Lithuania considers name change

Lithuania is considering changing its name in English, according to the country's officials. The Lithuanian government initiated the move in order to raise the country's image abroad and to attract more investment and tourists.

According to Lithuanian officials, the name of their motherland now sounds awkward and confusing for English-speakers, and they want to change it in English to something easier to pronounce.

Lithuanian government spokesman Laurynas Bucalis said 'the main reason is that Lithuania has got the new marketing concept'.

No ideas have been presented yet as to what the name should be but all the best ones are likely to be put for public discussion first.

Once part of the Soviet Union, Lithuania and its two Baltic neighbours regained independence 17 years ago.

They joined the European Union and NATO in 2004.