Lithuania: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Lithuania 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Lithuania: 19
  • Happiness Score Lithuania:6.818

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Lithuania. LT.
  • Lithuania is a parliamentary republic with a President as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government.
  • The country has a rich cultural heritage, known for its traditional music, dance, and folklore.
  • Lithuania has a growing economy, with a focus on technology and innovation, and is a member of the European Union.
  • Lithuania – A Comprehensive Overview

    Early History:

    The territory of modern-day Lithuania has a long and storied history, with evidence of human settlements dating back to the Paleolithic era. The Baltic tribes, including the Lithuanians, settled in the region around the 1st millennium AD, and by the 12th century, they had formed distinct tribal duchies.

    Kingdoms and Empires:

    In the 13th century, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania emerged as a powerful medieval state, spanning across vast territories of present-day Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, and parts of Poland and Russia. The Lithuanian Grand Dukes, such as Mindaugas and Gediminas, played pivotal roles in the formation and expansion of the duchy, which reached its peak under Grand Duke Vytautas the Great in the 15th century.

    Colonial Period:

    Lithuania experienced a period of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth from the 16th to the 18th century, during which it formed a union with the Kingdom of Poland. This alliance, however, gradually weakened, leading to the partitions of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth by Russia, Prussia, and Austria in the late 18th century.

    Independence and Modern Era:

    After over a century of Russian imperial rule, Lithuania regained its independence in 1918. However, its sovereignty was short-lived as the country was occupied by the Soviet Union in 1940. Lithuania endured a brutal period of Soviet oppression, including mass deportations and the suppression of its national identity. In 1990, Lithuania became the first Soviet republic to declare independence, leading to the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union.

    Current Political Situation:

    Lithuania is a semi-presidential republic with a multi-party democracy. The current president is Gitanas Nausėda, elected in 2019. The country is a member of the European Union, NATO, and other international organizations, and has maintained a pro-Western foreign policy stance.

    International Relations:

    Lithuania has strong ties with its Baltic neighbors, Estonia and Latvia, as well as with other European nations. It maintains friendly relations with the United States and supports international efforts to promote democracy and human rights. Lithuania has been a vocal critic of Russian aggression and has taken a firm stance against Moscow’s actions in Ukraine.

    Human Development and Economy:

    Lithuania has a high-income advanced economy, with a strong emphasis on services, manufacturing, and transit trade. It has made significant strides in human development, boasting high literacy rates, advanced healthcare, and a robust education system. Key industries include biotechnology, laser technology, and information technology.

    Cultural Highlights:

    Lithuania has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its Baltic roots and diverse historical influences. The Lithuanian language, one of the oldest Indo-European languages, is a source of national pride. The country is known for its vibrant folk arts, including traditional crafts, music, and cuisine. Notable cultural contributions include the works of composers Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis and the Fluxus art movement.

    Pressing Challenges and Opportunities: While Lithuania has made remarkable progress since regaining independence, it faces challenges such as demographic decline, income inequality, and the need for continued economic diversification. However, its strategic location, skilled workforce, and commitment to innovation present opportunities for further growth and development.

Main facts

1. Location

Lithuania is a country located in Northern Europe, situated along the Baltic Sea. It is bordered by Latvia to the north, Belarus to the east and south, Poland to the south, and Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) to the west.

2. Map References

Lithuania is part of the Baltic region in Northern Europe.

3. Area – Comparative

Lithuania has a total area of 65,300 sq km, which is slightly larger than the U.S. state of West Virginia.

4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries

The total border length of Lithuania is 1,574 km, including the following countries:

5. Coastline (if applicable)

Lithuania has a coastline of 90 km along the Baltic Sea.

6. Maritime Claims

Lithuania claims territorial sea of 12 nautical miles and an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles.

7. Climate

Lithuania has a transitional maritime to continental climate, with warm, dry summers and fairly severe, cloudy winters. The climate is influenced by the Baltic Sea and the country’s low elevation.

8. Terrain

Lithuania is a relatively flat country, with its highest point being Aukštojas Hill at 293.6 meters. The landscape is characterized by numerous lakes, forests, and wetlands, as well as a few upland regions.

9. Elevation Extremes

The highest point in Lithuania is Aukštojas Hill at 293.6 meters, while the lowest point is the Nemunas River at 5 meters above sea level.

10. Natural Resources

The major natural resources in Lithuania include peat, arable land, and amber.

11. Major Bodies of Water

The main bodies of water in Lithuania include the Nemunas River, which flows into the Baltic Sea, and the Curonian Lagoon, shared with the Kaliningrad Oblast of Russia. There are also several major lakes, such as Lake Drūkšiai, Lake Dysnai, and Lake Galvė.

12. Natural Hazards

The main natural hazards in Lithuania include occasional floods and droughts.

13. Geography – Notes

Lithuania’s geography is characterized by its strategic location along the Baltic Sea, which has historically played an important role in the country’s economy and trade. Additionally, the country’s numerous lakes, forests, and wetlands contribute significantly to its biodiversity and natural beauty.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 34.80%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 12,963. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 47.20%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  55.16943823.881275.
  • Capital: The capital of Lithuania is  Vilnius
  • Major Cities:
    • Vilnius – Population: 580,020
    • Kaunas – Population: 288,440
    • Klaipėda – Population: 147,892
    • Šiauliai – Population: 133,900
    • Panevėžys – Population: 86,743
  • Population: 2,786,844
  • Area(Km2): 65300
  • Population Density( P/Km²):43. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:370
  • Official Language(s):Lithuanian is spoken in Lithuania, with approximately 82% of the population speaking it as their primary language.
  • Currency: EUR

Main Economic Indicators

Lithuania is a high-income, advanced economy with a population of approximately 2.8 million people. The Lithuanian economy has transformed since the early 1990s, shifting from a centralized, Soviet-style economy to a globally integrated, modern market economy. Key sectors include services, manufacturing, and transportation. Lithuania faces challenges related to an aging population, income inequality, and overreliance on Russia for energy imports. Notable economic policies have focused on attracting foreign investment, improving infrastructure, and fostering innovation.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

According to Eurostat, the inflation rate (Consumer Prices) in Lithuania was:

  • 2021: 4.6%
  • 2022: 20.9%

Credit Ratings

As of 2023, Lithuania’s credit ratings from major agencies are:

  • Fitch: A- (stable outlook)
  • Moody’s: A2 (stable outlook)
  • Standard & Poor’s: A+ (stable outlook)

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

According to World Bank data, the composition of Lithuania’s GDP by sector of origin in 2021 was:

  • Agriculture: 3.6%
  • Industry: 29.3%
  • Services: 67.1%

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Major agricultural products in Lithuania include:

  • Grains, potatoes, sugar beets, vegetables, fruits, meat, dairy products

Key industrial products include:

  • Chemicals, wood products, machinery, textiles, foodstuffs, mineral products, plastics

Labor Force

As of 2021, Lithuania had a total labor force of 1.44 million people, ranking it 108th globally.

Current Account Balance

According to IMF data, Lithuania’s current account balance was:

  • 2021: -0.4% of GDP
  • 2022: -5.6% of GDP

Lithuania’s current account balance ranking globally was 82nd in 2022.

Exports and Imports

In 2022, Lithuania’s total exports were valued at $45.5 billion, while imports were valued at $59.4 billion. Key export partners include Russia, Latvia, Germany, Poland, and Sweden. Major exports include machinery, mineral products, chemicals, textiles, and foodstuffs. Key import partners include Russia, Germany, Poland, Latvia, and the Netherlands. Major imports include mineral products, machinery, chemicals, vehicles, and textiles.

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

As of December 2022, Lithuania’s reserves of foreign exchange and gold stood at $6.8 billion.

  • GDP (Current US$):$54,219,315,600. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 16.90%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 42.60%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $1.16. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $2.41. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 6.35%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

National Identity

Noun: Lithuanian(s)

Adjective: Lithuanian

Ethnic Groups

  • Lithuanians: 84.1%
  • Poles: 6.6%
  • Russians: 5.8%
  • Belarusians: 1.2%
  • Other: 2.3%

Religions

  • Roman Catholic: 77.2%
  • Russian Orthodox: 4.1%
  • Old Believer: 0.8%
  • Evangelical Lutheran: 0.6%
  • Other/None: 17.3%

Age Structure

  • 0-14 years: 14.6%
  • 15-64 years: 66.5%
  • 65 years and over: 18.9%

Dependency Ratios

Total: 54.9%

Youth: 22.0%

Elderly: 32.9%

Median Age

Total: 42.9 years

Male: 40.2 years

Female: 45.5 years

Lifestyle Indicators

  • Obesity rate: 26.3%
  • Alcohol consumption (liters per capita): 15.0
  • Tobacco use (% of adults): 25.7%
  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 75.7. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 99.8%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:10. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:17. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 1.63. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 80.5%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 1,891,013. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):32.10%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

The Lithuanian Armed Forces consist of five main branches: the Lithuanian Land Force, Lithuanian Air Force, Lithuanian Naval Force, Lithuanian Special Operations Force, and the Logistics Command. The Land Force is the largest service, divided into Mechanised Infantry Brigades, the King Mindaugas Hussar Battalion (elite rapid reaction force), and other units. The Naval Force primarily handles coastal defense, with patrol ships and maritime surveillance capabilities. The Air Force operates fighter jets, transport aircraft, and air defense systems. The Special Operations Force handles counter-terrorism and high-risk missions.

Lithuania also has the Public Security Service (VSD), responsible for domestic intelligence and counterintelligence activities. The State Border Guard Service (VSAT) is a paramilitary force that secures Lithuania’s borders and coastlines.

Military Expenditures

Lithuanian military expenditures as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2021: 2.47%
  • 2020: 2.28%
  • 2019: 2.03%
  • 2018: 2.01%
  • 2017: 1.73%

Lithuania ranks among the top 25% of countries globally in terms of military spending as a percentage of GDP.

Personnel Strengths

As of 2022, the total active-duty military personnel in Lithuania is approximately 27,000, with the following breakdown:

  • Lithuanian Land Force: 19,500
  • Lithuanian Air Force: 3,500
  • Lithuanian Naval Force: 600
  • Other services: 3,400

The National Defense Volunteer Forces (KASP) forms an auxiliary force of around 5,000 personnel.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Lithuania’s military inventory includes domestically produced and imported equipment, such as:

  • Main Battle Tanks: M60A3, M1A1 Abrams
  • Infantry Fighting Vehicles: M1126 Stryker, M2 Bradley
  • Artillery: PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers, M101 towed howitzers
  • Fighter Aircraft: L-39 Albatros
  • Transport Aircraft: C-27J Spartan, Mi-8
  • Naval Assets: Ex-Danish Thetis-class frigates, Swedish Hugin-class patrol boats

Future acquisitions include additional M1A2 Abrams tanks, NASAMS air defense systems, and plans to replace aging fighter jets with F-35 Lightning II or Gripen E/F aircraft.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Lithuania has a voluntary military service system. The age range for voluntary military service is 19-26 years. Both men and women are eligible for service. In 2015, Lithuania reinstated partial conscription for a nine-month service period for individuals aged 19-26, though the exact implementation dates for conscription are not yet determined.

Military Deployments

Current overseas deployments of Lithuanian forces include:

  • NATO Enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group in Lithuania (around 1,500 personnel)
  • NATO Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan (around 50 personnel)
  • UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) (around 40 personnel)

Lithuania has also contributed troops to various EU and NATO missions over the years, including in Mali, Iraq, and the Balkans.

Strategic Military Notes

Lithuania’s defense strategy focuses on territorial defense, deterrence against potential aggression from Russia, and contributing to NATO collective defense efforts. The military plays a crucial role in securing Lithuania’s borders and airspace, as well as participating in international peacekeeping and security operations.

As a NATO member, Lithuania is committed to spending at least 2% of its GDP on defense and enhancing its military capabilities. The country has close defense partnerships with the United States, Poland, and other NATO allies, particularly in the Baltic region.

  • Armed Forces Size: 19900. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 6.35
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 61.60%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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