Country Profile: Poland

Poland, located in Central Europe and bordered by Germany, Belarus, Czechia, and Ukraine among others, has a rich history that dates back to the 10th century. The country has a population of approximately 38.7 million people, characterized by a high level of urbanization and a strong cultural identity. Poland's economy is high-income and diversified, showcasing significant growth since its EU accession in 2004, primarily driven by private consumption and public investments. Governed as a parliamentary republic, Poland has made strides in democratic governance and civil liberties since the fall of communism.

Geography

Poland is situated in Central Europe, east of Germany, with a diverse landscape that includes flat plains and mountainous regions along its southern border. The country covers a total area of 312,685 sq km, with a coastline of 440 km along the Baltic Sea. Its temperate climate features cold winters and mild summers, making it conducive for agriculture, which utilizes about 46.3% of its land.

2,865 km: Total land boundaries with neighboring countries.
31.1%: Forest area as of 2022.
1,213 km: Length of the Wisla (Vistula) River, the longest river in Poland.

People and Society

As of 2024, Poland's population is estimated at 38,746,310, with the majority identifying as Polish (96.9%). The median age is 42.9 years, indicating an aging population. Polish is the official language, and over 84% of the population adheres to the Catholic faith. Major urban centers include Warsaw, Krakow, and Lodz.

60.2%: Urban population within the total population (2023).
19.8%: Percentage of the population aged 65 and over.
8.4 births/1,000: Birth rate as of 2024.

Economy

Poland's economy is characterized as high-income and diversified, showing significant recovery and growth since joining the EU. The GDP in 2024 is estimated to reach $1.649 trillion, with a real GDP per capita of $45,100. Key sectors include services, industry, and agriculture, with an unemployment rate forecasted at 2.5% in 2024.

59.9%: Contribution of services to GDP (2024).
12.2%: Percentage of the population below the poverty line (2023).
4.1%: Projected military expenditure as a percentage of GDP for 2024.

Government

Poland operates as a parliamentary republic, with its capital in Warsaw. The government structure includes a bicameral legislature (Sejm and Senate) and an executive branch led by President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The legal framework is based on a civil law system, and the country has been a member of the EU since 2004.

18 years: Universal suffrage age.
16: Number of administrative divisions known as provinces or voivodships.
3 May: Constitution Day, a national holiday.

Military and Security

The Polish Armed Forces consist of various branches, including the Land Forces, Navy, and Air Force. Military expenditures are projected to reach 4.1% of GDP by 2024, reflecting Poland's commitment to NATO defense initiatives. The military aims to increase personnel strength significantly in response to geopolitical tensions.

210,000: Approximate strength of military personnel (2024).
2.5%: Percentage of GDP allocated to military modernization and funding (2024).
15: Number of countries participating in joint military exercises with Poland.

Energy

Poland's energy landscape is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, primarily coal, which constitutes 72.7% of its electricity generation capacity. The country has made strides in renewable energy, with wind and solar sources accounting for 6.9% and 14.4% respectively.

100%: Electrification rate among the population (2022).
96.72 million metric tons: Coal production in 2023.
5.345 billion cubic meters: Natural gas production in 2023.

Environment

Poland faces several environmental challenges, including air and water pollution primarily due to industrial activity and coal combustion. The country is party to various international environmental agreements aimed at improving sustainability and addressing climate change.

26.4%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2015).
299.04 megatons: Carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels (2016).
60.5 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2020).

Transportation

Poland boasts a comprehensive transportation network, including significant railways, roads, and maritime capabilities. The country has 318 airports and a merchant marine comprising 152 vessels, facilitating both domestic and international travel and trade.

19,461 km: Total length of railways, with 11,946 km electrified.
10: Total number of major ports (2024).
4.987 million: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions reported in 2023.

Communications

Poland has a robust telecommunications network with high mobile and internet penetration. Approximately 86% of the population are internet users, reflecting the country's investment in modern communication infrastructure.

52.4 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).
10.1 million: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).
13: Fixed-line subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	38,746,310	2024 estimate
Area	312,685 sq km	Total area
GDP	$1.649 trillion	2024 estimate (PPP)
Unemployment Rate	2.5%	2024 estimate
Electricity Access	100%	Total population electrified (2022)
Birth Rate	8.4 births/1,000	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy	76.7 years	2024 estimate
Major Urban Areas Population	Warsaw: 1.798 million	Capital city population (2023)
Forest Area	31.1%	Percentage of total land (2022)
Dependency Ratio	51.6	Total dependency ratio (2024 estimate)