Kaunas, Lithuania

KAUNAS is the largest industrial center in Lithuania. It is beautifully situated in the heart of the country, nestled in the valley where Lithuania's two longest rivers, the Nemunas and the Neris, converge. Kaunas was first mentioned in historical chronicles in 1361, though archaeological evidence shows the area has been inhabited since the 3rd or 4th century. As the nation's second-largest city, Kaunas has developed into a vibrant academic hub, home to nine universities. On June 29, 1991, Kaunas officially became a sister city of Los Angeles.

Capital of Lithuania: Vilnius

Location: Located in central Lithuania. Lithuania itself is situated in Northern Europe, on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea.

Population: The population of Kaunas is approximately 305,000, while the total population of Lithuania is around 2.8 million.

Climate: Transitional between maritime and continental; characterized by wet, moderate winters and mild, cool summers.

Local Time: Kaunas is on Eastern European Time (EET), which is UTC/GMT +2. During Daylight Saving Time (late March to late October), it switches to Eastern European Summer Time (EEST), which is UTC/GMT +3. This makes Kaunas 10 hours ahead of Los Angeles (or 11 hours ahead depending on daylight saving transitions).

National Day: Statehood Day (Restoration of the State) is celebrated on February 16, commemorating the 1918 act of independence.

Flag of Lithuania: Features three equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), green (middle), and red (bottom). The yellow symbolizes the sun and prosperity, the green represents the forests and liberty, and the red stands for the courage and blood shed for the nation.

Currency: Euro (€)