Reorganization of small rural districts was commenced in 1931. A district of Marijampole was founded, and 13 small rural districts and a town of Marijampole belonged to it. After the beginning of the Soviet occupation of Lithuania, the districts were divided into several districts, one of them the district of Marijampole.

Importance of this district in the district
The finds and excavations of archeological monuments in the territory of Marijampole show that there were people living here in the Stone Age. Skeletons of the defenders and remnants of the burnt-down castles bear witness to fierce battles with the crusaders here. Tools and implements found here show the development of agriculture in the 19th and 20th centuries. The farmers of the district of Marijam-pole were famous for their rich harvests and good cattle. The first agricultural exhibition in Lithuania was organized in Marijampole, and the associations of "Zagre" (Ploughshare) and "Artojai" (Ploughmen) were founded here. A lot of famous scientists and cultural workers from the district of Marijampole.

The district is still famous for agriculture. It is located on the fertile plain of Suduva, with only the southern part stretching along the highland of Suduva. One part of the district is in the lowland of the river Sesupe. The lowest part of it is in the west (40 m), the other part of it is the highland of Suduva. The highest point is near the Polish border (225 m). The river Sesupe and its tributaries run through the district. There are 42 lakes, about 50 reservoirs, 20 rivers and rivulets in the district of Marijampole. Forest covers about 22%, mostly fir groves and pine forests. The biggest forests are Kazlu-Ruda, Varnabude, Bukta.

Centre of communication
The very large railway junction of Kazlu-Ruda is in the district of Marijampole. The Petersburg-Warsaw railway line was built in 1861, and in 1923 a branch line was built to Sestokai. The Petersburgh-Warsaw and Vilnius-Kaliningrad highways cross the territory. Both were built in the beginning of the 19th century. At present the Via Baltica highway is under construction, a highway of international significance. Kalvarija is an important Polish border post.

Statistical data

Inhabitants	50,500
Total area	1500 km2
Agricultural area	96,900 ha
Forests	35,100 ha
Territorial waters	3,800 ha
Areas of other destination	11,500 ha
Drained land	82,200 ha

Industry, culture, education
The largest enterprises are concentrated in Kazlu-Ruda and Kalvarija, though are a lot of enterprises in other places too. Since ancient times, the district has been famous for its high agricultural development. The district of Marijampole has deep and ancient traditions of amateur art and ethnic culture.

There are over 150 schools, a seminary for teachers, the Marianen gymnasium, the Rygiskiu Jonas gymnasium and several agricultural colleges. Festivals of the arts, with local orchestras, as well as amateur theatricals, are held by Lake Orija. Tourism is developed.

Administrative structure
The town of Marijampole is the administrative centre of the district. The Town Board and Town Council are the administrators. The district is divided into 10 offices called seniunija. Chief of the district is the mayor, Mr Petras Pavilonis, his deputy is Juozas Vaiciulis, and Jonas Zaliskevicius is the administrative officer.

Contact with foreign countries
The municipality of Marijampole is on friendly terms with the officials of TŸringen in Kyff-hauser, Germany.

Mr Juozas Vaciulis, Mayor of the district of Marijampole.