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 About Poland |
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For centuries, Poland has been a bridge between the East and West. Set in the heart of Europe, Poland is a multifaceted country where the capital and medieval towns are trawled by contemporary city slickers, and where horse-drawn carts negotiate country lanes, untouched by progress.
Poland remains reasonably cheap and safe, with hospitable people who welcome visitors. Over the past decade, it has developed into a modern, vibrant and progressive state, yet at the same time it maintains its traditional culture.
The Polish state was formed over 1,000 years ago under the Piast dynasty, and reached its golden age near the end of the 16th century under the Jagiellonian dynasty, when Poland was one of the largest, wealthiest, and most powerful countries in Europe. In 1791 the Sejm of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth voted for the Constitution of May 3, Europe's first modern codified constitution, and the second in the world after the Constitution of the United States.move next sentence to here.Soon afterwards, the country ceased to exist after being partitioned by its neighbors Russia, Austria, and Prussia. It regained independence in 1918 in the aftermath of the First World War as the Second Polish Republic.
Following the Second World War Poland became a communist satellite state of the Soviet Union known as the People's Republic of Poland. move next sentence to here.In 1989 the first partially-free elections in Poland's post-World War II history concluded the Solidarity movement's struggle for freedom and resulted in the defeat of Poland's communist rulers. move next sentence hereThe current Third Polish Republic was established, followed a few years later by the drafting of a new constitution in 1997. move next sentence here.In 1999 Poland became a part of NATO, and in 2004 it joined the European Union.
Since its return to democracy, Poland has steadfastly pursued a policy of liberalizing the economy and today stands out as one of the most successful and open examples of the transition from a partially state-capitalist market economy to a primarily privately owned market economy.
Poland has a large agricultural sector of private farms, which could be a leading producer of food in the European Union now that Poland is a member. move next sentence herePolish economy is currently undergoing an economic boom. |
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Location |
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Poland, 193,865 sq miles (312,685 sq km), shares borders to the east with the Russian Federation, Belarus, Ukraine and Lithuania, to the south with the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic, and to the west with Germany. To the north lies the Baltic Sea. The Baltic coast provides over 300 miles (500 km) of sandy beaches, bays, steep cliffs and dunes. Northern Poland is dominated by lakes, islands and wooded hills joined by many rivers and canals. The Mazurian Lake District to the northeast is particularly beautiful. Lake Hancza, the deepest lake in Poland, is located in this district. The River Vistula has cut a wide valley from Gdansk on the Baltic coast to Warsaw in the heart of the country. The rest of the country rises slowly to the Sudety Mountains, which run along the border with the Czech Republic, and the Tatra mountains, which separate Poland from the Slovak Republic. To the west, the River Oder, with Szczecin at its mouth, forms the northwest border with Germany. |
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Population |
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Today with 38.6 million people (July 2005 est.), 96.74% of the population considers itself Polish. The officially recognized ethnic minorities include Germans, Ukrainians, Lithuanians, Jews and Belarusians. move next sentence to here Roman Catholics comprise 89.8% (about 75% practicing) of the population, Eastern Orthodox 1.3%, Protestant 0.3%, other 0.3%, and unspecified 8.3%. |
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Language |
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Polish is the official language. There is a small German-speaking community. English and Russian are also spoken. |
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Education |
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Since 1999, a reform of the system of education has been implemented and new types of schools are being introduced, i.e. 6-year primary school, 3-year gymnasium, and the following types of post-gymnasium schools: 3-year specialized lyceum, 3-year general lyceum, 4-year technical secondary school, 2 or 3-year vocational school, 2-year complementary lyceum, and 3-year complementary technical secondary school.
The total number of years of primary and secondary education is 12 or 13. At the end of the secondary education cycle students can take the maturity examination, a standardized national secondary school achievement examination, and receive the maturity certificate. |
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Weather |
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The Polish winter is reasonably harsh, worsening towards the east of the country, with January days in most places around freezing and a bit less at night. Summers are mildly warm, with average July highs of 75F (24C) for most of the country, although they can be wet. Poland's Baltic coast trades in milder winters for cooler summers. |
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Money and Cost of Living |
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Poland can offer you a standard of living equal to EU standards. A positive difference is the cost of living. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, the cost of living in Poland, taking into account such factors as shopping prices, household supplies, personal care products, clothing, entertainment and transportation, account for 76% of the level of Berlin prices, 59% of the level of London and Oslo prices, 68% of Vienna prices and 65% of Washington prices. |
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Currency |
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The Polish local currency is the Zloty (PLN) = 100 groszy. Notes are in denominations of PLN200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. The new coins are in denominations of PLN5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 groszy.
Exchange rate indicators:
| Date |
Nov 05 |
| £1.00= |
5.93 |
| $1.00= |
3.42 |
Residents and non-residents are allowed to export/import local currency up to the equivalent of €10,000. Higher amounts can be exported with permission of the Bank of Poland only.
Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1600, Sat 0900-1300 in main cities. In smaller towns, banking hours are more limited. |
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Health |
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Piped water is normally chlorinated, and while relatively safe may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of stay. Milk is pasteurized and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.
Hepatitis A and B and diphtheria occur. Freshwater fish from the Baltic Sea area could contain fish tapeworm, causing diphyllobothriasis. Tick-borne encephalitis occurs in forested areas. Vaccination is advisable. |
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Weights and Measures |
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Poland applies the metric system, based on the SI International System, with units in gram and kilograms, millimeters and centimeters. |
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Electricity |
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Poland uses 230 volts, 50 Hz electricity with E plugs which are the round pin plugs and receptacle with male grounding pins, as well as C plugs which are round pin attachment plugs. |
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