For more information see the Lithuania profile.

The Republic of Lithuania is the southernmost of the three Baltic states. It was once a powerful duchy with strong links with Poland and controlled much of West Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. After a period of Russian domination, Lithuania became independent immediately following World War I. It was once again occupied by Russia, from 1940 to 1990, but this time as a republic of the Soviet Union. After independence in 1990 Lithuania became a multi-party democracy.

Lithuania's long fight for political freedom has been won, but the people are weary of national politics that cannot grapple with the fall-out of that independence. The Catholic Church plays a key role in Lithuanian society. Though weakened by years of persecution, it seeks to regain its former pre-eminence, causing some to fear that non-Catholics will suffer discrimination and restrictions.