Poland is a country located in Central Europe. It has a population of over 38 million people and its capital and largest city is Warsaw. Poland has a long and complex history, having been partitioned in the late 18th century between Austria, Prussia and Russia before re-emerging as an independent nation after World War I. In recent decades, Poland has transitioned from a communist state to a democratic republic and has joined both NATO and the European Union.

1. 1. Poland’s position Area: 312 679 sq kms Language: polish Capital City: Warsaw Government: Republic Currency: zloty (1 zl » 3 USD » 4 €) Location: Middle-East Europe Poland borders with: » Russia/Kaliningrad » Latvia » Belorussia » Ukraine » Slovakia (EU) » Czech Republic (EU) » Germany (EU)

2. Poland in Europe

3. Poland is divided into 16 districts: Greater Poland

4. Kuyavian – Pomeranian

5. Lesser Poland

6. Łódź

7. Lower Silesian

8. Lublin

9. Lubusz

10. Masovian

11. Opole

12. Podlasie

13. Pomeranian

14. Silesian

15. Subcarpathian

16. Świętokrzyska

17. Warmian – Masurian

18. West Pomeranian

19. The major polish cities Major cities: » Warsaw (1,6 mln) » Lodz (0,8 mln) » Cracow (0,7 mln) » Wroclaw (0,6 mln) » Poznan (0,5 mln) » Gdansk (0,5 mln) » Szczecin (0,4 mln)

20. 2. Population and religion Population of Poland: 38,7 million Minorities: Belarussians, Ukrainians, Germaans

21. 3 . The most important dates in the history of Poland 966 adoption of Christianity by prince Mieszko I. Traditional date of origin of Polish state.

22. 1025 Bolesław I (the Brave) recognized as first king of Poland.

23. 1385 Begining of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth under Jagiellon Dynasty.

24. 1772-95 Austria, Prussia, and Russia impose first partition of Poland. There were three partitions of Poland.

25. 1914-18 World War I results in collapse of all partition powers and rise of independent Second Republic of Poland. 1919-21 War with Soviet Russia; Poland avoids Soviet conquest and gains narrow victory.

26. 1939 World War II begins with September invasions of Poland by Nazi Germany and Soviet Union; Polish forces defeated. Polish government-in-exile forms in London.

27. 1944 The Warsaw Uprising - Poland comes under Soviet control.

28. 1947 Poland becomes a Communist People's Republic.

29. 1978 Cardinal Karol Wojtyła, elected pope, takes the name John Paul II.

30. 1980 Nationwide worker strikes culminate in occupation of Lenin Shipyard in Gdańsk; state authorities sign Gdansk Accords, acceding to striker demands. Birth of the Solidarity trade union.