Page 64 - The Baltic Capitals & St. Petersburg

Modern Independence

On August 21st 1991, Latvia once again declared independence. Democratic elections were held
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reached major milestones such as joining the EU and NATO in short order. Many Latvians
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was president of Latvia from 1999 to 2007.

Lithuania

Facts & Figures

• Area: 25,213 square miles
• Capital: Vilnius

• Languages: 7T_S`LYTLY ZʯNTLW =`^^TLY LYO ;ZWT^S
• Ethnicities: Lithuanian 84.1%, Polish 6.6%, Russian 5.8%, Belarusian 1.2%, other 1.1%,
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• Location: Lithuania is bordered by Belarus, Latvia, Russia, and Poland.

• Geography: Lithuania is the largest and most populous of the three Baltic states, but
only has about 55 miles of coastline. The land is fertile, low-lying, and in many places
covered with thick pine forests or sparkling lakes. The country’s capital, Vilnius, is
known for Baroque beauty, artists, and of course, artists’ hangouts—cafes and bars.

• Population: 2,884,433 (Estimate)

• Religions: Roman Catholic 77.2%, Russian Orthodox 4.1%, Old Believer 0.8%, Evangelical
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• Time Zone: Lithuania is seven hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 6am in Washington
D.C., it is 1pm in Vilnius.

National Holidays: Lithuania

In addition to the holidays listed below, 05/01 Labor Day
Lithuania celebrates a number of national
06/24 St. John’s Day/Day of Dew
holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such
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during these holidays, please visit www.
timeanddate.com/holidays. 08/15 Feast of the Assumption of Mary

01/01 New Year’s Day 11/01 All Saints’ Day

02/16 Independence Day/National Day 12/24 Christmas Eve

03/11 Independence Restoration Day 12/25 Christmas Day

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