Poland

Poland is a large country in Central Europe. It has a long and proud history. Poland has beautiful medieval cities, thick forests, and sandy Baltic Sea beaches. Many brave and famous people came from Poland.

Land and People

About 38 million people live in Poland. The capital is Warsaw. Poland has flat plains, lake districts, and the Tatra Mountains in the south. The Bialowieza Forest is one of the last ancient forests in Europe where wild bison still roam.

Rebuilt wooden village showing how people lived long ago.
Rebuilt wooden village showing how people lived long ago. (Ludek / Wikimedia Commons)

Culture and Fun Facts

Polish people love pierogi, which are dumplings stuffed with potatoes, cheese, or meat. Marie Curie, who discovered radium, was born in Poland. Soccer is the top sport. Christmas Eve dinner in Poland traditionally has 12 dishes.

Fun Facts

  • Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, was born in Warsaw, Poland.
  • Poland has one of the last ancient forests in Europe with wild European bison.
  • The Wieliczka Salt Mine near Krakow has an entire chapel carved out of salt.

Did You Know?

The Wieliczka Salt Mine near Krakow has been in use for over 700 years. Deep underground, miners carved statues, chandeliers, and even a whole chapel out of salt. Everything you see, including the floor, walls, and ceiling, is made of salt.