Poland

Poland is a large central European nation that borders on the Baltic Sea. Warsaw is Poland's capital and largest city.

Poland is named after the Polane, a Slavic tribe that lived more than a thousand years ago in what is now Poland. The name Polane comes from a Slavic word that means plain or field.

Flat plains and gently rolling hills cover most of the country. Rugged mountains form part of the southern boundary of Poland, and thousands of small, scenic lakes dot the northern regions of the country.

A Short Background

Poland gained its independence in 1918 only to be overrun by Germany and the Soviet Union in World War II. It became a Soviet satellite country following the war, but one that was comparatively tolerant and progressive.

Labor turmoil in 1980 led to the formation of the independent trade union "Solidarity" that over time became a political force and by 1990 had swept parliamentary elections and the presidency.

A "shock therapy" program during the early 1990s enabled the country to transform its economy into one of the most robust in Central Europe, boosting hopes for acceptance to the EU. Poland joined the NATO alliance in 1999.

 

 

Location:

Central Europe, east of Germany

Geographic coordinates:

52 00 N, 20 00 E

Population:

38,633,912 (July 2001 est.)

Ethnic groups:

Polish 97.6%, German 1.3%, Ukrainian 0.6%, Byelorussian 0.5% (1990 est.)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 95% (about 75% practicing), Eastern Orthodox, Protestant, and other 5%

Languages:

Polish

Currency:

zloty (PLN)

Currency code:

PLN

Exchange rates:

1 EURO to Polish Zloty: 4,784 (April 2004)