Vilnius, << VIHL nee uhs >> (pop. 544,091), is the capital and largest city of Lithuania. It lies in southeastern Lithuania, on the Neris (Viliya) River.
Vilnius is an important industrial, transportation, and cultural and educational center. Its products include clothing, food products, industrial machinery, and textiles. Railroads pass through the city, and an airport is nearby. Vilnius University was founded in Vilnius in 1579.
Vilnius is best known for its many old churches and other buildings that date from between the 1400’s and 1800’s. The city also has many modern buildings that were erected after World War II ended in 1945.
Vilnius was founded about 1323 by Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas. The city was controlled by Russia from 1795 to 1918. Lithuania became an independent nation in 1918, but Vilnius was controlled by Poland from 1920 to 1939. In 1939, the city was returned to Lithuania. In 1940, Lithuania was seized by the Soviet Union and forced to become part of that country. In 1991, Lithuania broke away from the Soviet Union and became an independent nation again.
