Klaipeda

Alternate Form: Klaypeda
formerly Memel

Location

Klaipeda is on the Baltic Sea, at the entrance to the Courland Lagoon, in Western Lithuania.

Population

approx 207,000 (est 1994)

Economic Activity

Klaipeda is an ice free port and the home of a large fishing fleet, with shipyards and industries including: the production of textiles, fertilizers and wood products.

Overview

Klaipeda was the site of settled activity as early as the 7th century, making it one of Lithuania's oldest cities. In 1252, the city was conquered and burned by the Teutonic Knights, who built a fortress called Memelburg. In 1629 Prussia ceded the city to Sweden but reverted to Prussia in 1635. During the Napoleonic Wars the city was the residence of Frederick William III of Prussia, who signed there the edict emancipating the serfs in his kingdom (1807).