Interesting facts about Poland: history, sights and reviews

Poland is a country with a rich history and cultural heritage. Picturesque landscapes and numerous architectural monuments make tourists 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 was allocated a fairly large area: the state owns 312,679 square meters. This is the ninth place among all European countries. The territory is divided into 16 voivodships, which consist of districts (poviat) and volosts (gmina). Interesting facts about Poland begin with the definition of its location. The state is habitually classified to Eastern Europe, but if you look at the map it's easy to see that it is in the 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 Sukhovol.

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. Through the Baltic Sea zone it borders on Sweden and Denmark. On this interesting facts about Poland on the geography of the state do not end yet. Near the town of Wagrowiec, two rivers intersect at right angles - Nelba and Velna. It is noteworthy that their waters have different flow velocities and temperatures. In this regard, they do not mix with each other.

History of the country

Interesting facts about Poland can not bypass its great history, accumulated from the 10th century to the present. It was at this time that the first statehood was being formed: Krakow and Gnezenskaya Poland. After them comes the period of the more famous unification - the Commonwealth. Its existence lasted about 200 years. It is worth saying that the country had a hard time: everyone was hiding in the territory of Central Europe. Poland practically did not leave the state of war. Despite this, the Poles with due regard for the development of the country: universities were built, houses and palaces were designed. Infrastructure grew in front of the eyes, and no war could prevent this.

However, by the end of the 18th century the country was exhausted through constant clashes with its neighbors. A period of political and economic decline began. In total for the period of XVII-XVIII centuries. Nearly 4 million Poles died in connection with epidemics of diseases and wars. In 1795, Poland ceased to exist on the world map. Its territory was divided among themselves by Austria, Prussia and Russia. For the period of the First World War there was a mass emigration of the Poles, which then often obliged them to fight among themselves.

In the period between the First and Second World Wars, Poland had a chance to restore statehood, but without giving it a proper shelter, the country is occupied by Nazi Germany. In its period, more than 6 million Poles are killed. On the territory of Poland, about 70% of the concentration camps of the Nazis functioned. After the victory and liberation of territories, the state proclaimed the "building" of a socialist society, in which the authorities of the USSR took an active part. This did not suit many Poles. After the strike of workers and trade union organizations in 1989, socialism was abolished. Proclaimed III Rzeczpospolita.

State and ethnic composition

The country is primarily people who inhabit it. Interesting facts about Poland include such an indicator as its mono-nationality. This is perhaps the only country that managed to keep up to 98% of ethnic Poles in its territory. Among the national minorities, the Germans, Ukrainians and Byelorussians predominate.

Currently, Poland 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 part of 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 speak of the founding of the first capital of Poland, Gniezno. In this place a majestic white eagle flew by 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 can not but 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, the summer begins in May and lasts until September. Interesting cases of unexpected precipitation: brown rain and orange snow. True, this happens rarely - 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 here. Poland can boast of ecology like no other. In the parks there are a lot of squirrels, hedgehogs. On the territory of the country live white storks (about 23% of the entire population). Here there are 22 nature reserves, among which the most famous is the Belovezhskaya Pushcha, which was listed as a World Heritage Site. According to scientists, forests of this type grew throughout Europe. At present it is the only preserved relic mixed forest.

Education and Science

The Poles are considered one of the most educated nations. About 90% of the population can boast a certificate of secondary education and a diploma of higher education. According to these indicators, the country takes 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 became the owners of 17 Nobel Prizes;
• Polish girl Maria Curie became the first in history twice winner of the Nobel Prize;
• Polonium was named after Poland;
• The composer F. F. Chopin was a Polish 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 technique of growing large crystals of semiconductors and metals began to be used only after 30 years from the day of discovery.

Polish cuisine

Each country is one way or another distinguished by its taste preferences. For example, herring - a favorite snack dish of the Poles. The options for its preparation are just a lot of this people. In general, Polish cuisine is close enough to Russian, but it is not so fat. In any restaurant you can find a "standard" set of Russian pies, Ukrainian borscht and fish in Greek. Russian pies here are called vareniki with potatoes or cottage cheese, which after cooking a little roast.

One of the national dishes is bigos. This stewed cabbage with smoked meat and meat. There are as many recipes for its preparation as herring. The Poles are given a special place to the first dish. No festival can do without soups. The most common mushroom soup or beetroot. And the latter is usually drunk, but not eaten. Bread is not served to the first dish.

Common products in Polish cuisine are chicken and pork. It is noteworthy that on the shelves it is almost impossible to find fermented milk, condensed milk, ravioli or biscuits. As desserts bake pies, gingerbread, donuts and rolls. Familiar Russian soul pies here can not be found.

Interesting facts about Poland for children

A young geographer is certainly interested in learning about as many amazing things about each country as possible. What to tell the child about this unknown state?

Tell us about what in Poland:

• Grows a quaint Curved forest with curved trees, reminiscent of magical plants;
• Is its own desert area of 33 square meters. Km;
• They speak one of the most complex and prevalent languages - Polish;
• There is a street named after Winnie the Pooh;
• Eat pizza with ketchup;
• One of the largest zoos and oceanariums is located;
• About 70% of amber products are produced;
• Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, congratulations to St. Nicholas, Gvyazdor or Angel;
• They often celebrate their birthday than the birthday;
• Many children and adults know the song "Let there always be sunshine" and gladly sing it.

Poland: interesting facts about the country for adults

This European state is unique in its own way. On its territory there are beautiful monuments of architecture and nature, and the established culture can surprise in many respects. What other features does this country contain? Consider 10 interesting facts about Poland:

1. Football is the country's most popular and favorite sport.
2. Compared with Europeans, the Poles create a family early enough. The average age of the newlyweds is 24 years.
3. Abortions are banned here, so the Poles' families are often numerous.
4. 98% of Poles are Catholics, very religious. Children are brought up in accordance with religious beliefs.
5. On Christmas Eve all institutions are closed. The population gathers at home by families and celebrates. No employer has the right to force a subordinate to work on that day.
6. Among the fast food is distributed kebab. Its composition is similar to shawarma, only it is placed not in lavash, but in half a loaf.
7. Poles do not have problems with being overweight. In addition, girls are always modestly dressed.
8. Here they are honored by courtesy and manners. Ladies welcome a kiss of the hand. With unfamiliar people they communicate with "you", adding in the reference to men the word "pan", and to the woman - "pani".
9. Here you can find combined monuments to the victims of Nazism and Soviet power. Poles are considered the most unloved nations of the Germans and Russians, although in fact they do not show aggression.
10. In houses it is not customary to bring lilacs. This is a sign of death.

Poland is a country with a centuries-old history, which, of course, is worth seeing live. The territory is 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, again increases. In search of something wonderful and beautiful, look to Poland. This country still did not leave anyone indifferent.