Lithuania is a country located in the Baltic region of Europe, known for its rich history, diverse culture, and scenic landscapes. It is bordered by Latvia to the north, Belarus to the east and south, Poland to the south, and Russia's Kaliningrad Oblast to the southwest, with the Baltic Sea to the west. The capital and largest city is Vilnius, which is renowned for its medieval Old Town, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lithuania was the first Soviet republic to declare independence from the USSR in 1990, leading to the restoration of its sovereignty. The country's terrain is marked by numerous lakes and wetlands, with a mixed forest zone that covers over 33% of the country. Lithuania also has a unique geographical feature known as the Curonian Spit, a 98 km long sand dune peninsula that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea coast, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The climate is transitional, between maritime and continental, with wet, moderate winters and summers. Lithuania has a rich cultural heritage that includes a variety of traditions, festivals, and arts. The country is known for its folk music, traditional dances, and the Lithuanian language, which is one of the oldest languages in Europe. The country has also made significant contributions to European culture through its literature, music, and arts. The economy of Lithuania is considered to be one of the fastest growing in the European Union, with a focus on information technology, biotechnology, and electronics industries. Agriculture also plays a significant role in the country's economy, with the production of wheat, barley, potatoes, and sugar beets, as well as dairy farming. Lithuania is a member of the European Union, the Council of Europe, the eurozone, the Schengen Agreement, NATO, and the OECD. It is a democratic parliamentary republic with a multi-party system. The government structure is based on the separation of powers into legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Despite its small size, Lithuania has made a significant impact on the international stage, both historically and in contemporary times, as a vibrant, forward-looking nation that values its independence, cultural heritage, and place within the European community.