Poland has an approximate population of 39 million people. The official language is Polish. Poland gained its independence in 1918 only to be overrun by Germany and the Soviet Union in World War II. It became a Soviet satellite country following the war, but one that was comparatively tolerant and progressive. Labor turmoil in 1980 led to the formation of the independent trade union "Solidarity" that over time became a political force and by 1990 had swept parliamentary elections and the presidency. 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 the NATO alliance in 1999 and the European Union in 2004.

Poland is in the center of Europe. To the west, the Polish/German border runs along the Oder and Neisse rivers. To the north, Poland is bordered by the Baltic Sea and by Russia. Poland is separated from the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south by the Sudeten and Carpathian Mountains, whilst its eastern neighbors are Lithuania, Belarus and the Ukraine. Poland is a flat country with an average height above sea level of 173 in (568 ft). Over 75% of the country lies below 200 m (650 ft).

Parliamentary democracy was established in Poland in 1991. As a consequence of these essential changes in the socio-political system, the name of the state reverted to its historical antecedent: the Republic of Poland. The supreme state authority is the Sejm (Lower House), but its powers are, to a certain extent held in check by the Senate and the President. The Senate speaks for local government, as well as being a watchdog for civil rights and liberties.

The climate is temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters and frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and thundershowers complete the calendar.

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Poland on the Web:
https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/pl.html
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/europe/poland/
http://www.poland.pl/