# Rietavas

> city in Lithuania

**Wikidata**: [Q3657](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3657)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rietavas)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rietavas

## Summary
Rietavas is a city in Lithuania with a population of 3,234 as of 2023, first documented in 1253. It serves as the administrative center of Rietavas City Eldership and has historical significance as a former district and county seat.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Coordinates 55.725°N, 21.928°E; elevation 106 meters above sea level.
- **Population**: 3,234 (2023), down from 3,979 in 2001, with fluctuations over the years.
- **Administrative History**: Served as the capital of Rietavas Municipality (1950–1962), Rietavas District (1915–1950), and part of Plungė District Municipality (1962–1994).
- **Website**: [www.rietavas.lt](http://www.rietavas.lt).
- **Identifiers**: VIAF ID 130197337, GeoNames ID 595284, UN/LOCODE LTRTS.
- **Symbols**: Flag and coat of arms images documented on Wikimedia Commons.
- **Mentions**: Described in the Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary and the Jewish Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron.

## FAQs
- **Where is Rietavas located?**  
  Rietavas is situated in western Lithuania at coordinates 55.725°N, 21.928°E, with an elevation of 106 meters.

- **What is the population trend of Rietavas?**  
  The population has steadily declined from 3,979 in 2001 to 3,234 in 2023, with minor fluctuations in recent years.

- **What administrative regions has Rietavas belonged to?**  
  Historically, it was part of Rietavas District (1915–1950), Rietavas Municipality (1950–1962), and Plungė District Municipality (1962–1994). Since 1994, it has been the center of Rietavas City Eldership.

- **What cultural references document Rietavas?**  
  The city is noted in the Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary and the Jewish Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron, reflecting its historical relevance.

## Why It Matters
Rietavas holds historical and administrative importance as a longstanding municipal center in Lithuania. Its shifting governance structures—from district to municipality to eldership—reflect broader political changes in Lithuania, particularly during the 20th century. The city’s documented history since 1253 and inclusion in major encyclopedias underscore its enduring role in regional heritage.

## Notable For
- **Longstanding Administrative Role**: Served as a district, municipality, and eldership center across different historical periods.
- **Population Fluctuations**: Demonstrates demographic shifts typical of rural Lithuanian towns, with a 20% decline since 2001.
- **Early Documentation**: First written records date to 1253, highlighting its medieval origins.
- **Cultural Documentation**: Featured in authoritative 19th–20th century encyclopedias, emphasizing its historical significance.

## Body

### History
Rietavas was first mentioned in written records in 1253. It later became the administrative center of Rietavas District (1915–1950) and Rietavas Municipality (1950–1962). From 1962 to 1994, it fell under Plungė District Municipality before becoming the seat of Rietavas City Eldership in 1994.

### Geography
The city is located at 55.725°N, 21.928°E, 106 meters above sea level. It is part of the Rietavas City Eldership and the broader Telšiai County.

### Demographics
Population figures show a gradual decline:  
- 2001: 3,979  
- 2017: 3,305  
- 2023: 3,234 (latest data)  
The city’s population is determined via demographic balance methodology, as cited by Statistics Lithuania.

### Administration
Rietavas has been part of multiple administrative divisions:  
- **Rietavas District** (1915–1950)  
- **Rietavas Municipality** (1950–1962)  
- **Plungė District Municipality** (1962–1994)  
- **Rietavas City Eldership** (1994–present)  

### Cultural References
The city is documented in:  
- *Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary*  
- *Jewish Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron*  

### Symbols and Media
- **Flag**: [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Flag_of_Rietavas.gif](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Flag_of_Rietavas.gif)  
- **Coat of Arms**: [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Rietavas_COA.svg](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Rietavas_COA.svg)  
- **Image**: [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Rietavas_2009-07-28.jpg](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Rietavas_2009-07-28.jpg)  

### Identifiers
- **VIAF ID**: 130197337  
- **GeoNames ID**: 595284  
- **UN/LOCODE**: LTRTS  
- **MusicBrainz Area ID**: cab69fc9-6bb5-4fc7-805a-a894fbb08577  

### External Links
- **Official Website**: [www.rietavas.lt](http://www.rietavas.lt)  
- **Wikimedia Commons Category**: [Rietavas](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Rietavas)  
- **Wikipedia Title**: [Rietavas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rietavas) (available in 32 languages)

## References

1. Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija Online
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. MusicBrainz
5. [State Data Agency of Lithuania](https://osp-rs.stat.gov.lt/rest_xml/data/S3R167_M3010210/?startPeriod=2017&endPeriod=2017)
6. Resident population by city / town at the beginning of the year
7. GeoNames
8. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/lt.htm)
9. Quora