Poland at a Glance
Lying at the crossroads between East and West, Poland is a modern, rapidly developing European nation that yet retains something of the magic of a bygone era. Rolling plains, craggy mountain peaks, dense primeval forests, misty lakes and pale stretches of seacoast make Poland’s largely undisturbed natural landscape one of the most beautiful and varied in Europe, while colourful, beautifully preserved medieval towns and baroque castles are certainly not in short supply. While Poland already has a reputation abroad for vodka, beer, amber jewelry, accordion music and beautiful women, you’ll find that its spectacular old cities, vibrant cultural scene, trendy cafés, delicious local cuisine, rich history and friendly, generous people will make your visit unforgettable.
Poland, the 9th largest country in Europe with a population of about 40 million, borders Germany to the west, the and Slovakia to the south, Ukraine and Belarus to the east, and Lithuania, Kaliningrad and the Baltic Sea to the north. Lying as it does in the centre of the European plain, between the Tatra Mountains and the sea coast, Poland’s history has often been defined by the defense of its eastern and western borders.
