Lithuania has a population of around 2.8 million, a figure that has been falling steadily since independence due to emigration to Western Europe — particularly the UK, Germany, and Ireland. The country is one of the least densely populated in the EU.
Lithuanians make up roughly 84% of the population. Poles are the largest minority, concentrated in the southeast around Vilnius (the city and surrounding Vilnius region historically had a large Polish-speaking population). Russians account for about 5%, mainly in the cities. A small Karaite community — a Turkic-speaking group with a distinct religion — has lived in Trakai for centuries.
The dominant religion is Roman Catholicism, which played a significant role in the resistance to Soviet occupation. The Church remains culturally important even as active practice has declined among younger generations.
Lithuanian is the official language and one of the oldest living Indo-European languages, preserving features that have disappeared from most other European tongues. Russian is widely understood by older generations. English is common among anyone under 40, particularly in Vilnius and Kaunas — you'll rarely have trouble communicating in the cities.
Lithuanians have a reputation for being reserved with strangers, but warm once the ice is broken. Don't be put off by a serious first impression. A small gift or a willingness to share a drink goes a long way.