Overview
Kaunas County is one of the ten counties of Lithuania and occupies a central position in the country. Its administrative centre and largest city is Kaunas, the nation's second‑largest city and a major industrial, cultural and academic hub. County administrations were abolished on 1 July 2010; since then the county continues to exist as a territorial and statistical unit used for planning, coordination and state services and forms part of the national framework of counties of Lithuania.
Geography
Situated around the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers, the county includes river valleys, lowlands, lakes and forested tracts. This mix of landscapes supports agriculture, urban settlements and industry concentrated on Kaunas and surrounding towns. Several protected areas and regional parks conserve habitats and offer recreational opportunities.
History
The city of Kaunas and its surrounding region have played a notable role in Lithuanian history. During the interwar period Kaunas served as the temporary national capital, which stimulated civic architecture, institutions and cultural life. Over the 19th and 20th centuries the area expanded as an industrial and transport hub; many historic buildings, rail links and urban plans date from these eras.
Administration and municipalities
Kaunas County is subdivided into a number of municipalities, including Kaunas city municipality and several district municipalities that manage local services. Following the 2010 reform most county administrative functions were redistributed to municipal authorities and national ministries, while the county border remains in use for statistical reporting and intermunicipal coordination.
Economy, education and culture
The regional economy blends manufacturing, logistics, services and agriculture. Kaunas hosts major higher education institutions, including Vytautas Magnus University and Kaunas University of Technology, which attract students and research activity. Cultural offerings include theatres, museums, festivals and well‑preserved historic districts, notably the Old Town and interwar architecture; see more about Kaunas for further city-level context.
Transport and infrastructure
Kaunas County occupies key road and rail junctions linking Vilnius, Klaipėda and other parts of Lithuania, and is served by Kaunas International Airport for passenger and cargo services. The Nemunas river has historic transport importance and the county's central position continues to support commerce, tourism and regional connectivity.