Poland

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Poland is a country located in Central Europe, bordered by seven countries: Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, and Russia (via the Kaliningrad exclave). It also has a northern coastline along the Baltic Sea. The country covers an area of approximately 312,696 square kilometers (120,733 square miles), making it the 9th largest country in Europe.

Poland has a population of about 38 million people, with Warsaw as its capital and largest city. Other major cities include Kraków, Łódź, Wrocław, and Poznań. Polish is the official language. The country has a rich history, being a significant European power in the past, especially during the era of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (1569–1795), which was one of the largest and most populous countries in Europe. After periods of partition and disappearance from the map of Europe, Poland regained independence in 1918. It was occupied during World War II, suffering immense losses. Poland was under Soviet influence until it became a democracy in 1989. Today, Poland is a member of the European Union (since 2004), NATO, the Schengen Area, and other international organizations. The country is known for its cultural heritage, including 16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and the medieval town of Kraków. Economically, Poland has experienced significant growth since transitioning from a communist system to a market-based economy. Its industries include manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and services, and it is recognized for being one of the largest economies in the European Union. Poland's geography is diverse, with mountains like the Carpathians in the south, and the Masurian Lake District in the north. The Vistula River is the longest river in Poland, running through the heart of the country. Culture in Poland is rich, influenced by a long history of religious, intellectual, and artistic traditions. It is known for its contributions to music, literature, and the sciences, with figures such as Frédéric Chopin, Nicolaus Copernicus, and Marie Curie. Polish cuisine is hearty, with famous dishes like pierogi (dumplings), bigos (cabbage and meat stew), and żurek (sour rye soup).

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