Lithuania is a country in the heart of Europe, with about 3.5 million people living in an area of about 65,000 square kilometers. More than half of them live in the six largest cities of Lithuania, Vilnius (capital), Kaunas, Klaipéda, Siauliai, Panèvezys and Alytus.
After a long, eventful history with numerous exciting historical and cultural points of contact also with our country (see also Rotary Magazine 07/2021 cover story Lithuania), Lithuania freed itself from Soviet occupation and declared its independence as a free nation on March 11, 1991. In the wake of EU enlargement in 2004, Lithuania became a member state of the European Union and a member of NATO. As of January 1, 2015, Lithuania is the 19th member of the Eurozone.
In addition to the urban life, Lithuania is characterized in particular by its original and worth seeing nature. On the one hand, there is the Baltic Sea coast and the Curonian Spit with the lagoon, and on the other hand, there are the numerous national and regional parks with their large forest wealth and species-rich fauna.
Lithuania has had its own District 1462 since 2014, in which about 1,700 active members are organized in 58 Rotary clubs. The high number of young people working in the clubs and living the Rotarian values is impressive. The annual highlight of a Rotarian year in District 1462 is the Rotariade. It is deliberately based on the Olympic idea “To be there is everything”. During the Rotariade, which usually takes place in late summer, many members of all clubs meet to enjoy sports, games and, above all, a lot of fun together, making many new friends and networking. Rotary clubs from other nations and Twin Clubs are most welcome.
Rotarians in Lithuania do not address each other as friends, but as sister or brother. My comrade-in-arms in Lithuania is the chairwoman of the ICC Lithuania – Germany there, Sister Raimonda Cejauskiené (RC Klaipedos Senamiescio).
If you are interested in partnerships with Lithuanian Rotary Clubs, Raimonda and I will be happy to assist you.
Rotary in Lithuania
Lithuania has 58 Rotary clubs (34 clubs in major cities of Lithuania), 11 Rotaract clubs and 16 Interact clubs.
Until 2014, the Rotary Clubs and Rotaract Clubs of Lithuania were part of the Danish District 1460. Since 01 July 2014, a separate District 1462 was established by Rotary International in Lithuania.
A few visual impressions from Lithuania
Book recommendation: illustrated book Reise durch Litauen (publisher: Stürtz Reisebildbände) ISBN – 13: 978 – l3 – 8003 – 1730 – 1