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Poland – General Information

When Poland became a member of the European Union on May 1^st, 2004, and then joined the Schengen Area in late 2007, it became fairly easy to visit the country – and the increasing number of flights reaching Poland's biggest airports made it even easier. No wonder the country is visited by more and more tourists every year.

Poland's Geography and Nature

Geography-wise, Poland is in the exact centre of Europe. It borders Germany to the west, Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south, Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east and the Kaliningrad Oblast (a part of Russia) from the north. Natural borders of Poland are the Baltic Sea from the north and a long line of mountains (including the highest – Tatry Mountains) from the south. Poland's total area is about 312 thousand square kilometers. Extending over several geographical regions, from the seacoast, through lowlands and mountains up to 2500 meters high, Poland offers many diverse and beautiful landscapes. Numerous wildlife reserves and national parks protect animal and plant species not to be seen anywhere else. Those include the European Bison living in the ancient woodlands of Bialowieza.

Poland's History

Poland has a history of over 1000 years. The year 966 AD, when the country adopted Christianity, is considered as the date of Poland's establishment, although it seems that the region was economically and politically united earlier. For the next 800 years Poland was a monarchy, first under the rule of the Piast dynasty, and then the Jagiellons, kings of Lithuanian origin, who united the two countries in 1569. At that time, Poland was one of the biggest and most powerful countries in Europe, that, however, failed to meet the standards of the progressing world and in the end of the 18^th century was a colossus with feet of clay. In 1795, Poland was divided between three neighboring countries – Russia, Prussia and Austria – and virtually ceased to exist for 123 years. Although the Poles tried regaining freedom several times in the 19^th century, Poland wasn't a free country until 1918. The freedom was short, though: in 1939 Hitler attacked Poland, and after World War II it stayed on the wrong part of the Berlin War. Thanks to the efforts of the Solidarity movement, Poland became a democratic country in 1989.

What to See in Poland

Poland's long and rich history left its mark on the country's culture and architecture. The most popular tourist destinations are the biggest cities, including the two capitals – the current in Warsaw and the former in Krakow. Other interesting cities include Wroclaw, Poznan, Torun and Gdansk, most dating back to the medieval times, with landmarks remembering those days. Regions worth visiting obviously include the mountains (Tatry and Bieszczady being probably the most charming ones) and the seaside, as well as the Mazury Lake district.

Poland – Some Facts

Poland's Population: 38 million

Poland's Biggest Cities: Warsaw (1,5 million), Krakow (750 thousand), Lodz (750 thousand), Wroclaw (650 thousand), Poznan (600 thousand), Gdansk (500 thousand)

Poland's Currency: 1 zloty (zl) = 100 groszy (gr)

Poland's time: CET (GMT + 1h)