LITHUANIA

Lithuania is a small country located on the Eastern shore of the Baltic sea. It emerged as a state in the early 13th century and became one of the most powerful states in Eastern Europe. A long history of expansion was followed by shrinkage and even disappearance from the world map. After being incorporated in the Soviet Union during the World War II Lithuania was the first republic to break away in the early 90'es. Today, recovering from the past Lithuanians are building a modern and democratic society based on their historic traditions. Nature has been generous to Lithuania. Although there are no mountains or great forests, the country's beauty lies in the diversity of its landscape. This is a place of rolling hills and gentle plains, of quietly flowing rivers and of lakes which reflect the blueness of the sky. The largest river, the Nemunas carries the watersto the Baltic Sea , wherein lies Lithuania's famous "amber coast".