So here comes a list of myths and stereotypes, that (in my opinion and based on my own experience) people could have about a little country on a Baltic shore - Lithuania.
1) Lithuania's capital is Riga.
Well, Riga is a well- known capital, because of it's harbor. Vilnius is much harder to pronounce (and to remember) and has more historical importance, which, in a modern world, can be easily ignored by common people, who aren't so keen on reading about history. The difference between Latvia and Lithuania are also a bit too slight for them.
2) People speak Russian as the main language.
No. The older generation might still speak it, as it was an important school subject, but younger citizens are very unfamiliar with it. People are proud to have preserved Lithuanian language, one of the most ancient languages in the world, even though in the time of Russian Empire, it was forbidden to speak or read it. They try to wipe our language of the surface of Earth, but didn't succeed. Maybe that's why it hits a painful spot, whenever we hear the question, if it's Russian that we speak in Lithuania.
3) People are poor.
It's a very general statement. A level of poverty might be high, but it's mostly in the villages and small cities. I would dare to claim, that people, getting the average salary can afford a normal life without trembling for tomorrow. Maybe not too luxurious, but definitely enough to not call it "poor".
4) Basketball is the only sport we have some achievement in.
Not true! We have great athletes, cyclists, and tennis players! Enough to check our achievements in latest Olympic games - we have many medals in different spheres. Our citizen was also nominated as World's Strongest Man and was a champion among heavy athletes.
5) There is no good music in Lithuania.
It's true that we don't have many international artists, but that doesn't mean there's no good music in Lithuania. The worst thing is that even some Lithuanians believe that... This topic definitely needs a separate topic with Youtube links and tips about good music!
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