Lithuania is a country in the Baltic region of Europe, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. It was once a powerful medieval kingdom and later became part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. In the 20th century, Lithuania declared independence from Russia in 1918, but was subsequently occupied by the Soviet Union, then Nazi Germany, and again the Soviets. The country finally regained independence in 1990, following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Lithuanians have a strong sense of national identity and pride, with a focus on preserving their language, traditions, and folklore. Today, Lithuania is a member of the European Union and NATO, with a growing economy and thriving arts and cultural scene.