Poland : Country overview

Geography

• Full country name: Republic of Poland.
• Population: 38.5 million.
• Border countries: Germany to the west, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south, Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east and the Baltic Sea; and Russia with Kaliningrad Oblast to the north.
• Climate: temperate with cold and moderately severe winters and mild summers.
• Terrain: a lowland country with the mountains along the southern border. Land used for agriculture takes up 60%, forests cover 28%, municipal areas, including those with industrial activity, take up to 9% and inland waters occupy 3%.
• Natural hazards: flooding.

Living in Poland

• Cost of living: the cost of living is low in Poland, but incomes are also very low, with average annual salaries only around 25% of those in other EU countries. The cost of living varies considerably between the cities and the rural areas, with Warsaw being the most expensive location.
• Utilities: around PLN 150 (£32) per month.
• Internet domain: .pl
• Health: the Polish healthcare system is state-financed through the National Health Fund (NFZ) and everyone who is working in Poland is required to contribute to it. People who contribute and who are covered by the national health insurance system receive free primary health care. All EU nationals visiting Poland who hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are also provided with free healthcare. Non-EU nationals who are studying in Poland can choose to make contributions to the health care system and will then receive the same level of care as residents and EU nationals. (Polska)
• Laws and customs: don’t drink alcohol in public places. There is no legal recognition of same sex couples and while homosexuality is not illegal, it is discouraged.

Economy and finance

• Currency: Zloty (PLN).
• Type of economy: Western, capitalist.
• Health of economy: Before 2009, the GDP of Poland had grown around 5% a year. This was below the EU average but was similar to the other Baltic states. Poland jointed the EU in 2004 and this has provided a major boost to the economy.
• Unemployment rate: 8.9% (2010)
• Main exports: machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food and agricultural products.

Culture

• People: Polish (97%), German, Ukrainian, Belorussian, Lithuanian.
• Major religion: Roman Catholic (90%), Christian Eastern Orthodox (1.3%) and Protestant (.3%)
• History: see BBC Timeline: Poland.

Politics

• Type of government: parlimentary democracy.
• Major political parties: Civic Platform (liberal conservative), Law and Justice (conservative), Democratic left-alliance (social democratic), Polish People's Party (agrarian, centrist).

Travel advice

Find the latest travel advice and a traveller's checklist on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website.