Poland Info
This massive land in the heart of Europe has become the epitome of a changing continent. Positioned at the
centre of it, Poland has known turbulent and violent as well as prosperous times. There have been periods
of independence as well as periods of domination by other countries. Several million Polish people, half of
them Jews, died in World War II. In 1989 Poland became the first of the eastern European countries to overthrow
Communist rule, following years of demonstrations, strikes and underground political movement led by the
Trades Union movement Solidarity. Despite strong Russian objections, Poland joined Nato in 1999. Since 2004
a member of the EU, it is enjoying the rewards – and experiencing the challenges – of this exclusive club.
Money has begun to flow into the country, repairing roads, building shopping malls and beautifying street.
Despite the country’s rush to embrace the future, its past cannot be ignored, particularly when it confronts you at every turn. While the country’s cities rapidly modernise, its countryside continues to retain its rustic allure. Poles remain doggedly warm and generous despite the massive upheavals, something many visitors can attest to. Even if you protest profusely, you will be forced to polish off a bottle of vodka or two, eat plate after plate of bigos (cabbage and meat stew), and join intense discussions on philosophy and politics, but it’s comforting to know that it’s all done with a love of life and an appreciation for the present, because no-one can be sure what tomorrow will bring.
One of the greatest pluses Poland has as it fights for its place in the competitive global tourist market is the variety of holidays it can offer the leisure traveller. Thanks in part to its history and in part to its under-development in the 20th century, Poland can offer many varied and interesting places to visit as well as areas of unspoiled natural beauty. It is true to say that you have not seen Poland by just visiting one place in the country and you will come to understand this if you ever have the chance to compare the history and atmosphere of the main cities such as Krakow, Warsaw, Gdansk, Poznan, Wrocław and Łódź with each other and with the breathtaking countryside, lakes and mountains to be found in places such as Zakopane, the Mazurian lake district or the Bialoweza national park.
But don’t take our word for it: spend some time here and you’ll discover a unique land where East meets West and helpings of joy and sorrow have been served up in equal proportions. And you’ll come away with new-found admiration for this unbreakable country.
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Facts&Figures about Poland Visas : Not required for EU citizens; US, Canadian, New Zealand and Australian citizens do not need visas for stays of less than 90 days. Capital : Warsaw Country Code : 048 Time : GMT/UTC + 1 ATMs : Widespread Population : 38 million Language : Polish Currency : PLN ( złoty ) Famous for : Chopin, Copernicus, Marie Curie, Solidarity ( Leader : Lech Wałęsa ), Pope John Paul II vodka ( wyborowa, żubrówka ), kiełbasa and pierogi |
Poland overview Poland Cities: Krakow, Warszawa, Wroclaw, Gdansk, Łodz Map of Poland Poland Weather Polish Culture |
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