CHANGES IN THE LEVEL OF URBANIZATION IN THE COUNTIES OF LITHUANIA

Abstract

The aim of the study is to assess the change in the level of urbanization in the counties of Lithuania. The calculated level of urbanization, i.e., the proportion of the city's population to the total population of the county. Ten counties of Lithuania were analyzed, comparing data from 2012 to 2023. The change in the level of urbanization of the counties was determined and the forecasts until 2030 were calculated. After performing a mathematical statistical analysis, the connection between the change in the level of urbanization and the analyzed factors was established. Most of the factors have a strong connection with the level of urbanization in Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda and Šiauliai counties. The connection with the analyzed factors are very weak in Telšiai and Panevėžys counties. In the remaining counties the connection with some of the factors is of an average strength. An increase in the level of urbanization was found throughout Lithuania, although the population increased during this period only in Vilnius county. There is a tendency of migration to cities from rural areas. The highest level of urbanization was determined in Vilnius county in 2023 - 79.61 percent. The number of operating companies is increasing throughout Lithuania and the unemployment rate is decreasing. Although there is a visible tendency of population decline, the level of urbanization may increase in five counties, while the others will remain relatively stable or decrease. Key words: urbanization, change in the level of urbanization, counties.