Poland
Region
🌍 Europe
Population
👥 37
Currency
💱 Polish zÅoty
Languages
🗣️ Polish
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Discover Poland, a land of captivating history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. From the medieval charm of Krakow and the resilient spirit of Warsaw to the breathtaking Tatra Mountains and the serene Baltic coast, Poland offers an unforgettable journey. Explore ancient castles, indulge in delicious pierogi, and experience the warmth of Polish hospitality.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Republic of Poland
Continent
Europe
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Polish
Independence
November 11, 1918 (from Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Russia)
Top-Level Domain
.pl
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+48
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+01:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Warsaw
ISO Alpha-2
PL
ISO Alpha-3
POL
UN Code
616
Geographic Coordinates
52,20
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
312,679#71 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
37,232,000#41 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
119.79
Highest Point (m)
2,499 meters (Mount Rysy)
Lowest Point (m)
2 meters below sea level (Raczki Elbląskie)
Land Use
Approximately 50% agricultural land, 30% forest.
Irrigated Land
Approximately 770 square kilometers
Coastline Length
491 kilometers
Climate
Temperate, with warm summers and moderately cold winters.
Natural Resources
Coal, sulfur, copper, natural gas, silver, lead, salt, amber.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Belarus, Czechia, Germany, Lithuania, Russia, Slovakia, Ukraine
Major Rivers
Vistula, Oder, Warta, Bug.
Major Lakes
Śniardwy, Mamry.
Government Type
Parliamentary republic
Administrative Divisions
16 voivodeships (provinces)
Legal System
Based on civil law system
Chief of State
President Andrzej Duda
Head of Government
Prime Minister Donald Tusk
Cabinet
Council of Ministers
Elections
Presidential elections are held every 5 years; parliamentary elections are held every 4 years.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court, common courts, administrative courts.
Legislative Branch
Bicameral National Assembly (Sejm and Senate)
Major Political Parties
Civic Platform, Law and Justice, Third Way, The Left.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Polish zÅoty
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1,035.49#21 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1,977.1#21 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
28,419.58#59 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2.45
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
25.84
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
59.74
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3.81#71 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
18,174,157
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2.98#146 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (1994)Checked September 29, 2026
60.45
Budget
Poland's annual budget is in the hundreds of billions of Euros.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
517.23#20 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
487.51#19 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Poland maintains substantial foreign reserves.
Currency Exchange
Visit a reputable financial website for current Polish Zloty (PLN) exchange rates.
GDP by Sector
Services, industry, and agriculture contribute to Poland's GDP.
Major Industries
Key industries include machinery, automotive, food processing, shipbuilding, and coal mining.
Major Export Partners
Major export partners include Germany, Czech Republic, France, and the UK.
Major Import Partners
Major import partners include Germany, China, Italy, and the Netherlands.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (1978)Checked September 29, 2026
98.74#34 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
6.9
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
11.2
Net Migration Rate
Poland's net migration rate varies, often near zero or slightly positive.
Median Age
Poland's median age is around 40 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
60.09#125 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Poland's urbanization rate is relatively stable.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
78.4#61 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
HIV/AIDS prevalence in Poland is low.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
8.06
Ethnic Groups
Polish (96.9%), Silesian (1.1%), German (0.2%), Ukrainian (0.1%), other and unspecified (1.7%).
Religions
Predominantly Roman Catholic.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Polish
Education
Education System
Poland's education system includes primary, secondary, and higher education, with a strong emphasis on academic achievement.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2018)Checked September 29, 2026
16
Government Education Spending
Poland invests a significant portion of its GDP in education, with spending allocated across all levels.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Poland boasts several prominent universities, including the University of Warsaw and Jagiellonian University.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Polish culture is rich and diverse, shaped by history, traditions, and influences from Central and Eastern Europe.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- Nowy Rok (2026-01-01)
- Święto Trzech Króli (2026-01-06)
- Wielkanoc (2026-04-05)
- Drugi Dzień Wielkanocy (2026-04-06)
- Święto Pracy (2026-05-01)
- Święto Konstytucji 3 Maja (2026-05-03)
- Zielone Świątki (2026-05-24)
- Boże Ciało (2026-06-04)
- Wniebowzięcie Najświętszej Maryi Panny (2026-08-15)
- Wszystkich Świętych (2026-11-01)
- Narodowe Święto Niepodległości (2026-11-11)
- Wigilia Bożego Narodzenia (2026-12-24)
Popular Music
Popular music genres in Poland include pop, rock, electronic music, and traditional folk music.
Traditional Food
Traditional Polish food includes pierogi, bigos (hunter's stew), and kielbasa (sausage).
Sports
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Poland, followed by volleyball and ski jumping.
Major Festivals
Poland hosts numerous festivals, including the Opener Festival and the Krakow Film Festival.
Famous People
Famous Polish people include Marie Curie, Nicolaus Copernicus, and Lech Wałęsa.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Poland has a wealth of cultural heritage sites, including historical cities, castles, and monuments.
UNESCO Sites
Poland has a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Wieliczka Salt Mine and the Old Town of Kraków.
Annual Tourist Visits
Millions annually.
Tourism Overview
Popular destination, rich history, diverse attractions.
Top Tourist Attractions
Wawel Castle, Auschwitz-Birkenau, Wieliczka Salt Mine, Old Town Warsaw.
Famous Cities
Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk, Wroclaw, Poznan.
National Parks
23 national parks.
Protected Areas
Significant percentage of land under protection.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Poland is generally from May to September when the weather is pleasant for exploring cities and outdoor activities. Summer months, July and August, offer the warmest temperatures, ideal for enjoying beaches along the Baltic coast and participating in outdoor festivals. Spring, from April to May, is beautiful for city breaks with blooming parks and fewer crowds. Autumn, September and October, provides a charming experience with colorful foliage, perfect for hiking in national parks and enjoying wine festivals. For winter sports enthusiasts, the Tatra Mountains become an attractive destination from December to March. Festival lovers will find events scattered throughout the year, but the summer months are particularly vibrant.
Tourist Visa Info
Schengen Area member; visa-free travel for many nationalities.
Visa Requirements Overview
Tourist visa requirements for Poland depend heavily on your nationality. Citizens of many European Union countries and several other nations, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, can enter Poland for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) without a visa under the Schengen Agreement. Travelers from countries requiring a visa will need to apply for a Schengen visa before their travel. This application typically involves providing a valid passport, proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, and financial means. It is crucial to check the specific visa regulations for your country of citizenship well in advance of your planned trip, as rules can change. Official government immigration websites are the most reliable sources for up-to-date information.
Travel Advisory
Generally safe, but check for specific regional advisories.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
Poland's healthcare quality index is moderate.
Medical Cost
Medical costs in Poland are generally lower than in Western Europe.
Number of Hospitals
Poland has a well-established network of hospitals.
Universal Healthcare
Poland offers universal healthcare through its National Health Fund (NFZ), providing access to public healthcare services for its citizens.
Medical Services Overview
Poland offers a range of medical services, both public and private.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available throughout Poland.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
The emergency number for the police in Poland is 997.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
The emergency number for the ambulance service in Poland is 999.
Emergency Number (Fire)
The emergency number for the fire service in Poland is 998.
Crime Rate
The crime rate in Poland is moderate compared to other European countries.
Safety Index
Poland generally has a high safety index, making it a safe country to visit and live in.
Military Expenditure
Poland invests a significant percentage of its GDP in military expenditure.
Emergency Services Overview
Poland has well-established emergency services, including police, ambulance, and fire departments.
Safety Overview
Poland is a safe country for tourists, with low crime rates compared to many Western European nations. Petty theft, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded tourist areas, particularly in major cities like Krakow and Warsaw, so it's wise to be aware of your surroundings. Common scams are rare, but be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or tours. It's advisable to use official taxis or ride-sharing apps rather than hailing cabs on the street. Public transportation is generally safe and efficient. Exercise standard precautions, such as securing your valuables and avoiding walking alone in poorly lit areas late at night. Overall, tourists can enjoy their trip with minimal safety concerns.
Military Branches
Poland's military branches include the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Special Forces.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Access to electricity is nearly universal in Poland.
Water Access
Access to clean water is widely available throughout Poland.
Sanitation Access
Access to sanitation facilities is well-developed in Poland.
Railways
Poland has an extensive railway network, used for both passenger and freight transport.
Roadways
Poland has a comprehensive road network, including motorways, national roads, and local roads.
Transportation System
Poland has a well-developed transportation system, including roads, railways, and airports.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Copernicus Wrocław Airport (WRO), Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN), Katowice Wojciech Korfanty International Airport (KTW), Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK), Lublin Airport (LUZ), Poznań-Ławica Airport (POZ)
Ports
Major ports in Poland include Gdańsk and Gdynia, located on the Baltic Sea.
Public Transit
Public transit systems in Poland include buses, trams, and metro systems in major cities.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
88.58#71 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Over 100
Tech Startups
Growing startup ecosystem, focused on fintech, gaming, and AI.
Innovation Index
Moderate, improving performance.
ICT Development Index
High, well-developed ICT infrastructure.
TV Broadcast Stations
Numerous, including public and private channels.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Extensive, with both public and commercial stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
Type C/E, 230V, 50Hz
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
7.55#30 of 202
Air Quality Index
Air quality varies, with higher pollution in urban areas due to coal burning and industry.
Water Pollution Level
Water pollution remains a concern, stemming from industrial and agricultural runoff.
Renewable Energy Usage
Renewable energy usage is increasing, particularly wind power, but coal remains a significant energy source.
Environmental Issues
Major issues include air and water pollution, deforestation, and climate change impacts.
Natural Hazards
Floods and occasional droughts are the primary natural hazards.
Waste Management
Waste management efforts are ongoing, with focus on reducing landfill waste and increasing recycling.
Environmental Agreements
Participates in numerous international environmental agreements.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Maintains numerous diplomatic missions worldwide.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
NATO, EU, OECD, Schengen Area
Major Treaties
Key treaties include EU accession treaties and international environmental agreements.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens enjoy visa-free travel to many countries, particularly within the Schengen area.