Poland - PL - POL - POL - Europe

Last updated: December 19, 2025
Poland flag
Poland locator map
Poland map

Poland Images

  • Memorial monument at the Plaszow forced labor and concentration camp south of Krakow, Poland. Most of the prisoners at the Nazi-run camp were Polish Jews. Between 8,000 and 12,000 people are estimated to have been murdered at Plaszow during World War II.

    Memorial monument at the Plaszow forced labor and concentration camp south of Krakow, Poland. Most of the prisoners at the Nazi-run camp were Polish Jews. Between 8,000 and 12,000 people are estimated to have been murdered at Plaszow during World War II.

  • Saint Anne's Church outside the Palace at Wilanow in Warsaw, Poland.

    Saint Anne's Church outside the Palace at Wilanow in Warsaw, Poland.

  • Wawel Cathedral in Krakow, Poland, was originally built around 1000 A.D., and the current structure was begun in the 14th century. Also known as the Royal Basilica, the cathedral served as a coronation site for the Polish kings and a royal burial ground. Karol Wojtyla, later Pope John Paul II, performed his first mass in this church.

    Wawel Cathedral in Krakow, Poland, was originally built around 1000 A.D., and the current structure was begun in the 14th century. Also known as the Royal Basilica, the cathedral served as a coronation site for the Polish kings and a royal burial ground. Karol Wojtyla, later Pope John Paul II, performed his first mass in this church.

  • The Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw, the tallest building in Poland, is 231 m (757 ft) tall, including a 43 m spire. The Soviet Union built it between 1952 and 1955 as a gift to Poland, and it was considered a symbol of Soviet domination during the Cold War. The building currently serves as an exhibition center and office complex.

    The Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw, the tallest building in Poland, is 231 m (757 ft) tall, including a 43 m spire. The Soviet Union built it between 1952 and 1955 as a gift to Poland, and it was considered a symbol of Soviet domination during the Cold War. The building currently serves as an exhibition center and office complex.

  • This bronze Frederic Chopin Monument was erected in 1926 in the Park Lazienkowski (Royal Baths Park) in Warsaw, Poland.

    This bronze Frederic Chopin Monument was erected in 1926 in the Park Lazienkowski (Royal Baths Park) in Warsaw, Poland.

  • Warsaw Uprising Memorial in Warsaw, Poland.

    Warsaw Uprising Memorial in Warsaw, Poland.

  • The barbican in Warsaw's Old Town.

    The barbican in Warsaw's Old Town.

  • The inner harbor of Gdansk, Poland, with a medieval port crane that was used to hoist cargo and fit masts. Built in 1367, the crane (called Krantor) was rebuilt in the middle of the 15th century.

    The inner harbor of Gdansk, Poland, with a medieval port crane that was used to hoist cargo and fit masts. Built in 1367, the crane (called Krantor) was rebuilt in the middle of the 15th century.

  • The Green Gate in Gdansk, Poland, was built between 1568 and 1571 at the end of the city's Long Market, and it served as the residence of visiting Polish monarchs.

    The Green Gate in Gdansk, Poland, was built between 1568 and 1571 at the end of the city's Long Market, and it served as the residence of visiting Polish monarchs.

  • Saint Mary's Church in Gdansk, Poland, as seen from Mariacka (Saint Mary's Gate). The church, built between 1343 and 1502, is the largest brick church in the world and can hold 25,000 people.

    Saint Mary's Church in Gdansk, Poland, as seen from Mariacka (Saint Mary's Gate). The church, built between 1343 and 1502, is the largest brick church in the world and can hold 25,000 people.

  • The Golden Gate in Gdansk, Poland, built between 1612 and 1614, leads to Long Street and Long Market on the Royal Road.

    The Golden Gate in Gdansk, Poland, built between 1612 and 1614, leads to Long Street and Long Market on the Royal Road.

  • The Town Hall in Gdansk, Poland, was first constructed in the 14th century, but the current structure dates to the late 16th century.

    The Town Hall in Gdansk, Poland, was first constructed in the 14th century, but the current structure dates to the late 16th century.

  • The Neptune Fountain in Gdansk, Poland, is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. It was first erected as a statue in 1549 and then converted into a fountain in 1633.

    The Neptune Fountain in Gdansk, Poland, is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. It was first erected as a statue in 1549 and then converted into a fountain in 1633.

  • An altar constructed of salt in the Wieliczka Salt Mine in Poland. The mine was continuously in use from the 13th century until 2007. Today it is a popular tourist site.

    An altar constructed of salt in the Wieliczka Salt Mine in Poland. The mine was continuously in use from the 13th century until 2007. Today it is a popular tourist site.

  • Entrance to the Auschwitz I concentration camp in Poland. The slogan over the gate translates as "Work makes you free." At the end of World War II, the Polish Government established a memorial museum to honor the more than 1 million victims who died at this and surrounding camps.

    Entrance to the Auschwitz I concentration camp in Poland. The slogan over the gate translates as "Work makes you free." At the end of World War II, the Polish Government established a memorial museum to honor the more than 1 million victims who died at this and surrounding camps.

  • The entrance building to the Auschwitz II (Birkenau) concentration camp in Oswiecim, Poland. Nazi Germany built it during World War II, and over 1 million people died at this camp and satellite camps.

    The entrance building to the Auschwitz II (Birkenau) concentration camp in Oswiecim, Poland. Nazi Germany built it during World War II, and over 1 million people died at this camp and satellite camps.

  • Barracks at the Auschwitz II (Birkenau) concentration camp. After World War II, the Polish Government established a memorial museum to honor the more than 1 million victims who died at the camp.

    Barracks at the Auschwitz II (Birkenau) concentration camp. After World War II, the Polish Government established a memorial museum to honor the more than 1 million victims who died at the camp.

  • The interior courtyard of Wawel Castle in Krakow, Poland.

    The interior courtyard of Wawel Castle in Krakow, Poland.

  • The Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Stanislaw and Vaclav, also known as the Wawel Cathedral, in Krakow, Poland.

    The Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Stanislaw and Vaclav, also known as the Wawel Cathedral, in Krakow, Poland.

  • Memorial monument at the Plaszow forced labor and concentration camp south of Krakow, Poland. Most of the prisoners at the Nazi-run camp were Polish Jews. Between 8,000 and 12,000 people are estimated to have been murdered at Plaszow during World War II.

    Memorial monument at the Plaszow forced labor and concentration camp south of Krakow, Poland. Most of the prisoners at the Nazi-run camp were Polish Jews. Between 8,000 and 12,000 people are estimated to have been murdered at Plaszow during World War II.

1 of 20

    Poland Factbook Data

    Diplomatic representation from the US

    chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas ROSE (since 6 November 2025)

    embassy: Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31, 00-540 Warsaw

    mailing address: 5010 Warsaw Place, Washington, DC 20521-5010

    telephone: [48] (22) 504-2000

    FAX: [48] (22) 504-2088

    email address and website:
    acswarsaw@state.gov

    https://pl.usembassy.gov/

    consulate(s) general: Krakow

    Age structure

    0-14 years: 14.2% (male 2,830,048/female 2,676,300)

    15-64 years: 65.9% (male 12,513,402/female 13,036,977)

    65 years and over: 19.8% (2024 est.) (male 3,097,965/female 4,591,618)
    This is the population pyramid for Poland. A population pyramid illustrates the age and sex structure of a country's population and may provide insights about political and social stability, as well as economic development. The population is distributed along the horizontal axis, with males shown on the left and females on the right. The male and female populations are broken down into 5-year age groups represented as horizontal bars along the vertical axis, with the youngest age groups at the bottom and the oldest at the top. The shape of the population pyramid gradually evolves over time based on fertility, mortality, and international migration trends. <br/><br/>For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.
    This is the population pyramid for Poland. A population pyramid illustrates the age and sex structure of a country's population and may provide insights about political and social stability, as well as economic development. The population is distributed along the horizontal axis, with males shown on the left and females on the right. The male and female populations are broken down into 5-year age groups represented as horizontal bars along the vertical axis, with the youngest age groups at the bottom and the oldest at the top. The shape of the population pyramid gradually evolves over time based on fertility, mortality, and international migration trends.

    For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.

    Geographic coordinates

    52 00 N, 20 00 E

    Sex ratio

    at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

    0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

    15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

    65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female

    total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2024 est.)

    Natural hazards

    flooding

    Area - comparative

    about twice the size of Georgia; slightly smaller than New Mexico
    <p>about twice the size of Georgia; slightly smaller than New Mexico</p>

    about twice the size of Georgia; slightly smaller than New Mexico

    Military service age and obligation

    18 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; no conscription; professional soldiers serve on a permanent basis (for an unspecified period of time) or on a contract basis (for a specified period of time); initial contract period is 24 months (2025)

    note 1: as of 2024, women made up about 16.5% of the military's full-time personnel

    note 2: in 2022, Poland announced a new 12-month voluntary military service program with recruits going through a one-month basic training period with a military unit, followed by 11 months of specialized training; upon completion of service, the volunteers would be allowed to join the Territorial Defense Forces or the active reserve, and have priority to join the professional army and be given preference for employment in the public sector; the program is part of an effort to increase the size of the Polish military

    Background

    Poland's history as a state began near the middle of the 10th century. By the mid-16th century, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth ruled a vast tract of land in Central and Eastern Europe. During the 18th century, internal disorder weakened the nation, and in a series of agreements between 1772 and 1795, Russia, Prussia, and Austria partitioned Poland among themselves. Poland regained its independence in 1918 only to be overrun by Germany and the Soviet Union in World War II. It became a Soviet satellite state following the war. Labor turmoil in 1980 led to the formation of the independent trade union Solidarity that over time became a political force with over 10 million members. Free elections in 1989 and 1990 won Solidarity control of the parliament and the presidency, bringing the communist era to a close. A "shock therapy" program during the early 1990s enabled the country to transform its economy into one of the most robust in Central Europe. Poland joined NATO in 1999 and the EU in 2004.

    Environmental issues

    air pollution (despite environmental policy improvements) because of coal-burning in homes and power plants; acid rain leading to forest damage; water pollution from industrial and municipal sources; disposal of hazardous wastes

    International environmental agreements

    party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic- Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling

    signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

    Military expenditures

    4.5% of GDP (2025 est.)
    3.8% of GDP (2024 est.)
    3.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
    2.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
    2.2% of GDP (2021 est.)

    Population below poverty line

    12.2% (2023 est.)

    note: % of population with income below national poverty line

    Household income or consumption by percentage share

    lowest 10%: 3.3% (2022 est.)

    highest 10%: 23.1% (2022 est.)

    note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population

    Exports - commodities

    vehicle parts/accessories, electric batteries, plastic products, cars, seats (2023)

    note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars

    Exports - partners

    Germany 25%, UK 6%, Czechia 6%, France 6%, Italy 5% (2023)

    note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports

    Administrative divisions

    16 provinces or voivodships (wojewodztwa, singular - wojewodztwo); Dolnoslaskie (Lower Silesia), Kujawsko-Pomorskie (Kuyavia-Pomerania), Lodzkie (Lodz), Lubelskie (Lublin), Lubuskie (Lubusz), Malopolskie (Lesser Poland), Mazowieckie (Masovia), Opolskie (Opole), Podkarpackie (Subcarpathia), Podlaskie, Pomorskie (Pomerania), Slaskie (Silesia), Swietokrzyskie (Holy Cross), Warminsko-Mazurskie (Warmia-Masuria), Wielkopolskie (Greater Poland), Zachodniopomorskie (West Pomerania)

    Agricultural products

    sugar beets, milk, wheat, maize, potatoes, triticale, apples, rapeseed, barley, rye (2023)

    note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage

    Military and security forces

    Polish Armed Forces (Polskie Siły Zbrojne): Land Forces (Wojska Ladowe), Navy (Marynarka Wojenna), Air Force (Sily Powietrzne), Special Forces (Wojska Specjalne), Territorial Defense Forces (Wojska Obrony Terytorialnej), Cyberspace Defense Forces (Wojska Obrony Cyberprzestrzeni)

    Ministry of Interior and Administration: Polish National Police (Policja); Border Guard (Straż Graniczna or SG) (2025)

    Budget

    revenues: $291.603 billion (2023 est.)

    expenditures: $328.497 billion (2023 est.)

    note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated

    Capital

    name: Warsaw

    geographic coordinates: 52 15 N, 21 00 E

    time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

    daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

    etymology: the origin of the name is unknown; Warszawa was the name of a fishing village, and several legends link the city's founding to a man named Wars or Warsz

    Imports - commodities

    crude petroleum, cars, garments, vehicle parts/accessories, plastic products (2023)

    note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars

    Climate

    temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and thundershowers

    Coastline

    440 km

    Constitution

    history: several previous; latest adopted 2 April 1997, approved by referendum 25 May 1997, effective 17 October 1997

    amendment process: proposed by at least one fifth of Sejm deputies, by the Senate, or by the president of the republic; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote in the Sejm and absolute majority vote in the Senate; amendments to articles relating to sovereignty, personal freedoms, and constitutional amendment procedures also require passage by majority vote in a referendum

    Exchange rates

    zlotych (PLN) per US dollar -

    Exchange rates:
    3.981 (2024 est.)
    4.204 (2023 est.)
    4.458 (2022 est.)
    3.862 (2021 est.)
    3.9 (2020 est.)

    Executive branch

    chief of state: President Karol NAWROCKI (since 6 August 2025)

    head of government: Prime Minister Donald TUSK (since 11 December 2023)

    cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, appointed by the president, and approved by the Sejm

    election/appointment process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister, deputy prime ministers, and Council of Ministers appointed by the president and confirmed by the Sejm; all presidential candidates resign their party affiliation

    most recent election date: 18 May 2025, with the second round on 1 June 2025

    election results:
    2025: Karol NAWROCKI elected president in second round; percent of vote - Karol NAWROCKI (PiS) 50.9%, Rafal TRZASKOWSKI (KO) 49.1%; NAWROCKI takes office 6 August 2025

    2025: First round Rafal TRZASKOWSKI (KO) 31.4%, Karol NAWROCKI 29.5% (PiS), Slawomir MENTZEN 14.8%, Grzegorz BRAUN 6.3%, and Szymon HOLOWNIA 5.0%; second round to be held on 1 June 2025; 

    2020: Andrzej DUDA reelected president in second round; percent of vote - Andrzej DUDA (independent) 51%, Rafal TRZASKOWSKI (KO) 49%

    2015:     Andrzej DUDA elected president in second round; percent of vote - Andrzej DUDA (independent) 51.5%, Bronislaw KOMOROWSKI (independent) 48.5%

    expected date of next election: July 2030

    Flag

    description: two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red

    meaning: colors derive from the Polish emblem, a white eagle on a red field

    note: similar to the flags of Indonesia and Monaco, which are red (top) and white

    Illicit drugs

    USG identification:
    major precursor-chemical producer (2025)

    Independence

    11 November 1918 (republic proclaimed); notable earlier dates: 14 April 966 (adoption of Christianity, traditional founding date), 1 July 1569 (Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth created)

    Industries

    machine building, iron and steel, coal mining, chemicals, shipbuilding, food processing, glass, beverages, textiles

    Judicial branch

    highest court(s): Supreme Court or Sad Najwyzszy (consists of the first president of the Supreme Court and 120 justices organized in criminal, civil, labor and social insurance, and extraordinary appeals and public affairs and disciplinary chambers); Constitutional Tribunal (consists of 15 judges, including the court president and vice president)

    judge selection and term of office: president of the Supreme Court nominated by the General Assembly of the Supreme Court and selected by the president of Poland; other judges nominated by the 25-member National Judicial Council and appointed by the president of Poland; judges serve until retirement, usually at age 65, but tenure can be extended; Constitutional Tribunal judges chosen by the Sejm for single 9-year terms

    subordinate courts: administrative courts; military courts; local, regional and appellate courts subdivided into military, civil, criminal, labor, and family courts

    Land boundaries

    total: 2,865 km

    border countries (6): Belarus 375 km; Czechia 699 km; Germany 467 km; Lithuania 100 km, Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) 209 km; Slovakia 517 km; Ukraine 498 km

    Land use

    agricultural land: 47.6% (2023 est.)

    arable land: 36.6% (2023 est.)

    permanent crops: 1.1% (2023 est.)

    permanent pasture: 9.8% (2023 est.)

    forest: 31% (2023 est.)

    other: 21% (2023 est.)

    Legal system

    civil law system; judicial review of legislative, administrative, and other governmental acts; constitutional law rulings of the Constitutional Tribunal are final

    Legislative branch

    legislative structure: bicameral

    note: the designation "National Assembly" (or Zgromadzenie Narodowe) is only used on those rare occasions when the two houses meet jointly

    Maritime claims

    territorial sea: 12 nm

    exclusive economic zone: defined by international treaties

    International organization participation

    Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS, CD, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UN Security Council (temporary), UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

    National holiday

    Constitution Day, 3 May (1791)

    Nationality

    noun: Pole(s)

    adjective: Polish

    Natural resources

    coal, sulfur, copper, natural gas, silver, lead, salt, amber, arable land

    Geography - note

    historically an area of conflict because of flat terrain and the lack of natural barriers on the North European Plain

    Economic overview

    high-income, diversified, EU-member economy; significant growth in GDP, trade, and investment since joining EU in 2004; private consumption and EU-funded public investments driving GDP growth; increased social spending, flooding recovery costs, and defense spending have added to public debt

    Political parties

    Civic Coalition
    Confederation
    Free Republicans
    Polish Coalition or PSL
    The Left
    United Right or PiS

    Railways

    total: 19,461 km (2020) 11,946 km electrified

    Suffrage

    18 years of age; universal

    Terrain

    mostly flat plain; mountains along southern border

    Government type

    parliamentary republic

    Country name

    conventional long form: Republic of Poland

    conventional short form: Poland

    local long form: Rzeczpospolita Polska

    local short form: Polska

    former: Polish People's Republic

    etymology: the name probably comes from the Slavic word pole (field or plain), indicating the flat nature of the country

    Location

    Central Europe, east of Germany

    Map references

    Europe

    Irrigated land

    1,327 sq km (2016)

    Diplomatic representation in the US

    chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Bogdan Adam KLICH (since 21 November 2024)

    chancery: 2640 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

    telephone: [1] (202) 499-1700

    FAX: [1] (202) 328-2152

    email address and website:
    washington.amb.sekretariat@msz.gov.pl

    https://www.gov.pl/web/usa-en/embassy-washington

    consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York

    Internet users

    percent of population: 86% (2023 est.)

    Internet country code

    .pl

    Refugees and internally displaced persons

    refugees: 1,019,863 (2024 est.)

    stateless persons: 1,486 (2024 est.)

    GDP (official exchange rate)

    $914.696 billion (2024 est.)

    note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate

    Total renewable water resources

    60.5 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)

    School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

    total: 17 years (2023 est.)

    male: 16 years (2023 est.)

    female: 18 years (2023 est.)

    Urbanization

    urban population: 60.2% of total population (2023)

    rate of urbanization: -0.16% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

    Broadcast media

    state-run public TV operates 2 national channels supplemented by 16 regional and several niche channels; privately owned entities operate several national TV networks and some special interest channels; many privately owned local channels; roughly half of all households are linked to satellite or cable TV systems with access to foreign TV; state-run public radio operates 5 national networks and 17 regional stations; 2 privately owned national radio networks, several commercial stations, and many privately owned local radio stations (2019)

    Drinking water source

    improved:

    urban: 95.8% of population (2022 est.)

    rural: 82.2% of population (2022 est.)

    total: 90.4% of population (2022 est.)

    unimproved:

    urban: 4.2% of population (2022 est.)

    rural: 17.8% of population (2022 est.)

    total: 9.6% of population (2022 est.)

    National anthem(s)

    title: "Mazurek Dabrowskiego" (Dabrowski's Mazurka)

    lyrics/music: Jozef WYBICKI/traditional

    history: adopted 1927; 
    This is an audio of the National Anthem for Poland. The national anthem is generally a patriotic musical composition - usually in the form of a song or hymn of praise - that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions, or struggles of a nation or its people. National anthems can be officially recognized as a national song by a country's constitution or by an enacted law, or simply by tradition. Although most anthems contain lyrics, some do not.

    Major urban areas - population

    1.798 million WARSAW (capital), 769,000 Krakow (2023)

    International law organization participation

    accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

    Physician density

    4.03 physicians/1,000 population (2023)

    Hospital bed density

    6.1 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)

    National symbol(s)

    white crowned eagle

    Mother's mean age at first birth

    27.9 years (2020 est.)

    GDP - composition, by end use

    household consumption: 57.6% (2024 est.)

    government consumption: 20.8% (2024 est.)

    investment in fixed capital: 16.9% (2024 est.)

    investment in inventories: 0.8% (2024 est.)

    exports of goods and services: 52.3% (2024 est.)

    imports of goods and services: -48.3% (2024 est.)

    note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection

    Dependency ratios

    total dependency ratio: 51.6 (2024 est.)

    youth dependency ratio: 21.6 (2024 est.)

    elderly dependency ratio: 30.1 (2024 est.)

    potential support ratio: 3.3 (2024 est.)

    Citizenship

    citizenship by birth: no

    citizenship by descent only: both parents must be citizens of Poland

    dual citizenship recognized: no

    residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years

    Population distribution

    population concentrated in the southern area around Krakow and the central area around Warsaw and Lodz, with an extension to the northern coastal city of Gdansk

    Electricity access

    electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)

    Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

    SP

    Sanitation facility access

    improved:

    urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)

    rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)

    total: 100% of population (2022 est.)

    unimproved:

    urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)

    rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)

    total: 0% of population (2022 est.)

    Ethnic groups

    Polish 96.9%, Silesian 1.1%, German 0.2%, Ukrainian 0.1%, other and unspecified 1.7% (2011 est.)

    note: represents ethnicity declared first

    Religions

    Roman Catholic 70.7%, refused to answer 20.9%, no religion 6.9%; less than 1 percent: Orthodox, Jehovah Witness, Evangelic of Augsburg, Greek Catholic, Pentecostal, other Protestant, not stated, old Catholic Mariavite Church, other Christians, Islam, Buddhist, Polish Catholic Church, other, Baptist Union of Poland, Pagan, Seventh Day Adventist, Hindu, other Catholic (2021 est.)

    Languages

    Polish (official) 98.2%, Silesian 1.4%, other 1.1%, unspecified 1.2% (2011 est.)

    major-language sample(s):
    Księga Faktów Świata, niezbędne źródło podstawowych informacji. (Polish)

    The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.

    note 1: shares of languages sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census; data represent language spoken at home

    note 2: Poland also recognizes Kashub as a regional language; Czech, Hebrew, Yiddish, Belarusian, Lithuanian, German, Armenian, Russian, Slovak, and Ukrainian as national minority languages; and Karaim, Lemko, Romani (Polska Roma and Bergitka Roma), and Tatar as ethnic minority languages
    Polish audio sample

    Imports - partners

    Germany 22%, China 12%, Italy 5%, Netherlands 4%, USA 4% (2023)

    note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports

    Elevation

    highest point: Rysy 2,499 m

    lowest point: near Raczki Elblaskie -2 m

    mean elevation: 173 m

    Health expenditure

    6.7% of GDP (2022)

    10.7% of national budget (2022 est.)

    Military - note

    the Polish Armed Forces are responsible for defense of the country's sovereignty and territory, deterring potential threats, and fulfilling Poland's commitments to NATO, EU, and European security; Poland’s geographic location on NATO’s eastern flank and its history of foreign invasion underpin the Polish military’s focus on territorial and border defense; in peacetime, the Armed Forces provide support to the Border Guard; other security concerns include hybrid threats from Russia and Belarus, such as cyberattacks, sabotage, and weaponized migration; since the 2010s, Poland has taken steps to enhance the security of its borders with Russia and Belarus

    since 2014, Poland has hosted several NATO military formations designed to enhance the defense of Poland and NATO’s eastern flank, including a US-led multinational NATO ground force battlegroup as part of the Alliance’s Enhanced Forward Presence initiative, NATO fighter detachments at Malbork Air Base, a NATO-led divisional headquarters (Multinational Division Northeast), which coordinates training and preparation activities of its respective subordinate battlegroups in Poland and Lithuania, and a corps-level NATO field headquarters (Multinational Corps Northeast); Poland also has increased the the US military presence in the country; Poland participates in a variety of EU and NATO military deployments in Africa, the Baltic States, Southern Europe, and the Middle East; Poland also provided support to the NATO mission in Afghanistan (2025)

    Military and security service personnel strengths

    approximately 235,000 active military personnel (2025)

    note: a new national defense law in 2022 set a goal to double the size of Poland’s armed forces to 300,000 personnel, including 250,000 professional soldiers and 50,000 territorials

    Military deployments

    250 Kosovo (NATO/KFOR); up to 300 Latvia (NATO); 190 Lebanon (UNIFIL) (2025)

    note: Poland has obligated about 2,500 troops to the Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine joint military brigade (LITPOLUKRBRIG), which was established in 2014; the brigade is headquartered in Poland and is comprised of an international staff, three battalions, and specialized units; units affiliated with the multinational brigade remain within the structures of the armed forces of their respective countries until the brigade is activated for participation in an international operation

    Total water withdrawal

    municipal: 2.113 billion cubic meters (2022)

    industrial: 6.44 billion cubic meters (2022)

    agricultural: 1.28 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)

    Waste and recycling

    municipal solid waste generated annually: 12.758 million tons (2024 est.)

    percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 38.3% (2022 est.)

    Average household expenditures

    on food: 18.6% of household expenditures (2023 est.)

    on alcohol and tobacco: 6.2% of household expenditures (2023 est.)

    Terrorist group(s)

    Terrorist group(s): Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS)

    note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide

    Major watersheds (area sq km)

    Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km)

    Major lakes (area sq km)

    salt water lake(s): Zalew Szczecinski/Stettiner Haff (shared with Germany) - 900 sq km

    Major rivers (by length in km)

    Wisla (Vistula) river source and mouth (shared with Belarus and Ukraine) - 1,213 km

    note: longest river in Poland

    National heritage

    total World Heritage Sites: 17 (15 cultural, 2 natural)

    selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Krakow (c); Historic Warsaw (c); Medieval Torun (c); Wooden Tserkvas of the Carpathian Region (c); Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork (c); Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines (c); Auschwitz Birkenau Concentration Camp (c); Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians (n); Białowieza Forest (n); Old City of Zamość (c)

    Coal

    production: 96.72 million metric tons (2023 est.)

    consumption: 99.932 million metric tons (2023 est.)

    exports: 10.805 million metric tons (2023 est.)

    imports: 10.041 million metric tons (2023 est.)

    proven reserves: 27.758 billion metric tons (2023 est.)

    Electricity generation sources

    fossil fuels: 72.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

    solar: 6.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

    wind: 14.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

    hydroelectricity: 1.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

    biomass and waste: 4.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

    Natural gas

    production: 5.345 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)

    consumption: 20.602 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)

    exports: 747.124 million cubic meters (2023 est.)

    imports: 15.111 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)

    proven reserves: 91.492 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)

    Petroleum

    total petroleum production: 24,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)

    refined petroleum consumption: 743,000 bbl/day (2024 est.)

    crude oil estimated reserves: 113 million barrels (2021 est.)

    Gross reproduction rate

    0.64 (2024 est.)

    Currently married women (ages 15-49)

    58.6% (2021 est.)

    Remittances

    0.9% of GDP (2024 est.)
    1.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
    1.1% of GDP (2022 est.)

    note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities

    Space program overview

    builds satellites, including nano/cube remote sensing (RS) and scientific/technology satellites; researches and develops communications, RS, navigational, and other scientific applications for satellite payloads; creating infrastructure for data from meteorological and environmental satellites; researches and develops other space-related technologies, including sensors and robotic probes for interplanetary landers, and launcher systems; space program is integrated with the ESA and the EU; participates in a variety of ESA/EU and international programs; cooperates with a variety of other foreign space agencies and industries, including those of Brazil, Canada, China, ESA/EU member states (particularly France, Germany, Italy), India, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Ukraine, UK, and the US; has a commercial space sector with more than 300 active enterprises (2025)

    Space agency/agencies

    Polish Space Agency (POLSA; established 2014; operational in 2015) (2025)

    Geoparks

    total global geoparks and regional networks: 3 (2024)

    global geoparks and regional networks: Land of Extinct Volcanoes; Muskauer Faltenbogen / Łuk Mużakowa (includes Germany); Holy Cross Mountains (2024)

    Ports

    total ports: 10 (2024)

    large: 2

    medium: 2

    small: 4

    very small: 2

    ports with oil terminals: 5

    key ports: Gdansk, Gdynia, Port Polnochny, Szczecin

    Legislative branch - lower chamber

    chamber name: Sejm

    number of seats: 460 (all directly elected)

    electoral system: proportional representation

    scope of elections: full renewal

    term in office: 4 years

    most recent election date: 10/15/2023

    parties elected and seats per party: Law and Justice (PiS) (194); Civic Coalition (KO) (157); The Third Way (65); The New Left (Nowa Lewica) (26); Other (18)

    percentage of women in chamber: 31.3%

    expected date of next election: October 2027

    Legislative branch - upper chamber

    chamber name: Senate (Senat)

    number of seats: 100 (all directly elected)

    electoral system: plurality/majority

    scope of elections: full renewal

    term in office: 4 years

    most recent election date: 10/15/2023

    parties elected and seats per party: Civic Coalition (KO) (41); Law and Justice (PiS) (34); The Third Way (11); The New Left (Nowa Lewica) (9); Independents (5)

    percentage of women in chamber: 19%

    expected date of next election: October 2027

    National color(s)

    white, red

    Particulate matter emissions

    18.8 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)

    Methane emissions

    energy: 954.2 kt (2022-2024 est.)

    agriculture: 595.9 kt (2019-2021 est.)

    waste: 292 kt (2019-2021 est.)

    other: 36.3 kt (2019-2021 est.)

    Key space-program milestones

    1978 - first Polish astronaut in space on Soviet spacecraft

    1991 - began cooperating with the ESA

    1994 - began participating in Russia's Koronas solar research missions 

    2012 - joined ESA; first domestically built scientific nanosatellite (PW-Sat) launched on European rocket

    2021 - joined US-led Artemis Accords for lunar and space exploration

    2024 - successfully launched domestically developed experimental suborbital rocket (ILR-33 Amber 2K) to altitude of 101 kms

    2025 - first Polish astronaut and scientific mission on International Space Station

    Labor force

    18.245 million (2024 est.)

    note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work

    Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)

    total: 9.9% (2024 est.)

    male: 10.1% (2024 est.)

    female: 9.6% (2024 est.)

    note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment

    Net migration rate

    -6.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)

    Median age

    total: 42.9 years (2024 est.)

    male: 41.5 years

    female: 44.3 years

    Maternal mortality ratio

    2 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)

    Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

    $223.115 billion (2024 est.)
    $193.783 billion (2023 est.)
    $166.664 billion (2022 est.)

    note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars

    Public debt

    50.6% of GDP (2017 est.)

    note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities, the data include subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions

    Total fertility rate

    1.32 children born/woman (2024 est.)

    Unemployment rate

    2.5% (2024 est.)
    2.8% (2023 est.)
    2.9% (2022 est.)

    note: % of labor force seeking employment

    Population

    total: 38,746,310 (2024 est.)

    male: 18,441,415

    female: 20,304,895

    Carbon dioxide emissions

    264.031 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

    from coal and metallurgical coke: 132.101 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

    from petroleum and other liquids: 95.095 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

    from consumed natural gas: 36.835 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

    Area

    total : 312,685 sq km

    land: 304,255 sq km

    water: 8,430 sq km

    Taxes and other revenues

    18% (of GDP) (2023 est.)

    note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP

    Real GDP (purchasing power parity)

    $1.649 trillion (2024 est.)
    $1.602 trillion (2023 est.)
    $1.598 trillion (2022 est.)

    note: data in 2021 dollars

    Airports

    318 (2025)

    Infant mortality rate

    total: 4.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)

    male: 5.3 deaths/1,000 live births

    female: 4.4 deaths/1,000 live births

    Telephones - mobile cellular

    total subscriptions: 52.4 million (2023 est.)

    subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 132 (2022 est.)

    Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income

    28.9 (2022 est.)

    note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality

    Inflation rate (consumer prices)

    3.8% (2024 est.)
    11.5% (2023 est.)
    14.4% (2022 est.)

    note: annual % change based on consumer prices

    Current account balance

    $1.789 billion (2024 est.)
    $14.535 billion (2023 est.)
    -$15.822 billion (2022 est.)

    note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars

    Real GDP per capita

    $45,100 (2024 est.)
    $43,700 (2023 est.)
    $43,400 (2022 est.)

    note: data in 2021 dollars

    Broadband - fixed subscriptions

    total: 10.1 million (2023 est.)

    subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 26 (2023 est.)

    Tobacco use

    total: 21.6% (2025 est.)

    male: 25.6% (2025 est.)

    female: 17.8% (2025 est.)

    Obesity - adult prevalence rate

    23.1% (2016)

    Energy consumption per capita

    103.651 million Btu/person (2023 est.)

    Death rate

    12.2 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)

    Birth rate

    8.4 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)

    Electricity

    installed generating capacity: 64.806 million kW (2023 est.)

    consumption: 159.639 billion kWh (2023 est.)

    exports: 11.403 billion kWh (2023 est.)

    imports: 15.14 billion kWh (2023 est.)

    transmission/distribution losses: 8.549 billion kWh (2023 est.)

    Merchant marine

    total: 152 (2023)

    by type: general cargo 6, oil tanker 6, other 140

    Children under the age of 5 years underweight

    0.7% (2019 est.)

    Imports

    $441.945 billion (2024 est.)
    $423.797 billion (2023 est.)
    $421.765 billion (2022 est.)

    note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars

    Exports

    $478.579 billion (2024 est.)
    $471.571 billion (2023 est.)
    $436.388 billion (2022 est.)

    note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars

    Heliports

    16 (2025)

    Telephones - fixed lines

    total subscriptions: 4.987 million (2023 est.)

    subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2023 est.)

    Alcohol consumption per capita

    total: 10.96 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

    beer: 5.72 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

    wine: 0.88 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

    spirits: 4.36 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

    other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

    Life expectancy at birth

    total population: 76.7 years (2024 est.)

    male: 72.8 years

    female: 80.9 years

    Real GDP growth rate

    2.9% (2024 est.)
    0.2% (2023 est.)
    5.3% (2022 est.)

    note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency

    Industrial production growth rate

    -0.6% (2023 est.)

    note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency

    GDP - composition, by sector of origin

    agriculture: 2.6% (2024 est.)

    industry: 26.4% (2024 est.)

    services: 59.9% (2024 est.)

    note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data

    Education expenditure

    4.3% of GDP (2022 est.)

    10% national budget (2022 est.)

    Population growth rate

    -1% (2024 est.)

    National coat of arms

    Poland’s coat of arms was designed in 1927 by noted Polish graphic artist and educator Zygmunt Kaminski. The white crowned eagle is the national symbol, and white and red are the national colors, with white representing purity and truth and red symbolizing courage and the blood shed for freedom.

    Poland’s coat of arms was designed in 1927 by noted Polish graphic artist and educator Zygmunt Kaminski. The white crowned eagle is the national symbol, and white and red are the national colors, with white representing purity and truth and red symbolizing courage and the blood shed for freedom.
    Poland’s coat of arms was designed in 1927 by noted Polish graphic artist and educator Zygmunt Kaminski. The white crowned eagle is the national symbol, and white and red are the national colors, with white representing purity and truth and red symbolizing courage and the blood shed for freedom.

    Military equipment inventories and acquisitions

    the military's inventory consists of a mix of some Soviet-era and a growing amount of more modern, NATO-compatible weapons systems; in recent years, significant suppliers of armaments have included Finland, South Korea, and the US; Poland has a domestic defense sector that produces or provides upgrades to various weapons systems, particularly ground systems such as tanks and other armored vehicles; it also cooperates with the European and US defense sectors (2025)
    Sources: