Poland is a country located in Central Europe, bordered by Germany to the west, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south, Ukraine and Belarus to the east, and the Baltic Sea, Lithuania, and Russia to the north. It has a population of over 38 million people and its capital and largest city is Warsaw.

Poland has a rich and varied history, dating back to the 10th century when the first Polish state was established. In the centuries that followed, Poland became a powerful European nation, with a vibrant culture and economy. However, it suffered greatly during World War II, with the invasion by Nazi Germany and subsequent occupation resulting in the death of millions of Polish citizens, including the vast majority of its Jewish population.

After the war, Poland became a communist state under Soviet influence, but in 1989 it peacefully transitioned to a democratic government and market-oriented economy. Since then, Poland has undergone significant economic growth and social transformation, becoming a member of the European Union in 2004.

Poland is known for its rich cultural heritage, including medieval castles and historic towns, as well as its vibrant music and arts scenes. Its cuisine features hearty dishes such as pierogi (dumplings), kielbasa (sausage), and bigos (a stew made with sauerkraut). The country is also known for its stunning natural beauty, including the Tatra Mountains and the Białowieża Forest, home to the last remaining European bison.

Today, Poland is a parliamentary republic with a president as its head of state and a prime minister as its head of government. Its economy is the sixth-largest in the European Union and is driven by a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Poland is also a member of NATO and the United Nations, and is an important player in regional politics and diplomacy.

Telephone Code
48

Local Emergency Phone
112, 999

Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations

Climate
Temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and thundershowers

Currency (Code)
Zlotych (PLN)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E

Major Languages
Polish, Silesian

Major Religions
Catholic 85.9% (includes Roman Catholic, Greek Catholic, Armenian Catholic, and Byzantine-Slavic Catholic), Orthodox 1.3%, Protestant 0.4%

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Gdansk Old Town; Bialowieza Forest; Wieliczka & Bochnia Royal Salt Mine; Malbork Castle; Slowinski Sand Dunes; Masurian Lakeland; Wawel Castle & Cathedral; Krakow; Warsaw (includes Wilanow Palace, Palace on the Water); Auschwitz

Major Sports
Soccer, motorsports, volleyball, ski jumping, track and field

Cultural Practices
Many households will ask you to remove your shoes upon entry.

Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is expected for good service in restaurants, especially in tourist areas such as Krakow or Warsaw. The norm is to tip around 10-15%. Hotel housekeepers do not expect a tip, but leaving a small amount (10 zlotych), is appreciated. Tipping a tour driver 10-15% is customary.

Souvenirs
Amber jewelry and decorative items, natural linen, painted ceramic pottery and stoneware, traditional costumes, vodka

Traditional Cuisine
Bigos — a stew of white cabbage, sauerkraut (fermented cabbage), mushrooms, tomatoes, ham, and meats such as pork, beef, veal, bacon, or venison; Pierogi – small dumplings stuffed with either savory or sweet fillings including cheese, onions, ground meat, mushrooms, potatoes, sauerkraut, or various berries

Geography
Area
total: 312,685 sq km
land: 304,255 sq km
water: 8,430 sq km

Climate
temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and thundershowers

Natural resources
coal, sulfur, copper, natural gas, silver, lead, salt, amber, arable land

People and Society
Population
37,991,766 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Polish 96.9%, Silesian 1.1%, German 0.2%, Ukrainian 0.1%, other and unspecified 1.7% (2011 est.)

Languages
Polish (official) 98.2%, Silesian 1.4%, other 1.1%, unspecified 1.2%; note - data represent the language spoken at home; shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census; Poland ratified the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in 2009 recognizing Kashub as a regional language, Czech, Hebrew, Yiddish, Belarusian, Lithuanian, German, Armenian, Russian, Slovak, and Ukrainian as national minority languages, and Karaim, Lemko, Romani (Polska Roma and Bergitka Roma), and Tatar as ethnic minority languages (2011 est.)

Religions
Catholic 85% (includes Roman Catholic 84.8% and other Catholic 0.3%), Orthodox 1.3% (almost all are Polish Autocephalous Orthodox), Protestant 0.4% (mainly Augsburg Evangelical and Pentecostal), other 0.3% (includes Jehovah's Witness, Buddhist, Hare Krishna, Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Muslim, Jewish, Church of Jesus Christ), unspecified 12.9% (2020 est.)

Population growth rate
-0.28% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
parliamentary republic

Capital
name: Warsaw

Economy
Economic overview
diversified, high-growth European economy; COVID-19 led to first recession in nearly 3 decades, albeit small; EU and NATO member; bolstering US relations; economic concentration in western region; aging labor force; growing debt

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$1.318 trillion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$34,900 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
milk, sugar beets, wheat, potatoes, triticale, maize, barley, apples, mixed grains, rye

Industries
machine building, iron and steel, coal mining, chemicals, shipbuilding, food processing, glass, beverages, textiles

Exports
$411.621 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
Germany 28%, UK 6%, Czechia 6%, France 6%, Netherlands 4% (2020)

Exports - commodities
cars and vehicle parts, seats, furniture, electric batteries, computers (2020)

Imports
$380.699 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
Germany 25%, China 12%, Italy 5%, Netherlands 5%, Czechia 4% (2020)

Imports - commodities
cars and vehicle parts, crude petroleum, packaged medicines, broadcasting equipment, office machinery/parts (2020)