Poland - PL - POL - POL - Europe

Last updated: January 02, 2025
Poland flag
Poland locator map
Poland map

Poland Images

  • Memorial monument at the Plaszow forced labor and concentration camp south of Krakow. Most of the prisoners at the World War II camp - which was operated by the occupying Nazi German Army between October 1942 and January 1945 - were Polish Jews. While the camp was not an extermination site, some 8 to 12,000 people are estimated to have been murdered at Plaszow.

    Memorial monument at the Plaszow forced labor and concentration camp south of Krakow. Most of the prisoners at the World War II camp - which was operated by the occupying Nazi German Army between October 1942 and January 1945 - were Polish Jews. While the camp was not an extermination site, some 8 to 12,000 people are estimated to have been murdered at Plaszow.

  • Dating from about 1000 A.D., Wawel Cathedral was the first cathedral built in Krakow, Poland. It survived two fires, and the current cathedral structure was begun in the 14th century. Also known as the Royal Basilica, the cathedral served as the coronation site for almost all the Polish kings, as well as their final resting place alongside national heroes, literary figures, and Bishop Stanislaus, the patron saint of Poland. Karol Wojtyla, later Pope John Paul II, performed his first mass in this church. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 2010, Wawel Cathedral is part of the historic center of Krakow.

    Dating from about 1000 A.D., Wawel Cathedral was the first cathedral built in Krakow, Poland. It survived two fires, and the current cathedral structure was begun in the 14th century. Also known as the Royal Basilica, the cathedral served as the coronation site for almost all the Polish kings, as well as their final resting place alongside national heroes, literary figures, and Bishop Stanislaus, the patron saint of Poland. Karol Wojtyla, later Pope John Paul II, performed his first mass in this church. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 2010, Wawel Cathedral is part of the historic center of Krakow.

  • Saint Anne's Church outside the Palace at Wilanow in Warsaw.

    Saint Anne's Church outside the Palace at Wilanow in Warsaw.

  • The Palac na Wodzie (Palace on the Water) located in the Park Lazienkowsi (Royal Baths Park) in Warsaw) - the largest park in Warsaw. Built in the 17th century, the structure was remodeled in the 18th century and became a royal residence. The palace stands on an artificial island in Lazienki Lake, which it divides in two. The building is connected to the rest of the park by two arcaded bridges.

    The Palac na Wodzie (Palace on the Water) located in the Park Lazienkowsi (Royal Baths Park) in Warsaw) - the largest park in Warsaw. Built in the 17th century, the structure was remodeled in the 18th century and became a royal residence. The palace stands on an artificial island in Lazienki Lake, which it divides in two. The building is connected to the rest of the park by two arcaded bridges.

  • The Bialy Domek (Little White House) is a garden villa in the Park Lazienkowski (Royal Baths Park) in Warsaw.

    The Bialy Domek (Little White House) is a garden villa in the Park Lazienkowski (Royal Baths Park) in Warsaw.

  • The bronze Frederic Chopin Monument in the Park Lazienkowski (Royal Baths Park) in Warsaw, erected in 1926.

    The bronze Frederic Chopin Monument in the Park Lazienkowski (Royal Baths Park) in Warsaw, erected in 1926.

  • The Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw , the tallest building in Poland , is 231 m (757 ft), which includes a 43 m spire. The building contains 3,288 rooms. It was built between 1952 and 1955 as a gift to Poland by the Soviet Union. For decades the building was hated by the Poles, who considered it a symbol of Soviet domination. Since the fall of the Soviet Bloc, however, the structure's negative symbolism has diminished. The building currently serves as an exhibition center and office complex.

    The Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw , the tallest building in Poland , is 231 m (757 ft), which includes a 43 m spire. The building contains 3,288 rooms. It was built between 1952 and 1955 as a gift to Poland by the Soviet Union. For decades the building was hated by the Poles, who considered it a symbol of Soviet domination. Since the fall of the Soviet Bloc, however, the structure's negative symbolism has diminished. The building currently serves as an exhibition center and office complex.

  • Castle Square, with Zygmunt's Column, in Warsaw.

    Castle Square, with Zygmunt's Column, in Warsaw.

  • Warsaw Uprising Memorial in Warsaw.

    Warsaw Uprising Memorial in Warsaw.

  • The barbican in Warsaw's Old Town.

    The barbican in Warsaw's Old Town.

  • The inner harbor of Gdansk with its distinctive medieval port crane, which was used to hoist cargo and fit masts. Built in 1367, the crane (called Krantor) was rebuilt in the middle of the 15th century.

    The inner harbor of Gdansk with its distinctive medieval port crane, which was used to hoist cargo and fit masts. Built in 1367, the crane (called Krantor) was rebuilt in the middle of the 15th century.

  • The Green Gate in Gdansk, built between 1568 and 1571 at the end of the city's Long Market, served as the residence of visiting Polish monarchs.

    The Green Gate in Gdansk, built between 1568 and 1571 at the end of the city's Long Market, served as the residence of visiting Polish monarchs.

  • Saint Mary's Church in Gdansk as seen from Mariacka (Saint Mary's Gate). The church, built between 1343 and 1502, is the largest brick church in the world and can hold 25,000 people.

    Saint Mary's Church in Gdansk as seen from Mariacka (Saint Mary's Gate). The church, built between 1343 and 1502, is the largest brick church in the world and can hold 25,000 people.

  • The Golden Gate in Gdansk, erected between 1612 and 1614, leads to Long Street and Long Market on the Royal Road.

    The Golden Gate in Gdansk, erected between 1612 and 1614, leads to Long Street and Long Market on the Royal Road.

  • A Gdansk Town Hall was first constructed in the 14th century and then added to over a period of more than 200 years. The current structure dates to the late 16th century.

    A Gdansk Town Hall was first constructed in the 14th century and then added to over a period of more than 200 years. The current structure dates to the late 16th century.

  • The Neptune Fountain in Gdansk is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. First erected as a statue in 1549, it was converted into a fountain in 1633. The monument fronts a merchant house near the Town Hall.

    The Neptune Fountain in Gdansk is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. First erected as a statue in 1549, it was converted into a fountain in 1633. The monument fronts a merchant house near the Town Hall.

  • An altar constructed of salt in the Wieliczka Salt Mine. The mine excavated continuously from the 13th century until 2007. Today it is a popular tourist and UNESCO World Heritage site.

    An altar constructed of salt in the Wieliczka Salt Mine. The mine excavated continuously from the 13th century until 2007. Today it is a popular tourist and UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • The infamous entrance building to the Auschwitz II (Birkenau) death camp in Oswiecim. The camp was built by Nazi Germany in occupied Poland during World War II. Over 1 million people died at this camp and surrounding satellite camps. The vast majority of the victims were Jews, but some Poles, Roma, and other Eastern European ethnic groups were also included. Following the war, the Polish Government decided to preserve part of the camp complex as a memorial museum.

    The infamous entrance building to the Auschwitz II (Birkenau) death camp in Oswiecim. The camp was built by Nazi Germany in occupied Poland during World War II. Over 1 million people died at this camp and surrounding satellite camps. The vast majority of the victims were Jews, but some Poles, Roma, and other Eastern European ethnic groups were also included. Following the war, the Polish Government decided to preserve part of the camp complex as a memorial museum.

  • Barracks at the Auschwitz II (Birkenau) concentration camp. The camp and surrounding satellite camps were built by Nazi Germany in occupied Poland during World War II. Following the war, the Polish Government established a memorial museum to honor the more than 1 million victims who died at the camp.

    Barracks at the Auschwitz II (Birkenau) concentration camp. The camp and surrounding satellite camps were built by Nazi Germany in occupied Poland during World War II. Following the war, the Polish Government established a memorial museum to honor the more than 1 million victims who died at the camp.

  • Entrance to the Auschwitz I concentration camp. The slogan over the gate translates as "Work makes you free." At the conclusion of World War II, the Polish Government established a memorial museum to honor the more than 1 million victims who died at this and surrounding camps.

    Entrance to the Auschwitz I concentration camp. The slogan over the gate translates as "Work makes you free." At the conclusion of World War II, the Polish Government established a memorial museum to honor the more than 1 million victims who died at this and surrounding camps.

  • The interior courtyard of Wawel Castle in Krakow.

    The interior courtyard of Wawel Castle in Krakow.

  • The Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Stanislaw and Vaclav, also known as the Wawel Cathedral, in Krakow.

    The Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Stanislaw and Vaclav, also known as the Wawel Cathedral, in Krakow.

  • Memorial monument at the Plaszow forced labor and concentration camp south of Krakow. Most of the prisoners at the World War II camp - which was operated by the occupying Nazi German Army between October 1942 and January 1945 - were Polish Jews. While the camp was not an extermination site, some 8 to 12,000 people are estimated to have been murdered at Plaszow.

    Memorial monument at the Plaszow forced labor and concentration camp south of Krakow. Most of the prisoners at the World War II camp - which was operated by the occupying Nazi German Army between October 1942 and January 1945 - were Polish Jews. While the camp was not an extermination site, some 8 to 12,000 people are estimated to have been murdered at Plaszow.

1 of 23

  • Wilanow Palace in Warsaw is one of the most important examples of Polish Baroque architecture. King Jan (John) III Sobieski ordered its construction in the late 17th century. The palace was enlarged by other owners in subsequent centuries.
  • Dating from about 1000 A.D., Wawel Cathedral was the first cathedral built in Krakow, Poland. It survived two fires, and the current cathedral structure was begun in the 14th century. Also known as the Royal Basilica, the cathedral served as the coronation site for almost all the Polish kings, as well as their final resting place alongside national heroes, literary figures, and Bishop Stanislaus, the patron saint of Poland. Karol Wojtyla, later Pope John Paul II, performed his first mass in this church. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 2010, Wawel Cathedral is part of the historic center of Krakow.
  • Saint Anne's Church outside the Palace at Wilanow in Warsaw.
  • The Palac na Wodzie (Palace on the Water) located in the Park Lazienkowsi (Royal Baths Park) in Warsaw) - the largest park in Warsaw. Built in the 17th century, the structure was remodeled in the 18th century and became a royal residence. The palace stands on an artificial island in Lazienki Lake, which it divides in two. The building is connected to the rest of the park by two arcaded bridges.
  • The Bialy Domek (Little White House) is a garden villa in the Park Lazienkowski (Royal Baths Park) in Warsaw.
  • The bronze Frederic Chopin Monument in the Park Lazienkowski (Royal Baths Park) in Warsaw, erected in 1926.
  • The Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw , the tallest building in Poland , is 231 m (757 ft), which includes a 43 m spire. The building contains 3,288 rooms. It was built between 1952 and 1955 as a gift to Poland by the Soviet Union. For decades the building was hated by the Poles, who considered it a symbol of Soviet domination. Since the fall of the Soviet Bloc, however, the structure's negative symbolism has diminished. The building currently serves as an exhibition center and office complex.
  • Castle Square, with Zygmunt's Column, in Warsaw.
  • Warsaw Uprising Memorial in Warsaw.
  • The barbican in Warsaw's Old Town.
  • The inner harbor of Gdansk with its distinctive medieval port crane, which was used to hoist cargo and fit masts. Built in 1367, the crane (called Krantor) was rebuilt in the middle of the 15th century.
  • The Green Gate in Gdansk, built between 1568 and 1571 at the end of the city's Long Market, served as the residence of visiting Polish monarchs.
  • Saint Mary's Church in Gdansk as seen from Mariacka (Saint Mary's Gate). The church, built between 1343 and 1502, is the largest brick church in the world and can hold 25,000 people.
  • The Golden Gate in Gdansk, erected between 1612 and 1614, leads to Long Street and Long Market on the Royal Road.
  • A Gdansk Town Hall was first constructed in the 14th century and then added to over a period of more than 200 years. The current structure dates to the late 16th century.
  • The Neptune Fountain in Gdansk is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. First erected as a statue in 1549, it was converted into a fountain in 1633. The monument fronts a merchant house near the Town Hall.
  • An altar constructed of salt in the Wieliczka Salt Mine. The mine excavated continuously from the 13th century until 2007. Today it is a popular tourist and UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • The infamous entrance building to the Auschwitz II (Birkenau) death camp in Oswiecim. The camp was built by Nazi Germany in occupied Poland during World War II. Over 1 million people died at this camp and surrounding satellite camps. The vast majority of the victims were Jews, but some Poles, Roma, and other Eastern European ethnic groups were also included. Following the war, the Polish Government decided to preserve part of the camp complex as a memorial museum.
  • Barracks at the Auschwitz II (Birkenau) concentration camp. The camp and surrounding satellite camps were built by Nazi Germany in occupied Poland during World War II. Following the war, the Polish Government established a memorial museum to honor the more than 1 million victims who died at the camp.
  • Entrance to the Auschwitz I concentration camp. The slogan over the gate translates as "Work makes you free." At the conclusion of World War II, the Polish Government established a memorial museum to honor the more than 1 million victims who died at this and surrounding camps.
  • The interior courtyard of Wawel Castle in Krakow.
  • The Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Stanislaw and Vaclav, also known as the Wawel Cathedral, in Krakow.
  • Memorial monument at the Plaszow forced labor and concentration camp south of Krakow. Most of the prisoners at the World War II camp - which was operated by the occupying Nazi German Army between October 1942 and January 1945 - were Polish Jews. While the camp was not an extermination site, some 8 to 12,000 people are estimated to have been murdered at Plaszow.

Poland Factbook Data

Diplomatic representation from the US

chief of mission: Ambassador Mark BRZEZINSKI (since 19 January 2022)

embassy: Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31, 00-540 Warsaw

mailing address: 5010 Warsaw Place, Washington, DC 20521-5010

telephone: [48] (22) 504-2000

FAX: [48] (22) 504-2088

email address and website:
acswarsaw@state.gov

https://pl.usembassy.gov/

consulate(s) general: Krakow

Age structure

0-14 years: 14.2% (male 2,830,048/female 2,676,300)

15-64 years: 65.9% (male 12,513,402/female 13,036,977)

65 years and over: 19.8% (2024 est.) (male 3,097,965/female 4,591,618)
2023 population pyramid
This is the population pyramid for Poland. A population pyramid illustrates the age and sex structure of a country's population and may provide insights about political and social stability, as well as economic development. The population is distributed along the horizontal axis, with males shown on the left and females on the right. The male and female populations are broken down into 5-year age groups represented as horizontal bars along the vertical axis, with the youngest age groups at the bottom and the oldest at the top. The shape of the population pyramid gradually evolves over time based on fertility, mortality, and international migration trends.

For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.

Geographic coordinates

52 00 N, 20 00 E

Sex ratio

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female

total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2024 est.)

Heliports

11 (2024)

Natural hazards

flooding

Area - comparative

about twice the size of Georgia; slightly smaller than New Mexico
Area comparison map

about twice the size of Georgia; slightly smaller than New Mexico

Military service age and obligation

18-28 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; conscription phased out in 2009-12; professional soldiers serve on a permanent basis (for an unspecified period of time) or on a contract basis (for a specified period of time); initial contract period is 24 months; women serve in the military on the same terms as men (2024)

note 1: as of 2024, women made up about 16.5% of the military's full-time personnel

note 2: in May 2022, Poland announced a new 12-month voluntary military service program with recruits going through a one-month basic training period with a military unit, followed by 11 months of specialized training; upon completion of service, the volunteers would be allowed to join the Territorial Defense Forces or the active reserve, and have priority to join the professional army and be given preference for employment in the public sector; the program is part of an effort to increase the size of the Polish military

Background

Poland's history as a state began near the middle of the 10th century. By the mid-16th century, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth ruled a vast tract of land in Central and Eastern Europe. During the 18th century, internal disorder weakened the nation, and in a series of agreements between 1772 and 1795, Russia, Prussia, and Austria partitioned Poland among themselves. Poland regained its independence in 1918 only to be overrun by Germany and the Soviet Union in World War II. It became a Soviet satellite state following the war. Labor turmoil in 1980 led to the formation of the independent trade union Solidarity that over time became a political force with over 10 million members. Free elections in 1989 and 1990 won Solidarity control of the parliament and the presidency, bringing the communist era to a close. A "shock therapy" program during the early 1990s enabled the country to transform its economy into one of the most robust in Central Europe. Poland joined NATO in 1999 and the EU in 2004.

Environment - current issues

decreased emphasis on heavy industry and increased environmental concern by post-communist governments has improved environment; air pollution remains serious because of emissions from burning low-quality coals in homes and from coal-fired power plants; the resulting acid rain causes forest damage; water pollution from industrial and municipal sources is a problem, as is disposal of hazardous wastes

Environment - international agreements

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic- Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

Population below poverty line

11.8% (2022 est.)

note: % of population with income below national poverty line

Household income or consumption by percentage share

lowest 10%: 3.4% (2021 est.)

highest 10%: 22.8% (2021 est.)

note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population

Exports - commodities

vehicle parts/accessories, plastic products, garments, electric batteries, computers (2022)

note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars

Exports - partners

Germany 27%, Czechia 6%, France 6%, UK 5%, Netherlands 5% (2022)

note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports

Administrative divisions

16 voivodships [provinces] (wojewodztwa, singular - wojewodztwo); Dolnoslaskie (Lower Silesia), Kujawsko-Pomorskie (Kuyavia-Pomerania), Lodzkie (Lodz), Lubelskie (Lublin), Lubuskie (Lubusz), Malopolskie (Lesser Poland), Mazowieckie (Masovia), Opolskie (Opole), Podkarpackie (Subcarpathia), Podlaskie, Pomorskie (Pomerania), Slaskie (Silesia), Swietokrzyskie (Holy Cross), Warminsko-Mazurskie (Warmia-Masuria), Wielkopolskie (Greater Poland), Zachodniopomorskie (West Pomerania)

Agricultural products

milk, sugar beets, wheat, maize, potatoes, triticale, apples, rapeseed, barley, rye (2022)

note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage

Military and security forces

Polish Armed Forces (Polskie Siły Zbrojne): Land Forces (Wojska Ladowe), Navy (Marynarka Wojenna), Air Force (Sily Powietrzne), Special Forces (Wojska Specjalne), Territorial Defense Forces (Wojska Obrony Terytorialnej), Cyberspace Defense Forces (Wojska Obrony Cyberprzestrzeni)

Ministry of Interior and Administration: Polish National Police (Policja); Border Guard (Straż Graniczna or SG) (2024)

Budget

revenues: $234.98 billion (2022 est.)

expenditures: $250.097 billion (2022 est.)

note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenses converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated

Capital

name: Warsaw

geographic coordinates: 52 15 N, 21 00 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

etymology: the origin of the name is unknown; the Polish designation "Warszawa" was the name of a fishing village and several legends/traditions link the city's founding to a man named Wars or Warsz

Imports - commodities

garments, crude petroleum, cars, vehicle parts/accessories, plastic products (2022)

note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars

Climate

temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and thundershowers

Coastline

440 km

Constitution

history: several previous; latest adopted 2 April 1997, approved by referendum 25 May 1997, effective 17 October 1997

amendments: proposed by at least one fifth of Sejm deputies, by the Senate, or by the president of the republic; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote in the Sejm and absolute majority vote in the Senate; amendments to articles relating to sovereignty, personal freedoms, and constitutional amendment procedures also require passage by majority vote in a referendum; amended 2006, 2009

Exchange rates

zlotych (PLN) per US dollar -

Exchange rates:
4.204 (2023 est.)
4.458 (2022 est.)
3.862 (2021 est.)
3.9 (2020 est.)
3.839 (2019 est.)

Executive branch

chief of state: President Andrzej DUDA (since 6 August 2015)

head of government: Prime Minister Donald TUSK (since 11 December 2023)

cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, appointed by the president, and approved by the Sejm

elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 28 June 2020 with a second round on 12 July 2020 (next to be held in 2025); prime minister, deputy prime ministers, and Council of Ministers appointed by the president and confirmed by the Sejm; all presidential candidates resign their party affiliation

election results:
2020: Andrzej DUDA reelected president in second round; percent of vote - Andrzej DUDA (independent) 51%, Rafal TRZASKOWSKI (KO) 49%

2015: Andrzej DUDA elected president in second round; percent of vote - Andrzej DUDA (independent) 51.5%, Bronislaw KOMOROWSKI (independent) 48.5%

 

Flag description

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; colors derive from the Polish emblem - a white eagle on a red field

note: similar to the flags of Indonesia and Monaco which are red (top) and white

Illicit drugs

a major source of precursor or essential chemicals used in the production of illicit narcotics

Independence

11 November 1918 (republic proclaimed); notable earlier dates: 14 April 966 (adoption of Christianity, traditional founding date), 1 July 1569 (Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth created)

Industries

machine building, iron and steel, coal mining, chemicals, shipbuilding, food processing, glass, beverages, textiles

Judicial branch

highest court(s): Supreme Court or Sad Najwyzszy (consists of the first president of the Supreme Court and 120 justices organized in criminal, civil, labor and social insurance, and extraordinary appeals and public affairs and disciplinary chambers); Constitutional Tribunal (consists of 15 judges, including the court president and vice president)

judge selection and term of office: president of the Supreme Court nominated by the General Assembly of the Supreme Court and selected by the president of Poland; other judges nominated by the 25-member National Judicial Council and appointed by the president of Poland; judges serve until retirement, usually at age 65, but tenure can be extended; Constitutional Tribunal judges chosen by the Sejm for single 9-year terms

subordinate courts: administrative courts; military courts; local, regional and appellate courts subdivided into military, civil, criminal, labor, and family courts

Land boundaries

total: 2,865 km

border countries (6): Belarus 375 km; Czechia 699 km; Germany 467 km; Lithuania 100 km, Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) 209 km; Slovakia 517 km; Ukraine 498 km

Land use

agricultural land: 48.2% (2018 est.)

arable land: 36.2% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 1.3% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 10.7% (2018 est.)

forest: 30.6% (2018 est.)

other: 21.2% (2018 est.)

Legal system

civil law system; judicial review of legislative, administrative, and other governmental acts; constitutional law rulings of the Constitutional Tribunal are final

Legislative branch

description: bicameral Parliament consists of:
Senate or Senat (100 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 4-year terms)
Sejm (460 seats; members elected in multi-seat constituencies by party-list proportional representation vote with 5% threshold of total votes needed for parties and 8% for coalitions to gain seats; minority parties exempt from threshold; members serve 4-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 15 October 2023 (next to be held in 2027)
Sejm - last held on 15 October 2023 (next to be held in 2027)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by coalition/party - United Right 34.8%, Civic Coalition 28.9%, Third Way 11.5%, The Left 5.3%, Senate Pact Independents 2.7%, independent 3%; seats by coalition/party - Civic Coalition 41, United Right 34, Third Way 11, The Left 9, Senate Pact Independents 4, independent 1

Sejm - percent of vote by coalition/party - PiS 35.4%, KO 30.7%, TD 14.4%, Lewica 8.6%, Konf 7.2%; seats by coalition/party - United Way 194, Civic Coalition 157, Third Way 65, The Left 26, Confederation 18

note: the designation "National Assembly" (or Zgromadzenie Narodowe) is only used on those rare occasions when the two houses meet jointly

Literacy

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.8%

male: 99.8%

female: 99.8% (2021)

Maritime claims

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: defined by international treaties

International organization participation

Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS, CD, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UN Security Council (temporary), UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

National holiday

Constitution Day, 3 May (1791)

Nationality

noun: Pole(s)

adjective: Polish

Natural resources

coal, sulfur, copper, natural gas, silver, lead, salt, amber, arable land

Geography - note

historically, an area of conflict because of flat terrain and the lack of natural barriers on the North European Plain

Economic overview

high-income, diversified, EU-member economy; significant growth in GDP, trade, and investment since joining EU in 2004; rebounding from slowdown triggered by inflation and fall in consumer demand; strong foreign investment supported by EU structural funds; income tax reform and defense spending have added to public debt

Pipelines

14,198 km gas, 1,374 km oil, 2,483 km refined products (2018)

Political parties

AGROunion or AU
Center for Poland or CdP
Civic Platform or PO
Confederation of the Polish Crown or KKP
Kukiz' 15 or K'15
Labor Union or UP
Law and Justice or PiS
Left Together or LR
Modern or .N
National Movement or NN
New Hope or RN
New Left or NL
Poland 2050 or PL2050
Polish Initiative or iPL
Polish People's Party or PSL
Polish Socialist Party or PPS
Renewal of the Republic of Poland or ON RP
Sovereign Poland or SP
The Greens or Zieloni
Union of European Democrats or UED
Yes! For Poland or T!DPL

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Telecommunication systems

general assessment: the liberalized telecom market has seen considerable development in the broadband and mobile sectors; the regulatory environment has encouraged market competition, partly by encouraging operators to secure spectrum and also by ensuring access to cable and fiber infrastructure; the mobile market in recent years has been characterized by the rapid extension of LTE and 5G networks, and the development of mobile data services based on newly released and re-farmed spectrum; the regulator’s attempts to auction spectrum in a range of bands has been delayed, with spectrum in the 5G-suitable 3.4-3.8GHz range having been put back to later in 2023 as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak and changes to legislation (2024)

domestic: fixed-line is 13 per 100 (service lags in rural areas), mobile-cellular is 132 per 100 persons (2022)

international: country code - 48; landing points for the Baltica and the Denmark-Poland2 submarine cables connecting Poland, Denmark and Sweden; international direct dialing with automated exchanges; satellite earth station - 1 with access to Intelsat, Eutelsat, Inmarsat, and Intersputnik (2019)

Terrain

mostly flat plain; mountains along southern border

Government type

parliamentary republic

Country name

conventional long form: Republic of Poland

conventional short form: Poland

local long form: Rzeczpospolita Polska

local short form: Polska

former: Polish People's Republic

etymology: name derives from the Polanians, a west Slavic tribe that united several surrounding Slavic groups (9th-10th centuries A.D.) and who passed on their name to the country; the name of the tribe likely comes from the Slavic "pole" (field or plain), indicating the flat nature of their country

Location

Central Europe, east of Germany

Map references

Europe

Irrigated land

760 sq km (2013)

Diplomatic representation in the US

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Bogdan KLICH (since 18 November 2024)

chancery: 2640 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 499-1700

FAX: [1] (202) 328-2152

email address and website:
washington.amb.sekretariat@msz.gov.pl

https://www.gov.pl/web/usa-en/embassy-washington

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York

Internet country code

.pl

Refugees and internally displaced persons

refugees (country of origin): 956,635 (Ukraine) (as of 15 December 2023)

stateless persons: 1,435 (2022)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$811.229 billion (2023 est.)

note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate

Credit ratings

Fitch rating: A- (2007)

Moody's rating: A2 (2002)

Standard & Poors rating: A- (2018)

note: The year refers to the year in which the current credit rating was first obtained.

Total renewable water resources

60.5 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

total: 16 years

male: 15 years

female: 17 years (2020)

Urbanization

urban population: 60.2% of total population (2023)

rate of urbanization: -0.16% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
total population growth rate v. urban population growth rate, 2000-2030

Broadcast media

state-run public TV operates 2 national channels supplemented by 16 regional channels and several niche channels; privately owned entities operate several national TV networks and a number of special interest channels; many privately owned channels broadcasting locally; roughly half of all households are linked to either satellite or cable TV systems providing access to foreign television networks; state-run public radio operates 5 national networks and 17 regional radio stations; 2 privately owned national radio networks, several commercial stations broadcasting to multiple cities, and many privately owned local radio stations (2019)

Drinking water source

improved: urban: 99.9% of population

rural: 100% of population

total: 100% of population

unimproved: urban: 0.1% of population

rural: 0% of population

total: 0% of population (2020 est.)

National anthem

name: "Mazurek Dabrowskiego" (Dabrowski's Mazurka)

lyrics/music: Jozef WYBICKI/traditional

note: adopted 1927; the anthem, commonly known as "Jeszcze Polska nie zginela" (Poland Has Not Yet Perished), was written in 1797; the lyrics resonate strongly with Poles because they reflect the numerous occasions in which the nation's lands have been occupied
This is an audio of the National Anthem for Poland. The national anthem is generally a patriotic musical composition - usually in the form of a song or hymn of praise - that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions, or struggles of a nation or its people. National anthems can be officially recognized as a national song by a country's constitution or by an enacted law, or simply by tradition. Although most anthems contain lyrics, some do not.

Major urban areas - population

1.798 million WARSAW (capital), 769,000 Krakow (2023)

International law organization participation

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Physician density

3.77 physicians/1,000 population (2020)

Hospital bed density

6.5 beds/1,000 population (2018)

National symbol(s)

white crowned eagle; national colors: white, red

Mother's mean age at first birth

27.9 years (2020 est.)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

62.3% (2014)

GDP - composition, by end use

household consumption: 57.2% (2023 est.)

government consumption: 18.6% (2023 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 17.8% (2023 est.)

investment in inventories: 0.3% (2023 est.)

exports of goods and services: 57.8% (2023 est.)

imports of goods and services: -51.7% (2023 est.)

note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection

Dependency ratios

total dependency ratio: 51.4

youth dependency ratio: 23.4

elderly dependency ratio: 28.6

potential support ratio: 3.5 (2021 est.)

Citizenship

citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: both parents must be citizens of Poland

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years

Population distribution

population concentrated in the southern area around Krakow and the central area around Warsaw and Lodz, with an extension to the northern coastal city of Gdansk

Electricity access

electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)

National air transport system

number of registered air carriers: 6 (2020)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 169

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 9,277,538 (2018)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 271.49 million (2018) mt-km

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

SP

Sanitation facility access

improved: urban: 100% of population

rural: 100% of population

total: 100% of population

unimproved: urban: 0% of population

rural: 0% of population

total: 0% of population (2020 est.)

Ethnic groups

Polish 96.9%, Silesian 1.1%, German 0.2%, Ukrainian 0.1%, other and unspecified 1.7% (2011 est.)

note: represents ethnicity declared first

Religions

Catholic 84.6% (Roman Catholic 84.6% and other Catholic 0.3%), Orthodox 1.3% (almost all are Polish Autocephalous Orthodox), Protestant 0.4% (mainly Augsburg Evangelical and Pentecostal), other 0.3%, unspecified 13% (2022 est.)

Languages

Polish (official) 98.2%, Silesian 1.4%, other 1.1%, unspecified 1.2% (2011 est.)

major-language sample(s):
Księga Faktów Świata, niezbędne źródło podstawowych informacji. (Polish)

The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.

note 1: shares of languages sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census; data represent language spoken at home

note 2: Poland also recognizes Kashub as a regional language; Czech, Hebrew, Yiddish, Belarusian, Lithuanian, German, Armenian, Russian, Slovak, and Ukrainian as national minority languages; and Karaim, Lemko, Romani (Polska Roma and Bergitka Roma), and Tatar as ethnic minority languages
Polish audio sample

Imports - partners

Germany 23%, China 11%, Italy 5%, Netherlands 5%, Czechia 4% (2022)

note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports

Elevation

highest point: Rysy 2,499 m

lowest point: near Raczki Elblaskie -2 m

mean elevation: 173 m

Current health expenditure

6.5% of GDP (2020)

Military - note

Poland’s geographic location on NATO’s eastern flank and its history of foreign invasion underpin the Polish military’s heavy focus on territorial and border defense and supporting its NATO and EU security commitments; its chief concern is Russian aggression against neighboring Ukraine since 2014, which has led to efforts to boost border defenses and military capabilities and to increase the NATO and US military presence in Poland

since 2014, Poland has been hosting several NATO military formations designed to enhance the defense of Poland and NATO’s eastern flank, including a US-led multinational NATO ground force battlegroup as part of the Alliance’s Enhanced Forward Presence initiative, NATO fighter detachments at Malbork Air Base, a NATO-led divisional headquarters (Multinational Division Northeast), which coordinates training and preparation activities of its respective subordinate battlegroups in Poland and Lithuania, and a corps-level NATO field headquarters (Multinational Corps Northeast); since 2022, the US has established a permanent corps headquarters in Poland to command US rotational forces in Europe; Poland also participates in a variety of EU and NATO military deployments in Africa, the Baltic States, Southern Europe, and the Middle East; Poland provided considerable support to the NATO mission in Afghanistan, where more than 30,000 military personnel served over a 20-year period before the mission ended in 2021 (2024)

Military and security service personnel strengths

approximately 210,000 including air, ground, naval, special forces, and Territorial Defense Forces (2024)

note: a new national defense law in 2022 set a goal to double the size of Poland’s armed forces to 300,000 personnel, including 250,000 professional soldiers and 50,000 territorials

Military equipment inventories and acquisitions

the military's inventory consists of a mix of some Soviet-era and a growing amount of more modern, NATO-compatible weapons systems; in recent years, the leading suppliers of armaments have included several European countries, South Korea, and the US; Poland has a domestic defense sector that produces or provides upgrades to a wide variety of weapons systems, particularly ground systems such as tanks and other armored vehicles; it also cooperates with the European and US defense sectors (2024)

note: in late 2018, Poland announced a 7-year (through 2026) approximately $50 billion defense modernization plan that would include such items as 5th generation combat aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, rocket artillery, helicopters, submarines, frigates, and improved cyber security; in 2022-2023, it signed large military weapons contracts with South Korea, the UK, and the US

Military deployments

210 Kosovo (NATO/KFOR); up to 180 Latvia (NATO); 190 Lebanon (UNIFIL); approximately 230 Romania (NATO) (2024)

note 1: Poland has obligated about 2,500 troops to the Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine joint military brigade (LITPOLUKRBRIG), which was established in 2014; the brigade is headquartered in Poland and is comprised of an international staff, three battalions, and specialized units; units affiliated with the multinational brigade remain within the structures of the armed forces of their respective countries until the brigade is activated for participation in an international operation

Total water withdrawal

municipal: 1.96 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)

industrial: 5.87 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)

agricultural: 1.39 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)

Waste and recycling

municipal solid waste generated annually: 10.863 million tons (2015 est.)

municipal solid waste recycled annually: 2,866,746 tons (2015 est.)

percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 26.4% (2015 est.)

Average household expenditures

on food: 19.4% of household expenditures (2022 est.)

on alcohol and tobacco: 6.4% of household expenditures (2022 est.)

Air pollutants

particulate matter emissions: 18.83 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 299.04 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 46.62 megatons (2020 est.)

Terrorist group(s)

Terrorist group(s): Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS)

note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide

Major watersheds (area sq km)

Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km)

Major lakes (area sq km)

salt water lake(s): Zalew Szczecinski/Stettiner Haff (shared with Germany) - 900 sq km

Major rivers (by length in km)

Wisla (Vistula) river source and mouth (shared with Belarus and Ukraine) - 1,213 km
note - longest river in Poland

National heritage

total World Heritage Sites: 17 (15 cultural, 2 natural)

selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Krakow (c); Historic Warsaw (c); Medieval Torun (c); Wooden Tserkvas of the Carpathian Region (c); Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork (c); Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines (c); Auschwitz Birkenau Concentration Camp (c); Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians (n); Białowieza Forest (n); Old City of Zamość (c)

Coal

production: 116.682 million metric tons (2022 est.)

consumption: 123.782 million metric tons (2022 est.)

exports: 12.047 million metric tons (2022 est.)

imports: 13.347 million metric tons (2022 est.)

proven reserves: 28.531 billion metric tons (2022 est.)

Electricity generation sources

fossil fuels: 78.4% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)

solar: 4.9% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)

wind: 11% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)

hydroelectricity: 0.8% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)

biomass and waste: 4.9% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)

Natural gas

production: 5.551 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)

consumption: 20.056 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)

exports: 587.771 million cubic meters (2022 est.)

imports: 14.42 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)

proven reserves: 91.492 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)

Petroleum

total petroleum production: 24,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)

refined petroleum consumption: 722,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)

crude oil estimated reserves: 113 million barrels (2021 est.)

Gross reproduction rate

0.64 (2024 est.)

Currently married women (ages 15-49)

56.6% (2023 est.)

Remittances

0.84% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.93% of GDP (2022 est.)
1.05% of GDP (2021 est.)

note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities

Space program overview

space program is integrated within the framework of the European Space Agency (ESA); builds satellites, including nano/cube remote sensing (RS) and educational/scientific/technology satellites; researches and develops communications, RS, navigational, and other scientific applications for satellite payloads; creating infrastructure for receiving, storing, processing and distributing data from meteorological and environmental satellites; researches and develops other space-related technologies, including sensors and robotic probes for interplanetary landers, and launcher systems; participates in international space programs and cooperates with a variety of foreign space agencies and industries, including those of Brazil, Canada, China, ESA/EU member states (particularly France, Germany, Italy), India, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Ukraine, UK, and the US; has a growing commercial space sector with more than 300 active enterprises (2024)

note: further details about the key activities, programs, and milestones of the country’s space program, as well as government spending estimates on the space sector, appear in the Space Programs reference guide

Space agency/agencies

Polish Space Agency (POLSA; established 2014; operational in 2015); Space Research Center (SRC, interdisciplinary research institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences that acted as Poland’s space agency until POLSA was established in 1977) (2024)

Geoparks

total global geoparks and regional networks: 3 (2024)

global geoparks and regional networks: Land of Extinct Volcanoes; Muskauer Faltenbogen / Łuk Mużakowa (includes Germany); Holy Cross Mountains (2024)

Ports

total ports: 10 (2024)

large: 2

medium: 2

small: 4

very small: 2

ports with oil terminals: 5

key ports: Gdansk, Gdynia, Port Polnochny, Szczecin

Labor force

18.387 million (2023 est.)

note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)

total: 11.6% (2023 est.)

male: 12% (2023 est.)

female: 11.1% (2023 est.)

note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment

Net migration rate

-6.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Median age

total: 42.9 years (2024 est.)

male: 41.5 years

female: 44.3 years

Maternal mortality ratio

2 deaths/100,000 live births (2020 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$193.783 billion (2023 est.)
$166.664 billion (2022 est.)
$166.03 billion (2021 est.)

note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars

Waterways

3,997 km (2009) (navigable rivers and canals)

Public debt

50.6% of GDP (2017 est.)

note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities, the data include subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions

Total fertility rate

1.32 children born/woman (2024 est.)

Military expenditures

4.1% of GDP (2024 est.)
3.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
2.2% of GDP (2022)
2.2% of GDP (2021)
2.2% of GDP (2020)

Unemployment rate

2.91% (2023 est.)
2.89% (2022 est.)
3.36% (2021 est.)

note: % of labor force seeking employment

Population

total: 38,746,310

male: 18,441,415

female: 20,304,895 (2024 est.)

Internet users

total: 32.3 million (2021 est.)

percent of population: 85% (2021 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions

293.356 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2022 est.)

from coal and metallurgical coke: 163.359 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2022 est.)

from petroleum and other liquids: 94.138 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2022 est.)

from consumed natural gas: 35.86 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2022 est.)

Area

total : 312,685 sq km

land: 304,255 sq km

water: 8,430 sq km

Taxes and other revenues

17.27% (of GDP) (2022 est.)

note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)

$1.616 trillion (2023 est.)
$1.613 trillion (2022 est.)
$1.527 trillion (2021 est.)

note: data in 2021 dollars

Roadways

total: 427,580 km (2022)

Airports

288 (2024)

Infant mortality rate

total: 4.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)

male: 5.3 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.4 deaths/1,000 live births

Telephones - mobile cellular

total subscriptions: 52.589 million (2022 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 132 (2022 est.)

Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income

28.5 (2021 est.)

note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

11.53% (2023 est.)
14.43% (2022 est.)
5.06% (2021 est.)

note: annual % change based on consumer prices

Current account balance

$12.689 billion (2023 est.)
-$16.697 billion (2022 est.)
-$8.515 billion (2021 est.)

note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars

Real GDP per capita

$44,100 (2023 est.)
$43,800 (2022 est.)
$40,500 (2021 est.)

note: data in 2021 dollars

Broadband - fixed subscriptions

total: 8,369,218 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 22 (2020 est.)

Tobacco use

total: 24% (2020 est.)

male: 27.9% (2020 est.)

female: 20.1% (2020 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

23.1% (2016)

Energy consumption per capita

106.196 million Btu/person (2022 est.)

Death rate

12.2 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Birth rate

8.4 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Electricity

installed generating capacity: 58.719 million kW (2022 est.)

consumption: 156.869 billion kWh (2022 est.)

exports: 16.915 billion kWh (2022 est.)

imports: 15.238 billion kWh (2022 est.)

transmission/distribution losses: 8.659 billion kWh (2022 est.)

Merchant marine

total: 152 (2023)

by type: general cargo 6, oil tanker 6, other 140

Imports

$419.701 billion (2023 est.)
$421.226 billion (2022 est.)
$369.82 billion (2021 est.)

note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars

Exports

$469.264 billion (2023 est.)
$434.008 billion (2022 est.)
$392.694 billion (2021 est.)

note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars

Telephones - fixed lines

total subscriptions: 5.277 million (2022 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2022 est.)

Alcohol consumption per capita

total: 10.96 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

beer: 5.72 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

wine: 0.88 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

spirits: 4.36 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

total population: 76.7 years (2024 est.)

male: 72.8 years

female: 80.9 years

Real GDP growth rate

0.16% (2023 est.)
5.64% (2022 est.)
6.93% (2021 est.)

note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency

Industrial production growth rate

0.55% (2023 est.)

note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency

Railways

total: 19,461 km (2020) 11,946 km electrified

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

agriculture: 2.9% (2023 est.)

industry: 28.7% (2023 est.)

services: 58.8% (2023 est.)

note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data

Revenue from forest resources

0.17% of GDP (2018 est.)

Revenue from coal

0.27% of GDP (2018 est.)

Education expenditures

5.2% of GDP (2020 est.)

Population growth rate

-1% (2024 est.)
Sources: