Lithuania
By- Tari Santosa
Introduction
World Map
Physical Map
Map of Lithuania's Cities
Lithuania's Geography
Lithuania itself is a rather flat country that has lands lower than 300 meters in altitude. Because Lithuania is by the Baltic Sea, this country can be found with sandy beaches and clay soil. Swamps, rivers, and lakes litter the country. The Neman River is one of the largest, and navigable rivers in Lithuania. While it crosses into many bordering countries like Poland and Belarus, the majority of this river is in Lithuania. Because of the Neman River's size, the river is ideal and subject for lots of trade.
The temperatures and climate in Lithuania is rather the same and consistent every year. Temperatures along Lithuania's coast in winter are typically on the average of 27.5 degrees Fahrenheit, though on some days the temperature can drop lower. In the summer though, the temperatures are relatively warm at the temperature of 60.8 degrees Fahrenheit. During the days in summer, it is dry but thunderstorms occur rather frequently. In winter, the days are usually breezy and humid.
To get to Vilnius by plane, the average flight time required is approximately 14-17 hours. The time depends on whether you want no stops, one stop, or multiple stops when riding to Vilnius. How many stops you want also determined the price. The price range for one adult is about 1,200-1,900 USD. When in Lithuania, it is best to take a bus ride or a car ride around town. You can also call a taxi to drive you around town or if you want, there is a chance to take a train ride around Lithuania.
Lithuania's Government/Foreign Policies
Lithuania's citizens have many citizen rights. They are much similar to the United State's citizen rights. They include the right to vote and the freedom of speech. They have the right to remain silent and the right to be in court at a reasonable time. There is also a right to have fair punishment.
Lithuania is also a part of many foreign relations. Some include NATO, the UN and EU. Lithuania receives aid from other countries as well as gives aid to others.
Lithuania's Economy
Trading with other countries around the world is very important for a country like Lithuania. Lithuania's biggest import and export trading partner is Russia. Russia gives Lithuania many resources like oil, gasoline, and metals that are crucial to Lithuanian daily lives. On the other hand, Lithuania supplies other countries with mineral products, machinery, and chemical equipment.
Lithuania's GDP per capita as of 2013 is 25,169 Lithuanian Litas, which is equivalent to 10056 US dollars. A country's GDP is used to indicate how thriving a country's economy is. The greater the GDP, the more successful and better country- economy wise, you have. So compared to the US, who's GDP per capita is 52,852 US dollars, I believe that the United States is the wealthier country. The GDP of the two countries says it all. Lithuania's GDP per capita is about one fifth of the US's GDP per capita.
Lithuania's Social/Ethnic Groups
As for the educational system, children have to go to school for nine years. Although, many children usually finish all twelve grades. Children start school at ages 6-7 and they usually stop top their school at the age of 16. The children's schooling is free, so in other words, paid by taxes. All children are permitted to go to school. Their literacy rate for both men and women are at 99%, almost 100%. Men and women have relatively equal rights. Lithuania promotes gender equality and are doing good. However, women have less rights in healthcare and not many women in Lithuania become government officials.
Lithuania's Religion, Language, and Flag
Most people, about 77%, in Lithuania are Roman Catholics. People who believe that there is no God or do not specify their religion make up a rather large 16% of people. Other religions, such as Islam and Judaism, barely make up one percent of all religions in Lithuania.
Lithuania's flag has three horizontal bars in the colors of yellow, green, and red. Lithuania's flag changed several times due to Soviet forces and Lithuania's independence. The flag was originally created in 1918. Then, after WWII broke out, the flag changed. Then, in 1989, the flag was readopted as Lithuania's national flag. The yellow part of Lithuania's flag represents the golden fields; the green represents the green countryside; and the red represents all the blood that had been shed for Lithuania.
Traditional Holidays/Festivals, Clothing, and Food
Lithuanian traditional wear is similar to the wear of people back in the 19th century. Both man and woman clothing are brightly patterened with many different textures. For women, they have long skirts covered with an apron embroidered with geometric shapes. Hats with ribbons and sashes are also Lithuanian traditional wear. For men, vests, long pants, and a belt are what people typically see for traditional wear. Both wear boots with their clothing.
Out of all Lithuanian traditional foods, I believe Cepelinai is the best. Cepelinai, or the Zeppelin, are dumplings made out of potatoes stuffed with minced meat. Of course, if these people are vegetarians, Cepelinai may also be stuffed with cheese or mushrooms. Here is a recipe so you can try it yourself.
The Ingredients:
- 3 lbs. of potatoes
- 2/3 lb of ground beef
- 2 onions
- 75 g of bacon
- 8 tablespoons of sour cream
- Neutral oil, e.g. sunflower oil
- 1 teaspoon of marjoram or oregano
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, diluted in half a cup of water
Preparation:
-Steam 1 lb. of potatoes. Peel and mash.
-Peel and finely grate the remaining 2 lbs of potatoes . Place them in a clean cloth and squeeze as much as possible over a bowl to extract and collect the juice of potatoes.
-Let the juice settle 10-15 minutes. The starch can then be found at the bottom of the container. Run water gently to only keep the starch and mix with the raw grated potatoes and those that are cooked and mashed. Add salt and mix well to obtain a homogeneous texture.
-In a hot pan with a little oil, sauté one finely chopped onion for 5 minutes. Allow to cool, then mix with ground meat. Add salt and pepper and marjoram (or oregano) to this stuffing.
-In the palm of the hand, take an amount of potato preparation the size of a medium potato. Then spread in the hollow of the palm for a circle about 6 inches in diameter.
-Place a line of meat filling in the center, leaving some space on the edges. Close by wrapping the potato around the filling and give the cepelinas its oblong characteristic shape.
-Repeat this process until using all the ingredients. Immerse cepelinai in a large pot of boiling salted water with the diluted cornstarch, and cook about 25 minutes.
When they are almost cooked, they should rise to the surface.
-Meanwhile, sauté the other finely chopped onion and the lardons in a hot pan with a little oil for a few minutes. Then add the sour cream. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
The cepelinai should be eaten hot and served with the onion and bacon cream. Enjoy!