Overview of Poland

Profile

Poland possesses a territory of plains and lakes spreading across the north and mountainous regions of the Carpathian Mountains, having nurtured a unique culture against the backdrop of over 1,000 years of national rise and fall. While Roman Catholic traditions are deeply rooted in national life, in recent years it has promoted democratization and market economy as a member of the EU and NATO. The academic and artistic soil that produced Chopin and Copernicus, beautiful old towns dotted with World Heritage sites, and the passion for freedom symbolized by the Solidarity movement continue to shape the nation's identity.

Official name: Republic of Poland
Common name: Poland
Numeric code: 616
Alpha-3 code: POL
Alpha-2 code: PL
Population: Approximately 38 million (2023)
Population density: Approximately 122
Primary languages: Polish
Major religions: Roman Catholicism
National anthem: Mazurek Dąbrowskiego (Dąbrowski's Mazurka)
Calling code: +48
Internet TLD: .pl

History

Regained independence in 1918 after partition and erasure, developed as an EU and NATO member after democratization in 1989.

After being recognized as a state in the 10th century, it became one of Europe's great powers as the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, but disappeared from the map after three partitions in the 18th century. Reborn as the Second Republic after World War I, it was devastated by German and Soviet invasions in 1939. After the war, it became the Polish People's Republic under a socialist system, and democratized in 1989 through the Solidarity movement of the 1980s and Round Table talks. Since then, it has advanced market economy and European integration, being positioned as Central and Eastern Europe's growth engine.

Geography & climate

Gentle plains belonging to the North European Plain occupy most of the territory, with Carpathian and Sudetes mountain ranges at the southern end, and glacial lakes and coastal dunes spreading across the north.

Temperate humid continental climate (inland has large temperature variations, coastal areas are somewhat milder)

Area: Europe / 312696 km²
Capital: Warsaw
Largest city: Warsaw
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Lake Śniardwy, Lake Mamry, Lake Hańcza
Bordering countries: Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast)

Natural resources

Coal, Lignite, Copper, Silver, Natural gas, Shale gas, Amber, Salt, Timber, Agricultural land, Freshwater lakes, Peat, Limestone, Sulfur, Zinc

Politics

Government: Republic (Parliamentary system)

Economy

Currency: Zloty (PLN)

GDP (nominal): 748 billion US Dollar (2023)

GDP (PPP): 1.56 trillion International Dollar (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Polish

Time zone: Central European Time, Central European Summer Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Poles, Silesians, Kashubians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, Germans, Lithuanians, Roma, Tatars, Jews

Life expectancy

77.1 years

Literacy rate

99%

National sports

Football, Volleyball, Ski jumping, Handball, Ice hockey