Lithuania

The name "Lithuania" was first time used in written texts back in 1010.

In

the middle ages Lithuania was one of the biggest countries in Europe

stretching from Baltic Sea to Black Sea. Many great churches were built

in those

times to counter the effects of Lithuania being the last remaining pagan

citadel in Europe.

Later, Lithuania merged with Poland to form

"Rzeczpospolita" --

Lithuanian and Polish Republic. After some time, it was conquered by

Russian

Empire. Lithuanian Language, which is the oldest remaining indo-european

language, became forbidden to use. Lithuania regained independence

for the

first time shortly after WW1. It was a bit smaller than now, because

Vilnius

along with all eastern Lithuania was still occupied by Poland.

Signs of this era can still be seen in Vilnius as the number of Polish people living

in the city is considerably high. Kaunas, Lithuanian

capital at that time, prospered. Lithuania was very rich

country at the time.

WW2 broke out and Lithuania was occupied first by Germans and later by

Soviet Union. The

occupation lasted for 50 years. During that time a few high-rise

buildings were built including several hotels and other structures like

TV Tower

and wired masts. Lithuania declared independence in 1990, but it

was not recognised by USSR. In January 13th of 1991 Soviet troops

invaded

Lithuania again. Several high buildings including TV Tower and

Palace of

Press became primary targets of the Soviet army. Many

Lithuanians came

to streets to defend the country. 14 people were killed and

many were injured, but the only building Soviets managed to occupy

was the TV Tower. Soviet Union collapsed and they had to

leave the building some half a year later, when Russia recognised

Lithuania's

independence. Since then, Lithuania has headed to western Europe and

didn't

join the commonwealth of independent states like most of ex-Soviet

countries did. The growing Lithuanian Economy were hit seriously again

in 1998 by the Russian economic crisis.

After that Lithuania's economy has reoriented even more towards the EU.

Although slower than Estonias or Latvias, Lithuanias economy is growing

again.

Lithuania has plans to join NATO in 2002 and EU in 2003.

Lithuania also happens to be the Geographical

center of Europe.