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15 Interesting Facts About Poland

The Republic of Poland is located in Central Europe and is bordered by Germany to the west and Ukraine to the east. Recent data shows that Poland has approximately 38 million people making it the sixth most popular county in the European Union. The main industries in Poland that bring a lot of infrastructure include manufacturing, agriculture, and energy.

Among Tourists, Poland is known for its architecture, culture, and rich history. Warsaw and Krakow, known for their stunning Old Towns,  are among the tourist attractions in the country.

Poland is a member of the United Nations, NATO, and the World Trade Organization. Since 2004, the country has been a member of the European Union. 

1. The Famous History of Poland

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Over the years, Poland has faced a lot of challenges, from being invaded to being fought, and partitioned by many foreign powers. Poland’s history dates back all the way to the Piast dynasty in the 16th century. 

Gradually, the country becomes a major power in Central Europe, by this time Poland had begun expanding its territory and gaining economically through trading. Poland was later invaded by Austria, Russia, Sweden, and Prussia in the late 18th century. When the 20th century came around, Poland was no longer ruled by foreign powers. However, this didn’t stop Nazi Germany to occupy Poland during World War II. By this time, the country faced a lot of trauma from Polish citizens being killed to them being forced into labor camps. 

2. Poland’s Temperate Climate

With four distinct seasons, Poland’s summers can be warm with temperatures from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. The winter season in Poland can be extremely cold with temperatures that reach below-freezing. When spring and autumn seasons come around, temperatures usually range between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius. Throughout the year, rainfall is distributed evenly with an average of 600-700mm. 

On the Northern coast of the country, the temperatures are milder because of the influence of the Baltic Sea. Poland has numerous severe weather events that are occasional and sometimes spread out throughout the year. Some of these include floods, hail, and thunderstorms in the summer months.

3. The Geographical Status of Poland

The country’s southern border is between the Czech Republic and Slovakia while the northeast border is between Russia and Lithuania. Poland’s totality amounts to about 312, 685 square kilometers. Poland’s beautiful geography is covered with high mountains, lakes, lowlands, and coastal areas. Southern Poland is naturally designed by the Tatra Mountains which is the highest mountain range in the country. The Bialowieza Forest is the largest and oldest virgin forest in Europe. 

Vistula and Oder are one of the largest and most important rivers in Poland, they are used for irrigation, transportation, and hydroelectric power. Poland has diverse flora and fauna with numerous plant and animal species. 

4. The Sizzling Politics of Poland

The country has a two-chamber parliament that consists of the Sejm, the lower house, and the Senate which is the upper house. Poland’s politics are dominated by two parties the PiS and PO. The PiS, law, and Justice, is a right-wing nationalist party that advocates for conservative values and a strong country. On the other hand, the PO, Civic Platform, is a centrist liberal-conservative party.

The right wing of the government has been criticized for restricting freedom of the press, undermining the independence of the judiciary, and anti-LGBTQ+ policies. On the other hand, the PiS has also focused on reducing poverty and social welfare policies.

5. Poland’s Levels of Administrative Divisions

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There are 16 provinces, each with its own government and an elected council. These provinces are divided into counties which are also divided into municipalities. In Poland, there are 380 counties that are governed by a county governor, starosta, and an elected council. These counties are in charge of local services like infrastructure, education, and healthcare. There are over 2,500 municipalities within these counties, each has its own elected council and head.

In municipalities, the head and elected council are in charge of local infrastructure, cultural institutions, and waste management. 

6. The Constitutional Law of Poland

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The Soviet-influenced constitution was replaced by the current one in 1989. The constitution establishes Poland as a free and democratic country. Its government is divided into the executive, legislative, and judicial branches which ensure a system of balances.

The Sejm, which is the highest governing body of Poland, consists of 460 members who are elected every four years by proportional representation, while the Senate consists of 100 members who are elected every four years. Members of the Senate are usually elected by all 16 of the provinces. The Judiciary in Poland is independent thus it operates under the supervision of the constitutional tribunal.

7. The Country has Strong Foreign Relations

Since independence, the country has been a member of organizations like United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and European Union. Poland’s foreign policies that prioritize close ties with multiple  cWestern countries.

With the difficult and complicated history, Poland’s relationship with Russia has been strained. Poland has played a huge role in promoting democracy and human rights in Europe over the years. The country has also been able to maintain partnerships with neighboring countries and regional cooperation.

Read more about other countries in the history of Poland here.

8. The Integral Polish Armed Forces

The Armed Forces are responsible for protecting the territorial integrity of the Republic of Poland. The army also has a special forces unit called GROM. The Polish Navy has around 13,000 active-duty personnel that operates in submarines, minesweepers, and frigates. The Navy personnel is responsible for protecting the country’s maritime borders.

The Polish Air Force has 13,000 active-duty personnel who operate a range of aircraft that include fighter jets, helicopters, and transport aircraft. The Special Forces of Poland are in charge of carrying out special missions and providing support to other parts of the Armed Forces.

9. Law Enforcement In Poland

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The police force is divided into county, municipal, and voivodeship levels. It is the main law enforcement agency in Poland. It is responsible for preventing crime, maintaining public order, and capturing offenders. Poland’s police force has about 102,000 officers who have been trained at the Police Academy at Szczytno.

Poland is knwon for having a low crime rate among the other European countries. However, this doesn’t mean that Poland faces challenges like corruption and organized crime. The Polish government has implemented a specialized police unit for each challenge the country faces. This technique helps in reducing crime rates.

10. Medical Services In Poland

Poland has a well-developed healthcare system. The National Health Fund is an organization that provides medical care to Polish citizens and permanent residents. The public healthcare system is divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of care. The primary care level is provided by pediatricians, dentists, and family doctors.

Secondary care includes hospitals, diagnostic centers, and specialized clinics, while tertiary care is provided by university hospitals. In Poland, the quality of medical services is influenced by certain factors like location and levels of care. Rural areas and smaller towns don’t have as much access to medical care as compared to the people in major towns. In Europe, Poland is known to have cheaper medical care.

11. The Highs and Lows of the Polish Economy

Poland has achieved impressive economic growth and is currently the fastest-growing country in Europe. In the last two decades, the country has also been able to invest in infrastructure development. This investment has been able to upgrade the highways and facilities that drive economic growth. However, even the greatest of countries have economic lows. For Poland, these lows include demographic changes, the fact that many skilled workers are moving to Western Europe and high dependence on exports. 

12. Historical Tourist Sites in Poland

People travel from all over the world to Poland because of its rich history, scenic natural landscapes, and beautiful architecture. With its friendly locals and amazing attractions, Poland has emerged to be among the top tourist destination in Europe. Some of the famous tourist attractions cities include Warsaw and Krakow. Warsaw has multiple historical sites, some of which include the Royal Castle, and the Palace of Culture.

Poland has a number of cultural events and festivals like the Warsaw Jazz Festival, and the annual Krakow Film Festival which invites a lot of visitors. It is also famous for its rich cultural heritage that is celebrated and represented in a number of galleries, and cultural centers. The most famous museums include the Nationals Museum in Warsaw and the Wieliczka Salt Mine Museum.

Read more about the famous historical museum here.

13. The Stylish Means of Transportation

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The roads in Poland are well-connected with their neighboring countries. the country has a network of national roads that connect to the roads of remote areas. The railway system is a convenient and cost-effective mode of transportation. The Polish State Railway offers local and international services. 

Poland has multiple airports that provide access to international and domestic destinations. The most popular airport is Warsaw Chopin Airport. The other commonly used international airports include Krakow Airport and Katowice Airport. The waterways in Poland are not used as a common mode. 

Public transport is an affordable and efficient mode of transportation. Depending on the city, the ticket prices can be very accommodating, especially for locals and tourists on a budget.

14. Science and Technological Advancements

Poland has been significant progress in the field of science and technology. Its government has made strong efforts to promote the development of these specific areas. Space Technology in Poland has made progress that has enabled the country to become a member of the European Space Agency. In the field of biotechnology, Poland has been able to achieve several thriving companies that develop innovative products and therapies. Poland has invested in the research of biotechnology.

Read more other technological dimensions in Poland here.

15. Religious Denomination in Poland

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With over 90% of the population being Catholic. This makes the country a predominantly Catholic country. Catholicism has a strong influence on Poland’sculture and society. The second largest religion in Poland is Orthodox Christianity, which is followed by a minority population of foreigners who live in the country. Some of the minority religions include Judaism, Protestantism, and Islam.

Read more about other developments in Poland here.