Poland

Poland is a country located in Central Europe, bordered by Germany to the west, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south, Ukraine and Belarus to the east, Lithuania and Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) to the northeast, and a coastline along the Baltic Sea in the north. It has a rich and complex history, regaining independence in 1918 after World War I and transitioning to a democratic system in 1989. It has a mixed-market economy and is considered one of the largest and fastest-growing economies in the European Union. Poland has a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, services, agriculture, and information technology. It has a rich cultural heritage, including renowned literature, music, art, and cinema, as well as traditional folk culture. It also has a diverse range of tourist attractions, including the Wawel Castle, the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, the Biaowiea Forest, the Tatra Mountains, and the Masurian Lake District. The majority of Poles identify as Roman Catholic, and sports include football, volleyball, basketball, handball, and athletics. Poland became a member of the European Union and NATO in 2004, providing political and economic stability and closer integration with other European countries.