The Balts, an Indo-European ethnic group, started settling down in the present territory of Lithuania in the seventh century B.C.

The formation of the Lithuanian State began in the 13th century, with the establishment of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania by the first King of Lithuania, Mindaugas, crowned in 1253. In 1323, Vilnius, as the capital city, was mentioned for the first time in the official correspondence of Grand Duke Gediminas.

One of the consequences of the Krėva Treaty signed by Lithuania and Poland in 1385 was Lithuania’s conversion to Catholicism. Orienting the country towards the West, it had a positive influence on economic and cultural development.

During the rule of Grand Duke Vytautas, from 1392 to 1430, Lithuania became one of the largest states in Europe, extending from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea.

Under the Lublin Union of 1569, Lithuania and Poland were merged into a Commonwealth that lasted until 1795.

On 16 February 1918, the Lithuania Council proclaimed the Independent Republic of Lithuania. In 1921, Lithuania was admitted to the League of Nations.

In 1940, Lithuania was occupied by Soviet Russia and remained incorporated in the Soviet Union until 1990.

On 11 March 1990, Lithuania declared the re-establishment of its independence. On 11 December 1999, Lithuania was invited to start negotiation for European Union Membership.

On 29 March 2004 our country became a member of NATO. On 1 May 2004 Lithuania joined European Union.