What kind of country Lithuania? As it is called in Russian language?

Along with the Soviet Union gone are the days when the labels on the goods was done mostly in Russian. Today, more and more, buying a box of chocolates or a new outfit, it is possible to find hackneyed phrase made in… however, if the names of such countries as China, Taiwan, Thailand, India, USA, France, Germany and the like, have long been familiar to the consumer, the other can confound. For example: made in Lithuania. What country is hidden under this term? Let's find out.

What kind of country Lithuania

By this unusual phrase lies the state, are familiar to most residents of Slavic countries. As translated into Russian, Lithuania-is Lithuania.

The state in the last century was part of the Soviet Union, therefore, until 1991, was called so - the Lithuanian Soviet socialist Republic (abbreviated as "LFSR", not to be confused with Latvia, the Latvian SSR). In this regard, many people do not know how to spell the name of this country in English. Because until the nineties all the products manufactured by the Lithuanians, were marked "Made in the Lithuanian SSR", but not today - made in Lithuania.

How to pronounce this word in English?

After Learning that the country of Senegal, you should pay attention to the pronunciation of its English name.

Depending on British or American version, the sound of this noun is slightly different.

So the British say - [lɪθuˈeɪnɪə], and Americans sometimes use the pronunciation of the letter "j": [lɪθ(j)u:ˈeɪnɪə]. The difference is small, but it is.

How the Lithuanians call their country (the word for Lithuania translated into Lithuanian)?

In contrast, it is the English people themselves Lithuanians call their country - Lietuva.

The Etymology of this noun to define problematic. There are several theories, but none of them has enough evidence.

According to one, it is considered that this word is derived from the name of the river of Latawce flowing through that territory.

Other linguists believe that the term "Lithuania" originated from the name of another of the reservoir – Latavi.

It is Worth noting that the problem is not only the etymology study of the word, but the location of the country.

The fact that before the formation of the first state on its territory similar were the name of Slovakia (Lytva) and Romania (Litua).

How to call Lithuania in other Slavic and non-Slavic languages?

Studying the question “What kind of country Lithuania?”, should pay attention, as it is called by the state in different languages.

So, the Slavs are usually not particularly modify this noun in their language. For example, in the Ukrainians is Lithuania, Belarusians – Litva, Bulgaria-Lithuania, the Czechs – Litva, poles – Litwa, etc.

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In the languages of other peoples of this country (Lithuania) translation is significantly different from its original name. So the Germans – Litauen, French-Lituanie, Italians, and Spanish – Lituania. That's not to mention the excellent structure of the languages like Chinese or Yiddish.

Theory about why the non-Slavic languages of the name of Lithuania significantly differs from the original

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As mentioned above, the early ages (X-XII) these terms referred to Romania and Slovakia. Perhaps in order not to create confusion with them, the European chroniclers referred to Lithuania, ‘Latavia”. And later this term was used in most non-Slavic languages.

A Little about the history of Lithuania

After Learning that the country Lithuania and theories about where this name come from, is to learn more about her. As and bordering Poland, Russia, Latvia and Belarus, this state has an ancient history.

The First full-fledged country formed the Lithuanians in the middle of the XIV century. Shortly thereafter, the territory of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania expanded at the expense of dynastic alliances and conquests.

It is Worth noting that by the end of this century Lithuania belonged to the lion's share of the lands of modern Belarus and Ukraine, and this country is the largest in Europe.

However, the prosperity did not last long. Already in the second half of the XVI century more influential in the region is Poland. It to the king manages to persuade the head of the Lithuanian Principality, the connection of these countries. So there is the Commonwealth.

Despite the promise of equality, Lithuania had achieved very little from this Alliance. After 2.5 centuries it collapsed, and land of both countries was divided between them neighbours. Almost all of Lithuania became part of Russian Empire.

In the following century, as the Polish, Belarusian and Ukrainian culture, Lithuania was subjected to the attempts of assimilation of Russian. However, as with all of the above, this people managed to preserve their uniqueness.

Since the beginning of the First world war, Lithuania was conquered by Germany. But by 1918, this state gained independence.

Not much later, as a young country (together with declared themselves independent of Ukraine) was forcibly annexed to the Soviet Union. It has United with Belarus and called – Litbel.

In the years before the Second world Lithuanian lands were constantly trying to divide themselves between Germany, Poland and the Soviet Union.

In 1940, the final country lost its independence, becoming the Lithuanian Soviet socialist Republic. However, up until the late 50s in a country of uprisings.

In the late 80s, the Lithuanians managed to achieve independence, and that the state was the first to emerged from the Soviet Union, thus setting an example to others.

Today, Lithuania is a separate European country with a Republican form of government. She is a member of the UN, NATO, EU and the world trade organization.

Despite the very modest resources, the standard of living in this country is very high. However, after the global crisis of 2008, Lithuania has managed to save its economy only through generous subsidies of the European Union.