Location and Borders: Poland is located in Central Europe. It is bordered by Germany to the west, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south, Ukraine and Belarus to the east, and the Baltic Sea to the north. It also shares a border with Lithuania to the northeast.
Square: The country covers an area of approximately 312,696 square kilometers.
National Currency: The currency of Poland is the Polish Zloty (PLN).
Interesting Facts About Poland:
Christmas Closure: According to Polish law, no one is required to work on Christmas Day, so most businesses are closed during the holiday season.
Efficient Public Transport: Poland boasts a well-developed public transport system with strict adherence to schedules, which can be found online and at each bus stop. Major cities also offer night bus routes.
Unique Beer Drinking Habit: Poles enjoy ordering regular beer mixed with raspberry or ginger ale and drinking it through a straw.
Popular Sports: Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Poland, with politics being a close second in terms of public interest.
Emigration: About 40% of people born in Poland work abroad, leading to a high number of job vacancies in the country.
Ukrainian Expatriates: Ukrainians are the second largest minority group in Poland, with their numbers reaching 400,000.
Marriage Age: Poles marry younger compared to other EU countries, with women averaging 24 years and men 26 years at marriage.
Climate Variations: The coldest region of Poland is the northeast, while the warmest is the southwest.
Desert in Europe: Poland is home to the Błędów Desert, often called the “Sahara of Europe.” It covers 32 square kilometers, and its origins remain a mystery to scientists.
Mobile Network Coverage: The mobile network in Poland covers 95% of the country.
ATM Density: Poland ranks 8th in Europe for the number of ATMs.
Language and Communication: It’s common to converse with Poles on the streets. The older generation remembers Russian, while younger people often speak English.
Warsaw: The capital and largest city, Warsaw, has a population of over 2.5 million people.
Tallest Building: The Palace of Culture and Science, standing 237 meters tall, is the tallest building in Poland. Built on Stalin’s orders, it was a gift from the Soviet Union to the Polish people.
Bus Tickets: On second-class buses, tickets are often sold in unlimited quantities with no reserved seating.
Religious Affiliation: The predominant religion in Poland is Catholicism, with 92% of the population identifying as Catholic, though only around 40% attend church regularly. There is even a TV channel dedicated to the Pope.
White Stork Population: Poland is home to the largest population of white storks, making up 23% of the global population. The stork, along with the Bison of Białowieża Forest, is a national symbol.
Warsaw’s Destruction: During World War II, about 85% of Warsaw was destroyed. As a result, the city lacks historical buildings compared to other Polish cities.
Historical Heritage: Poland has numerous historic sites, including medieval castles, Gothic churches, and old town districts, reflecting its rich history and architectural heritage.
Cultural Festivals: Poland hosts a range of cultural festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and film to traditional Polish cuisine and folk traditions.
Natural Beauty: Poland is known for its diverse landscapes, including the Tatra Mountains, Białowieża Forest, and numerous lakes and rivers, offering ample opportunities for outdoor activities and nature exploration.
World Heritage Sites: Poland boasts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic centers of Kraków and Warsaw, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, and the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.
