• Vatican City!

    Vatican City: Vatican Museums. Go Now!

    Vatican City
    The smallest country in the world offers the heart of Catholicism and among the world's finest art collections, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms (ceiling pictured). Go to Vatican City!

  • Macedonia!

    Macedonia: Traditional architecture. Go Now!

    Macedonia
    Macedonia is a country still finding its unique identity, but its architecture is already one of a kind. Explore Macedonia!

  • Netherlands!

    Netherlands: Wooden shoes. Go Now!

    Netherlands
    This low country might be small, but it maintains a unique place in history and culture. Explore the Netherlands!

  • Austria!

    Austria: Belvedere Palace. Go Now!

    Austria
    Belvedere Palace (pictured) is just one of many palaces found in Vienna. The capital is a good start to Austria, which also features the Alps, the Lakes District, and incredible history & food. Go Now!

  • Ukraine!

    Ukraine: Traditional Village. Go Now!

    Ukraine
    Ukrainian culture is based on village life, particularly that found in the Carpathian Mountains (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

  • Sweden!

    Sweden: Swedish Village. Go Now!

    Sweden
    This Scandinavian country boasts big city excitement in Stockholm to small town charm. Begin Your Journey!

Ethnicity, Language, & Religion of Lithuania

Ethnicity

Most of the people living in Lithuania are ethnic Lithuanians, although there are significant Polish and Russian minorities. The Lithuanians are most closely related to the other Baltic states ethnically, particularly Latvia, but also Estonia and even Finland to lesser degrees.

Language

The official language of Lithuania is Lithuanian, although the Polish and Russian minority groups also speak Polish and Russian natively. Lithuanian is most closely related to Latvian and is considered a Baltic language. Although the only official language, many of the Polish and Russians never learn this language.

Most of the members of the older generation in Lithuania speak Russian as a second language, while most of the younger population speaks English as a second language. Both of these languages tend to be the language of communication between different language speaker and each is widely understood by segments of the population.

Religion

Most of the population is Catholic as both the Lithuanians and the largest minority group, the Poles, are generally Catholic. Most of the ethnic Russians are Orthodox.

Catholicism is a Christian religion that is one of the first Christian religions (founded after the death of Jesus in about 30-33 AD). Catholicism believes that there is a single God who created everything, a savior, the son of God, Jesus Christ who is the forgiver of sins, and there is the Holy Spirit, which makes up the last part of the Holy Trinity. Catholics follow the teachings of the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments. Much of the faith is based on the life and teachings of Jesus, which is found in the gospels (in the New Testament).

Continue reading on Safari the Globe to Learn the Catholic Church's doctrines, liturgy, symbolism, traditions, & hierarchy

This page was last updated: May, 2014