🇵🇱

Poland

✨ The land of amber and brick castles

Poland is a country in Central Europe, stretching from the Baltic Sea in the north to the Carpathian Mountains in the south. It borders Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania and Russia’s Kaliningrad region. Its capital is Warsaw, on the Vistula, the country’s longest river.

Much of the country consists of lowlands and gently rolling plains, while the south includes higher terrain, especially the Tatra Mountains, part of the Carpathians. Poland has a temperate climate with distinct seasons: winters are generally cold, while summers are mild to warm. The Baltic coast, plains and mountains create varied landscapes, while much of the country remains low-lying.

Poland has a complex history. A Polish state emerged in the 10th century under the Piast dynasty, and the country later formed a close political union with Lithuania. In the late 18th century, Poland was partitioned by Russia, Prussia and Austria and disappeared as an independent state for more than a century.

It regained independence in 1918, but was invaded at the beginning of the Second World War in 1939. After the war, Poland became a communist state within the Soviet sphere of influence, until the political changes of 1989. Today, it is a parliamentary republic and a member of the European Union and NATO. Its economy includes manufacturing, services and agriculture.

💡 Did you know?

Did you know that in Poland, under the town of Wieliczka, there is a veritable city of salt? It is a giant 700-year-old mine. You can find underground lakes, endless tunnels, and especially an immense cathedral where everything is made of salt: the floor, the walls, the statues, and even the chandeliers that shine like crystal! You can lick the walls to check, but be careful, it's very salty!

The favorite dish of the Polish is called 'Pierogi.' These are small dumplings made of thin dough that can be stuffed with almost anything: cheese, potatoes, meat, or even fruits like strawberries or blueberries. It is so popular that there are entire restaurants called 'Pierogarnia' that serve only these! There is even a patron saint of pierogi, Saint Hyacinth, who is called upon when one is very hungry.

Malbork Castle, in the north of the country, is a red brick giant. It is the largest castle in the world if you count the land area it occupies. It was built by the Teutonic Knights centuries ago. With its thick ramparts, moats, and high towers, it looks exactly like the image one has of a knights' fortress. To build it, more than 4 million bricks were needed!