Poland is a country located in Central Europe, with a population of over 38 million people. The capital and largest city is Warsaw, and the official language is Polish. Poland has a long history dating back to the 10th century and has experienced periods of independence as well as occupation. Today, Poland is a republic with a predominantly Catholic population and a temperate climate. Notable aspects of Polish culture include a rich architectural heritage, traditional folk music, and cuisine featuring meat and winter vegetables. Popular sports in Poland include football, track and field, and winter sports.