One of the few Baltic States to enjoy extended periods of independence through its history, Lithuania was also the first of the Soviet republics to declare autonomy from the Soviet Union, in 1990. The thousands of lakes snaking through the fertile lowlands cover one and a half percent of the country, and the hilly highlands offer beautiful scenic routes for any kind of traveller – especially the rambler. Lithuania’s constantly forward-thinking nature has put the country in a sound economic position, and the country’s dealings with Western nations in beginning to eclipse the usual dealings with Russia. Whilst Lithuania was one of the least-developed of the Baltic States, it still managed to survive the Russian financial crisis of 1998 and has been growing at a rate of around six percent per year ever since, with unemployment halving and foreign investors looking more and more to the country. In 2004 the country acceded to the EU, placing it in a more lucrative position than it has ever been, especially from a potential off plan investor’s point of view.

The ancestors of modern day Lithuanians, the Balts, have a history that stretches back around 4,000 years, a group of tribes that settled in the region in ancient times. The state of Lithuania is commonly accepted as having been founded around the 14th century by Grand Duke Mindaugas (though the name Lithuania was first mentioned in the Quedlinburg Annals in 1009), and at one point the country had borders extending almost to the Black Sea. The marriage of the Lithuanian Grand Duke and the Polish Crown Princess in 1386 saw the beginning of a 400-year partnership between the two nations, and this positive relationship saw the countries unite in a coalition in 1569, creating ‘The Joint Republic of the Polish Kingdom and Lithuanian Grand Duchy’, which went on to repel the Ivan the Terrible’s Russians and battle the Swedes – though unsuccessfully. Years of war weakened Lithuania, and when the Russians came back they managed to annex significant amounts of Lithuanian territory, with the rest of the country ending up in Prussian control. The Russians remained in control until the First World War when they were driven out by the approaching German army, leaving Lithuania to declare independence in November of 1918. In 1919 newly independent Poland occupied Vilnius in defiance of international laws placing the city as under the control of Lithuania, and troops held the city until 1939. Whilst this was going on, the capital city was moved to Kaunas, and a military coup in 1926 saw an authoritarian government placed in power – similar to Mussolini’s Italy – and Lithuanian fortunes took a turn for the worse again in 1939 on the signing of the Nazi-Soviet Pact, which left the Baltic States under Soviet control.

The Second World War saw Nazi Germany occupy the country and yet more of Hitler’s devastating legacy unfolded when the vast majority of Jews in the country died in concentration camps, this carried on for three years until Lithuania was once again annexed by Russia in 1944. Decades of relative quiet followed, and Lithuanian nationalism was not a big issue for the Soviets to contend with until the 1980s and Gorbachev’s reforms instigated a rush of support to the political party Sajudis – the Lithuanian Reform Movement. Sajudis were voted into power in 1990 and put into action the first declaration of independence of any of the Soviet states, thus spearheading the collapse of the Soviet Union. Moscow responded with economic blockades and military incursions, but the Lithuanians held their ground and by September 1991 the world, including USSR, recognised the nation’s independence. Membership of the UN followed soon after, and over a decade of restructuring and privatisation followed, culminating in Lithuania achieving accession to the EU and NATO membership in 2004.

Lithuania is a success story of the former Soviet Bloc nations, and the country looks set to achieve levels of growth much higher than those seen in recent years. Accession to the EU and NATO membership bring with them benefits of extra funding to inject into industries, and the impetus on foreign investment means the potential off plan buyer is given real opportunities in Lithuania. The beautiful scenery and a friendly people are just a bonus on top of this!

Standards of healthcare in Lithuania are generally of a good standard, and in the areas where they fall short there are reform plans in place to improve quality of treatment. Nevertheless, full health insurance should be taken for visits to the country. Emergency care is free, but all other treatment must be paid for.

Mobile phone coverage is good through the whole country. Landlines are widely available and are of a good standard, with those of lesser quality set to be upgraded in the future. Internet cafes are springing up in most towns and cities.

General banking hours in most areas are from 0900 to 1700 Mondays to Fridays, with some banks opening Saturdays from 0900 to 1300. Regular office hours are from 0900 to 1300 then from 1400 to 1800, Mondays to Fridays. Normal shopping hours are generally from 0800 to 2000, Mondays to Fridays.

Formal business etiquette applies, and smart attire is required of business meetings. Whilst English is the language of most international business dealings, knowledge of Polish, German or Russian wouldn’t hurt. Respect of the Lithuanian national identity and customs should be observed.

Taxi and restaurant bills include a tip, and otherwise tips are up to an individual’s discretion.