Panevezys is located halfway between two Baltic capitals, Vilnius and Riga. The Via Baltica International Highway runs through the city on its way going to feed into the trans-European thoroughfare system. Railroads lead to Klaipeda in the West and to the many cities in the East.

Panevezys is the county centre, with the Management Training Centre, Business Advisory Centre and Regional Chamber of Industry and Commerce showing that a great deal of attention is paid to business development. Electronics, glass, textile, furniture, construction, food and other industries are well developed. There were 6617 different companies in operation in 1996, 5529 of them private, 13 state-owned and public stock companies and 964 joint-stock companies. This number also includes 82 joint ventures. The majority of joint ventures are Lithuanian-Russian (15), German-Lithuanian and Polish-Lithuanian (8 each), American-Lithuanian (5), Chinese-Lithuanian and Ukrainian-Lithuanian (3 each).

Industries of major importance are: Ekranas which produce electronic tubes, glass and crystal products, Kalnapilis Brewery and Linas producing linen fabrics. Products from the NeveZis sewing company and Tulpe weaving and knitting company are known on the international market. Wooden, ceramic, linen and glass souvenirs made in the capital of Aukstaitija (Ethnographic Region) are popular in various countries.

Business policy in Panevezys is based on the encouragement of foreign investors. No restrictions are imposed on the establishment of foreign capital companies.

The city is very interested in higher education. The Kaunas University of Technology has a Faculty with 980 students.

Panevezys is home to many theatres: the Drama Theatre, Music Theatre, Children's Theatre, Masks' Theatre, Puppets' Waggon Theatre, and the Theatre of Poetry present excellent performances. The city boasts a prosperous musical life thanks to the Chamber Orchestra, Brass Orchestra, Volunge Women's Choir, Jazz Singers Band, and the Folk Dance Groups of Grandinele, Pynimelis and Linelis.

The Museum of Ethnography displays a historical revue of Panevezys. Artists display their work at the Art Gallery, Photography, Algimantas' Galleries and Galerija XX.

Panevezys is a member of the Union of Baltic Cities. Friendly contacts have been established with the sister cities Lunen in Germany, Kalmar in Sweden, and Goes in the Netherlands.

The Baltoscandian Academy is especially important in promoting the cultures of the Scandinavian and Baltic countries and the concept of unity by organizing academic conferences and seminars.

Sports are an important part of life in Panevezys, whether you are a supporter, a participant, or just like to keep fit. Basketball, football, handball, cycling, boxing, swimming and other sports are represented at different levels. Panevezys is a participant in the "Healthy City" project.

A network of services is rapidly developing. Hotels, shops, restaurants, cafés, and filling stations regard it as their principal task to offer visitors absolutely the best service possible. People in need of special care are helped in various centres. The municipal welfare programme is supported by the churches.

The community is able to influence decision making through public organizations.

The Old River Bed of Nevezis (Senvage) is a popular place for recreation.

Mr J. Miltinis is an Honourary Citizen of Panevezys. He is the internationally famous director and founder of the Panevezys Drama Theatre. A centre has been established for the study of his heritage.

The city is situated on the banks of the Nevezis River.

Mr Tomas Josas Mayor.