People and Society of Lithuania

Nationality

Lithuanian(s)

Ethnic Groups

Lithuanian 80.6%, Russian 8.7%, Polish 7%, Belarusian 1.6%, other 2.1%

Population

3,545,319

Population in Major Urban Areas

VILNIUS (capital) 546,000

Medical care in Lithuania has improved, but medical facilities do not always meet Western standards. There are a few private clinics with medical supplies and services that nearly equal Western European or U.S. standards. Most medical supplies are now widely available, including disposable needles, anesthetics, antibiotics, and other pharmaceuticals; however, hospitals and clinics still suffer from a lack of equipment and resources. Lithuania has highly trained medical professionals, some of whom speak English, but their availability is decreasing as they leave for employment opportunities abroad. Depending on a patient’s condition, an appointment with a specialist may not be available for several weeks. Western-quality dental care can be obtained in major cities. Elderly travelers who require medical care may face difficulties. Most pharmaceuticals sold in Lithuania are from Europe; travelers will not necessarily find the same brands that they use in the United States. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services, particularly if immigration status in Lithuania is unclear. Tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease are widespread throughout the country. Those intending to visit parks or forested areas in Lithuania are urged to speak with their health care practitioners about immunization. Rabies is also increasingly prevalent in rural areas.

Major Infectious Diseases

intermediate

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

• Roman Catholic79.0%
• Other17.0%
• Russian Orthodox4.0%

Lithuanian (official), Polish, Russian

• Lithuanian
• Polish
• Russian

Crime Information

Although Lithuania is relatively safe, both violent and non-violent crimes affecting tourists have occured throughout the country. You should maintain the same awareness and practice good personal security that you would in any U.S. metropolitan area. Large amounts of cash and expensive jewelry should be secured in a hotel safe or left at home. Common crimes against foreigners include pick-pocketing and thefts, so personal belongings should be well protected at all times. Thefts from cars and car thefts occur regularly. Valuables should not be left in plain sight in parked vehicles, as there have been increasing reports of car windows being smashed and items stolen. You should avoid walking alone at night or utilize a taxi service arranged by telephone. Isolated ATMs should be avoided after dark. Like in the United States., public inebriation should be avoided as criminals have been known to take advantage of drunken pedestrians. U.S. citizens have reported being robbed and/or scammed while intoxicated. Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal to bring back into the United States, you may be breaking local law too.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Lithuania, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own, and criminal penalties vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in Lithuania, but still illegal in the United States; for instance, you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Lithuania, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not. If you break Lithuanian laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Lithuania are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. For more information about arrest procedures in Lithuania please visit the Embassy’s website. While most authorities will automatically notify the U.S. Embassy if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested, this might not always be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the Embassy as soon as you are arrested or detained.