming. The country currently ranks first in the European Union for the number of licenced fintech companies, while Lithuanian lasers are used by NASA, CERN and world-famous companies like IBM, Hitachi, Toyota and Mitsubishi. And in the field of scientific discoveries, the country’s specialists have earned the famed Kavli Prize for the advancement of gene-editing technology.
It’s easy to do business in Lithuania
Lithuania believes in business and that’s why you’ll find less red tape, shorter bureaucratic processes, and faster decision-making than elsewhere. In 2021, the country was ranked 12th globally for Economic Freedom on the Frazer Institute and it’s not difficult to see why. With an electronic signature, you can open a business here in 24 hours, and its favourable business infrastructure makes it a draw for foreign investors. Not only that, it has one of the fastest public wireless speeds in the world.
A great place to innovate
Lithuania is working hard to create the kind of regulatory conditions and business environment that will allow companies and entrepreneurs to dream big and make those dreams a reality. Local stakeholders from national and municipal governments are responsive to the needs of investors and innovators and keen to actively co-create to ensure the right conditions are available for experimentation, development and growth.
World-class talent
Skilled, multi-lingual, motivated, open-minded, and driven to tackle global challenges head-on – especially in the world of tech. Lithuanian professionals have all the ingredients needed to make their mark on the world stage. And foreign investors in the country agree – praising the local talent for their ability to be great team players who are excellent not only at solving problems, but at creating solutions.