Poland

The north of Poland, stretching to the Baltic Sea, consists almost entirely of lowlands, while the Carpathian Mountains (including the Tatra range) form the southern border. The Masuria region forms the largest and most-visited lake district in Poland.
 

The Polish state is over 1 000 years old. In the 16th century Poland was one of the most powerful countries in Europe. With victory at the Battle of Vienna in 1683, King Jan III Sobieski of Poland was able to break the Ottoman siege of Vienna and end the threat of a possible occupation of western Europe

Poland is rich in natural mineral resources, including iron, zinc, copper and rock salt. The Wieliczka salt mine, constructed in the 13th century, contains an entire town below ground with a sanatorium, theatre, church and café! Everything from stairs to chandeliers is made from salt.

Poland’s current constitution dates from 1997. The President is elected by popular vote for a five-year term. The 460 members of the lower house of parliament (the Sejm) and the 100 members of the senate, are directly elected by a system of proportional representation to serve four-year terms.

Poland’s traditional dishes include beetroot soup, cabbage rolls (cabbage leaves stuffed with meat and rice) and pierogi (dumplings stuffed with cabbage and mushrooms, for example).

Famous Poles include the astronomer Copernicus, the composer Chopin, the scientist Maria Curie-Sklodowska, film-makers Roman Polanski and Krzysztof Kieslowski, and the late Pope, John-Paul II.

USEFUL LINKS:

1. National Public administration portal

   Poland's official website is divided into three main sections corresponding to three target audiences: travellers, business people and info-seekers. The tourist section provides plenty of information on Poland’s main attractions, the business section provides a step-by-step guide to set up a business in Poland, the e-Encyclopedia aims to give a full description of the Polish state and its institutions as well as to highlight Polish history and culture.

2. Introduction to the country

   The Polish Tourist Organisation’s website provides travellers with a wide range of information about the regions, art, the culinary specialities of Poland, and tips on main attractions to visit. The website also features news section and a calendar of events that is regularly updated.