Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador John A. CLOUD embassy: Akmenu Gatve 6, Vilnius, LT-03106 mailing address: American Embassy, Almeny gatve 6, Vilnius LT-03106 telephone: [370] (5) 266 5500 FAX: [370] (5) 266 5510
Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), green, and red
Economy Lithuania
Economy - overview:
Lithuania, the Baltic state that has conducted the most trade with
Russia, has slowly rebounded from the 1998 Russian financial crisis.
Unemployment dropped from 11% in 2003 to about 8% in 2005. Growing
domestic consumption and increased investment have furthered
recovery. Trade has been increasingly oriented toward the West.
Lithuania has gained membership in the World Trade Organization and
joined the EU in May 2004. Privatization of the large, state-owned
utilities, particularly in the energy sector, is nearing completion.
Overall, more than 80% of enterprises have been privatized. Foreign
government and business support have helped in the transition from
the old command economy to a market economy.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$49.41 billion (2005 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate):
$23.5 billion (2005 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
7.5% (2005 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP):
$14,100 (2005 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 5.5% industry: 32.5% services: 62% (2005 est.)
Labor force: 1.61 million (2005 est.)