Poland

Overview

The Republic of Holland is a country situated in Central Europe. It has 16 administrative regions. Amongst the European countries, it is the fifth most populous.

The recorded a population of 37.97 million in 2019 and covers an area of 312,679 km2.

Its capital and largest city is Warsaw. Warsaw historical Old Town is listed amongst the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Other urban cities are Lodz, Krakow, Wroclaw, Poznan, Gdansk and Szczecin.

History

The country was restored as an independent state after the end of the First World War in 1918.

During the Second World War, it was also invaded by the Germans, who later left after their defeat.

Food & culture

The Polish culture is influence by western civilization demonstrated through its art, music, literature and philosophy.

The main crops include sugar beets, cereals, oats, potatoes, fodder crops, tobacco, fruits, flax and hops.

The popular dishes are Bigos stew, pork loin kotlet, pierogi, mushroom soup and sour cucumber soup.

Wildlife

The main wildlife animals include wild boar, European bison, European wolf, roe deer, polish fox, white-tailed eagle and white stork.

Festivals & events

The events conducted in the country include National Independence Day on 11th November, Jewish Culture Festival, The New Year’s Eve, Eastern Celebrations, Juwenalia and Zielona Gora Wine Festival.

Things to see

People visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine in Wieliczka that has lasted since the Neolithic era where sodium chloride was harvested from.

There is also the Wawel Royal Castle at Krakow that was the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Other places to visit are Krakow Old Town, Warsaw Old Town, Gdansk Old Town, Bialowieza Forest, Auschwitz Museum and Malbork Castle.

Interesting facts

The official language is Polish.

Majority of the population is Roman Catholics.

The constitution of Poland is amongst the oldest in the world.

Poland

At a glance

Before you go