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Bilateral linkages with Lithuania are limited. There is a small community of Lithuanian origin centred in Auckland, and as small nations, New Zealand and Lithuania share interests in common.
The trade relationship remains small although the market in dairy products has grown in recent years. It remains to be seen whether Lithuania's role as an entrepot for Russia offers opportunities for New Zealand's exporters. Similarly, scope for cooperation in the agriculture and forestry sectors would benefit from further study. So too would prospects for academic and research linkages between universities and scientific institutes.
Land Area 65,300 square kilometres
Population 3.5 million
Capital City Vilnius
Language Lithuanian is the official language, although Russian is widely understood
Political system Parliamentary Democracy, although the President plays an important role in foreign policy.
National government Four party coalition of Homeland Union-Christian Democrats, the National Resurrection Party, the Liberal and Centre Union, and the Liberal Movement.
National legislature Unicameral Parliament, the Seimas, of 141 members
Last election June 2004 (President), October 2008 (Parliament)
Next election due October 2012 (Parliament), June 2014 (President)
Head of State President Dalia Grybauskaite (elected May 2009)
Head of Government Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius
GDP US$48.075 billion
Real GDP growth 4%
Exports US$ 22.66 billion
Imports US$ 29.46 billion
Main exports Mineral products, machinery and equipment, transport equipment, textiles, chemicals
Current account balance US$-6.917 billion (2007)
Inflation 11.2% (2007)
NZ Exports (FOB) NZ$10.2 million
Main Exports Fish, Wool, Animal products
NZ Imports (CIF) NZ$0.7 million
Main Imports aircraft, seats, clothing, chemicals, nets
Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus paid a state visit to New Zealand in February 2006. Hon Phil Goff, Minister for Foreign Affairs, visited Lithuania in September 2004. The Lithuanian Speaker led a parliamentary delegation to New Zealand in 1995.
The Safetravel website provides a travel advisory for travellers to Lithuania [external link].
