Poland is a country with a rich history and cultural heritage. Picturesque landscapes and numerous architectural monuments attract tourists to look here. Interesting facts about Poland can be listed endlessly, but we will try to highlight the most significant and unusual of them.
A bit of geography
Poland stood out with a fairly large area: the state owns 312,679 square meters. m. This is the ninth place among all European countries. The territory is divided into 16 voivodships, which consist of districts (counties) and volosts (communes). Interesting facts about Poland begin with the determination of its location. Out of habit, the state is classified into Eastern Europe, but if you look at the map it is easy to make sure that it is in the very heart of Europe. According to calculations made at the end of the XVIII century, the geographical center of Poland is located in the city of Suchowola.
The country has seven neighbors on land: Germany in the west, Czech Republic in the southwest, Slovakia in the south, Ukraine in the southeast, Belarus in the east, Lithuania and Russia in the northeast. Across the Baltic Sea, it borders on Sweden and Denmark. The interesting facts about Poland in the geography of the state do not end there. Not far from the town of Wongrowiec, two rivers intersect at right angles - Nelba and Velna. It is noteworthy that their waters have different flow rates and temperatures. In this regard, they do not mix with each other.
Country history
Interesting facts about Poland cannot get around its great history, which has accumulated from the 10th century to the present. It was at this time that the first statehood was formed: Krakow and Gniezenskaya Poland. After them comes the period of the more famous association - the Commonwealth. Its existence lasted about 200 years. It is worth saying that the country had a hard time: everyone got stuck in the territory of Central Europe. Poland practically did not get out of the state of war. Despite this, the Poles treated the development of the country with due regard: universities were built, houses and palaces were designed. Infrastructure was growing before our eyes, and no war could prevent it.
However, by the end of the 18th century, the country was exhausted by constant skirmishes with its neighbors. The period of political and economic decline began. In total for the period XVII – XVIII centuries. almost 4 million Poles died in connection with epidemics of disease and war. In 1795, Poland ceased to exist on the world map. Its territory was divided between Austria, Prussia and Russia. The period of the First World War saw the mass emigration of Poles, which then often obliged them to fight among themselves.
Between the First and Second World War, Poland had a chance to restore statehood, but, without allowing it to rebuild properly, Nazi Germany was occupying the country. During its period, more than 6 million Poles die. In Poland, about 70% of Nazi concentration camps functioned. After the victory and liberation of the territories, the state proclaimed the "construction" of a socialist society, in which the USSR authorities actively participated. This did not suit many Poles. After the strike of workers and trade union organizations in 1989, socialism was abolished. Proclaimed III Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
Statehood and Ethnic Composition
A country is first and foremost the people who inhabit it. Interesting facts about Poland include such an indicator as its mono-ethnicity. This is perhaps the only country that has managed to maintain up to 98% of ethnic Poles within its territory. Among national minorities , Germans, Ukrainians and Belarusians predominate.
Poland currently has a republican system and is a parliamentary democracy with a bicameral parliament. The country is a member of the EU and NATO, and is also included in the Schengen zone. Despite all the historical difficulties, the state was able to achieve independence and stability. The emblem of the country is a white eagle on a red background. Its creation gave rise to legends that proclaim the founding of the first capital of Poland - Gniezno. In this place a majestic white eagle flew under the purple rays of the sun. It was here that the first capital of the country was founded.
Nature and climate
Interesting facts about Poland cannot fail to arise, if only because the country has a unique nature and climate. Six seasons are distinguished here: in addition to summer, winter, spring and autumn, the eve of winter and the eve of spring are distinguished. They have little in common with the calendar. For example, summer begins in May and lasts until September. Cases of unexpected precipitation are interesting: brown rain and orange snow. True, this rarely happens - no more than once a century. The average temperature is 20 degrees Celsius in summer and –7 in winter.
About 50% of the country's territory is occupied by agriculture, which gives it a special flavor. There are no homeless animals. Poland boasts ecology like no other. Many squirrels and hedgehogs live in the parks. White storks live in the country (about 23% of the entire population). There are 22 nature reserves, among which the most famous is the Bialowieza Forest, which was inscribed on the World Heritage List of mankind. According to scientists, forests of this type grew throughout Europe. Currently, this is the only surviving relic mixed forest.
Education and science
Poles are considered one of the most educated nations. About 90% of the population can boast of a certificate of secondary education and a diploma of higher education. According to these indicators, the country occupies a leading position among all EU countries. Consider the most interesting facts about Poland in the field of science and education:
- the first university was founded in 1364, now the country has about 100 such institutions;
- citizens of this state have won 17 Nobel Prizes;
- Pole Maria Curie became the first double-Nobel Prize winner in history;
- polonium was named after Poland;
- composer F.F. Chopin was a Pole and was born near Warsaw.
It is worth noting that the inventions of Polish scientists often outstripped the time of their need. For example, the method of growing large crystals of semiconductors and metals began to be used only after 30 years from the date of discovery.
Polish cuisine
Each country in one way or another stands out for its taste preferences. For example, herring is Poles' favorite snack dish. The options for its preparation from this people are just a lot. In general, Polish cuisine is quite close to Russian, but it is not so greasy. In any restaurant you can find a “standard” set of Russian pies, Ukrainian borsch and fish in Greek. Russian pies here are called dumplings with potatoes or cottage cheese, which are slightly fried after cooking.
One of the national dishes is bigos. This is stewed cabbage with smoked meats and meat. There are as many recipes for its preparation as herring. The first dish Poles give a special place. No celebration is complete without soups. The most common mushroom soup or beetroot soup. Moreover, the latter is usually drunk, not eaten. Do not serve bread to the first dish.
Common foods in Polish cuisine are chicken and pork. It is noteworthy that on the shelves you can hardly find fermented baked milk, condensed milk, dumplings or crackers. Pies, gingerbread, donuts and rolls are baked as desserts. The pies familiar to the Russian soul cannot be found here.
Interesting facts about Poland for children
The young geographer is certainly interested in learning about as many amazing things as possible about each country. What to tell the child about this state unknown to him?
Tell us about what in Poland:
- a bizarre crooked forest with curved trees resembling magical plants grows;
- located own desert of 33 square meters. km;
- speak one of the most complex and common languages - Polish;
- there is a street named Winnie the Pooh;
- eat pizza with ketchup;
- one of the largest zoos and aquariums is located;
- about 70% of amber products are produced;
- Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to children congratulated by St. Nicholas, Gvazdor or Angel;
- more often celebrate name day than birthday;
- many children and adults know the song “Let there always be sunshine” and enjoy playing it.
Poland: interesting facts about the country for adults
This European state is unique in its own way. On its territory there are the most beautiful monuments of architecture and nature, and the existing culture can surprise in many ways. What other features does this country have in itself? Consider 10 interesting facts about Poland:
- Football is the country's most popular and favorite sport.
- Compared to Europeans, Poles start a family early enough. The average age of the newlyweds is 24 years.
- Abortion is prohibited here, so Pole families are often numerous.
- 98% of Poles are Catholics, very devout. Children are brought up in accordance with religious beliefs.
- On Christmas Eve, all institutions close. The population gathers at home with families and celebrates. No employer has the right to force a subordinate to work on this day.
- Kebab is common among fast food. Its composition is similar to shawarma, it only fits not in pita bread, but in half a loaf.
- Poles have no problems with being overweight. In addition, girls are always modestly dressed.
- It honors politeness and manners. Ladies greet with a kiss on the hands. They communicate with strangers on "you", adding the word "pan" in an appeal to men, and "women" to a woman.
- Here you can find combined monuments to the victims of Nazism and Soviet power. Poles consider the most unloved nations of the Germans and Russians, although in fact they do not show aggression.
- It’s not customary to bring lilacs to homes. This is a sign of death.
Poland is a country with a long history, which, of course, is worth seeing live. The territories are rich in the oldest architectural monuments, and nature surprises with its beauty. In addition, many indigenous people still remember the Russian language, the fashion for which, by the way, is growing again. In search of something amazing and beautiful, take a look at Poland. This country has not left anyone indifferent.