Lithuania
Lithuania regained its independence from the USSR in 1991. Russia finally withdrew all its troops in 1993. Industrial production and agriculture are the mainstays of the economy. Lithuania become a full member of the Schengen agreement in December 2007.
Economic Strengths
Successful transition to stable market economy. Litas pegged to euro (legal tender from 2002). Low unemployment. Manufacturing.
Economic Weaknesses
Agriculture slow to recover from decollectivization. Exports dependent on health of Russian economy. Tense relations with Russia. Poor raw material base. Widening external current account deficit. Rising inflation.
| Population | 3,369,205 |
| Capital city | Vilnius |
| Currency | Litas and Euro |
| World GNP Ranking | 80 |
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| Inflation | 5.91% |
Source: Central Intelligence Agency; The World Factbook, March 2009