Poland has long been a nation steeped in tradition and history, although the past twenty years have witnessed such dizzying economic development that the country is starting to feel more and more like the West. Still, beneath the gleaming surface lies a culture firmly rooted in Eastern hospitality and community values, and fascinating reminders of the turbulent past are everywhere. Poland is also a land of considerable natural beauty, whose idyllic lakes, beaches and mountains provide a nice contrast to the cultural rigours of the cities.
Top image: Krakow, Poland © Shutterstock
Area 312,685 sq km
Language Polish
Currency Złoty (zł/PLN)
Capital Warsaw (population: 1.7 million)
International phone code 48
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written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 26.04.2021
