Poland — map and facts

Poland is one of the largest countries in Central Europe, sitting at the crossroads of east and west on the North European Plain. Its capital is Warsaw, and the country covers roughly 313,000 square kilometres with a population of about 38 million. Poland uses the Polish z?oty as its currency.

About Poland

Poland is a democratic republic and a member of both the European Union and NATO. It has undergone one of the most dramatic economic transformations in Europe since the fall of communism in 1989, growing into one of the continent's mid-tier economies. The country has a strong sense of national identity shaped by centuries of struggle for independence, and a vibrant cultural life centred on literature, music and tradition.

Geography and landscape

Poland lies in Central Europe and borders Germany to the west, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south, Ukraine and Belarus to the east, and Lithuania and the Kaliningrad exclave of Russia to the north-east. The Baltic Sea forms the northern coast. The landscape is predominantly flat lowland, rising to the Sudeten and Carpathian mountains in the south. Major rivers include the Vistula, which runs through Warsaw and Kraków, and the Oder. Forests cover a significant portion of the country, including the ancient Bia?owie?a Forest, shared with Belarus.

History

Poland was a major European power in the medieval and early modern periods. The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, formed in 1569, was one of the largest states in Europe at its height. Poland was partitioned between Prussia, Austria and Russia three times in the late eighteenth century and disappeared from the map for over a century. It regained independence in 1918 but was devastated by the Second World War, during which it lost about six million citizens, including most of its Jewish population. After 1945 it became a communist state under Soviet influence. The Solidarity trade union movement, led by Lech Wa??sa, helped bring down the communist government in 1989.

Economy and currency

Poland has one of the largest economies in Central and Eastern Europe. Key sectors include manufacturing, food processing, services and a growing technology industry. Warsaw has become a significant financial and business hub. The currency is the Polish z?oty. Poland is a member of the EU but has not adopted the euro.

Culture and language

The official language is Polish, a West Slavic language. Poland has produced notable figures in literature, music and science, including Frédéric Chopin, Marie Curie and Nobel Prize winner Wis?awa Szymborska. The country is predominantly Roman Catholic, and religion plays a significant role in national identity. Folk traditions, cuisine and the landscape of old city centres such as Kraków's Rynek G?ówny are strong draws for visitors.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capital of Poland? The capital of Poland is Warsaw (Warszawa), located on the Vistula River in central Poland. It is the country's largest city and its political, economic and cultural centre.

What currency is used in Poland? Poland uses the Polish z?oty (PLN). Poland is a member of the EU but has not adopted the euro.

How big is Poland? Poland covers roughly 313,000 square kilometres, making it one of the larger countries in Central Europe.