Situated in the heart of Europe, Poland is a country of remarkable resilience and profound beauty. With its storied past and vibrant present, it offers a unique tapestry of experiences. From the medieval charm of Krakow's Old Town to the hauntingly beautiful silence of Auschwitz-Birkenau, Poland's historic landscape is both moving and monumental. The lush, rolling hills of the Tatra Mountains and the serene, windswept shores of the Baltic Sea showcase the nation's natural splendour.
In Warsaw, modernity and tradition intertwine in sleek skyscrapers that rise next to meticulously restored Gothic facades. Polish cuisine, rich in flavour and history, tells its own story through hearty pierogi and aromatic borscht. In literature, art and music, Poland's cultural contributions resonate around the world, reflecting a spirit of innovation and perseverance. This is a country where past and present combine in a symphony of historical depth and contemporary vibrancy, inviting exploration and admiration.
Temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and thundershowers
Polish 96.9%, Silesian 1.1%, German 0.2%, Ukrainian 0.1%, other and unspecified 1.7% (2011 est.)
Polish, Silesian
Many households will ask you to remove your shoes upon entry.
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
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