The population of Lithuania is more than 3 million people (on average 50 people live per 1 sq. Km).
On the territory of Lithuania, the oldest traces of human habitation dating back to the Neolithic and Mesolithic eras were discovered: there were found production tools made of horn, silicon and bones.
The ancestors of the Lithuanians were the Aists (Balts) - they began to live on the Baltic coast from the beginning of the 2nd millennium AD. Then, over time, the Balts were divided into such tribes as the Curonians, Prussians, Semigallians, Aukštaits (the Aukštait and Samogal tribes played an important role in the formation of the Lithuanian nation).
The national composition of Lithuania is represented by:
- Lithuanians (83%);
- Russians (8%);
- Poles (7%);
- Belarusians (1.5%);
- other nations: Jews, Germans, Latvians (0.5%).
The state language is Lithuanian, with Russian and Polish being widespread.
Large cities: Vilnius, Klaipeda, Kaunas, Panevezys.
The inhabitants of Lithuania profess Catholicism (80%), Lutheranism, Orthodoxy, Judaism.
Life span
The male population, on average, lives up to 67, and the female population - up to 76 years.
Lithuania is characterized by high mortality rates (the country is the leader in the number of deaths from coronary heart disease). According to research, Lithuanians are the least concerned with a healthy lifestyle in Europe (they have many bad habits).
Traditions and customs of the inhabitants of Lithuania
Songs are a constant companion of the life of Lithuanians: choral singing and various folklore ensembles are especially popular in the country. To this day, Lithuania has a tradition associated with holding a national song festival (it is held once every 5 years). Recently, the Skamba folklore festival has become increasingly popular (it takes place annually in the last week of May).
With regard to wedding traditions, special attention should be paid to the humorous execution (“hanging”) of the matchmaker. Before they send him to "execution", they stain his face with soot and allow him to kiss all the women present, regardless of their age. At the end of the ceremony, the bride must save the matchmaker by agreeing with the "executioners" (a stuffed animal is hung instead of him). Lithuanian weddings are accompanied by dances, in which the bride and groom take an active part.
If you decide to visit Lithuania, you should be aware of certain rules of conduct that apply in this country:
- the country prohibits smoking in public places and drinking alcoholic beverages on the street (fines are provided for violating the ban);
- when talking with Lithuanians, they should never be interrupted (this is bad form);
- It is customary to greet Lithuanians with a handshake.
