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 Lithuania is a new and active member of the European Union (since May 1, 2004) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (since March 29, 2004). Lithuania is the only Baltic country with nearly eight hundred years of statehood tradition, while its name was first mentioned almost one thousand years ago, in 1009. Wedged at the dividing line of Western and Eastern civilizations, Lithuania battled dramatically for its independence and survival. Once in the Middle Ages, Lithuania was the largest state in the entire Eastern Europe, where crafts and overseas trade prospered.
In 1579, Vilnius University, an important scientific and education centre of the European scale, was opened. In 16th century, Lithuania adopted its First, Second and Third Statutes. Not only the Statutes were the backbone of the legislative system of the country, they had a major impact on legislation of other European states of the time. Despite losing its independence, Lithuania managed to retain its Third Statute in effect for as many as 250 years, which was instrumental in preservation of national and civic self-awareness of the public. The Constitution of Lithuania-Poland together with the French Constitution, both adopted in 1791, were the first constitutions in Europe.
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About Šiauliai
Šiauliai (pop. 130.0 thousand) is the fourth largest city of the country located in Northern Lithuania, whose history dates back to the victorious Battle of the Sun, which took place on 22 September 1236. In the course of its history the city was devastated by wars, plagues and fires many times. The only architectural object having survived from the ancient times is St. Peter and Paul Cathedral in a Renaissance style, whose tower visible from afar, 70 m high, is the landmark of Šiauliai panorama. The tower houses the survived unique solar clock. In the 2nd half of the 18th century the rearrangement of the city according to the principles of classicist architecture was started. Only several buildings have survived from that period. Located on the crossing of roads and railways the city would greatly suffer during all battles and wars.
Rebuilt after a number of devastations, the city takes pride in its pedestrian boulevard decorated with artistic elements, which is the first central street in Lithuania allotted to pedestrians. Built on the outskirts of Šiauliai, the Solar Clock Square with the dynamic and shining sculpture of a Shot by sculptor S. Kuzma commemorates the 750th anniversary of the Battle of the Sun.
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Šiauliai 2011: Technical Reports & Complete results
The Final rank
1. Azerbaijan Republic,167 points
2. Turkey, 112 Points
3. Lithuania, 110 Points
4. Belarus, 106 Points
5. Ukrain
6. Austria
7. Latvia
8. Estonia
9. Russia
10. Poland
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