- Population:
- 38,539,000
- Religion:
- Christianity
Poland was historically a major European power, forming the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth before being partitioned in the 18th century. It regained independence in 1918 but was invaded during World War II and later became a communist state under Soviet influence. Since 1989, Poland has transitioned to democracy and developed into a key member of the European Union.
Poland, officially the Republic of Poland, is a country located in Central Europe. It shares borders with Germany to the west, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south, Ukraine and Belarus to the east, and Lithuania and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad Oblast to the northeast, with a northern coastline along the Baltic Sea. Covering an area of approximately 312,696 square kilometers, it has a population of about 38 million people as of 2023. The capital and largest city is Warsaw. The official language is Polish. Poland operates as a unitary parliamentary republic. The economy is diverse and one of the largest in the European Union, with key sectors including manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and services. Poland is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and contributions to art, science, and literature. The country is a member of international organizations such as the United Nations, the European Union, NATO, and the World Trade Organization.