Poland
Poland, officially known as the Republic of Poland, is a country located in Central Europe. It is bordered by Germany to the west, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south, Ukraine and Belarus to the east, and Russia and the Baltic Sea to the north.
History
- Formation: The history of Poland dates back to the 10th century when the Piast Dynasty established the first Polish state. Poland's early history includes the adoption of Christianity in 966, which is often considered the beginning of Polish statehood.
- Medieval Era: The Kingdom of Poland was established in 1025. Over the centuries, Poland expanded, notably through the Union of Lublin in 1569, which formed the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, one of the largest and most populous countries in Europe at the time.
- Partitions: In the late 18th century, Poland was partitioned among Prussia, Austria, and Russia, effectively erasing Poland from the map for over a century.
- World Wars: Poland regained independence in 1918 after World War I. During World War II, Poland suffered greatly; the Invasion of Poland in 1939 by Nazi Germany and Soviet Union started the war. The war resulted in the death of over six million Polish citizens, including the majority of Polish Jews in the Holocaust.
- Post-War and Modern Era: After WWII, Poland fell under the influence of the Soviet Union, becoming a People's Republic. In 1989, the Fall of Communism led to the establishment of a democratic government and a market economy. Poland joined NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004.
Geography
Poland spans an area of 312,696 square kilometers and has a varied landscape, including mountains in the south (the Carpathian Mountains), the Tatra Mountains, and lowlands in the north along the Baltic coast. Major rivers include the Vistula River and the Oder River.
Culture
Polish culture has been shaped by its complex history and by interaction with other European cultures. Notable elements include:
Economy
Poland has transformed from a centrally planned economy to a free market economy, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in the European Union. Key sectors include:
- Industry: Automotive, electronics, food processing, and shipbuilding.
- Services: Banking, IT, tourism, and retail.
- Agriculture: Major agricultural products include grains, potatoes, sugar beets, and dairy.
External Links
See Also