Country Profile: Poland

Poland, located in Central Europe, shares borders with Germany, the Czech Republic, and Ukraine among others. It has a population of approximately 38.7 million, predominantly ethnic Poles, and is characterized by a varied economy that has experienced significant growth since joining the European Union in 2004. Governance is structured as a parliamentary republic, with a legal system based on civil law. The country boasts a rich historical tapestry and diverse cultural heritage.

Geography

Poland's geographical location places it in the heart of Europe, bordered by several countries including Germany to the west and Ukraine to the east. The terrain is largely flat with mountains in the south, and it features a temperate climate, experiencing cold winters and mild summers. Major natural resources include coal, copper, and arable land, while the country also has a 440 km coastline along the Baltic Sea.

Total area: 312,685 sq km
Population distribution: Concentrated in southern areas around Krakow and central areas around Warsaw and Lodz
Major rivers: Vistula River, 1,213 km long
Natural resources: Coal, sulfur, copper, natural gas
Irrigated land: 1,327 sq km (2016)
Forest cover: 31% of land area (2023 est.)

People and Society

With a total population of approximately 38.7 million, Poland's society is predominantly Polish, with minimal presence from other ethnic groups. The nation has a median age of 42.9 years and a growing ethno-cultural diversity that includes languages recognized as regional or minority. The majority religion is Roman Catholicism, which influences many aspects of societal norms and values.

Total population: 38,746,310 (2024 est.)
Life expectancy: 76.7 years (2024 est.)
Urban population: 60.2% (2023)
Infant mortality rate: 4.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.32 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth: 27.9 years (2020 est.)
Obesity rate: 23.1% (2016)

Economy

Poland's economy is classified as high-income and diversified, benefiting greatly from its EU membership, which has accelerated growth in GDP and trade. The service sector dominates the economy, contributing nearly 60% of GDP, followed by industry and agriculture. Poland has shown resilience in economic performance despite challenges such as inflation and increasing public debt due to rising social spending.

Real GDP (PPP): $1.649 trillion (2024 est.)
GDP per capita: $45,100 (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate: 2.5% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate: 3.8% (2024 est.)
Agricultural sector contribution: 2.6% of GDP (2024 est.)
Public debt: 50.6% of GDP (2017 est.)
Current account balance: $1.789 billion (2024 est.)

Government

Poland operates as a parliamentary republic with the capital in Warsaw. The government is divided into executive, legislative, and judicial branches, with a bicameral legislature consisting of the Sejm and the Senate. The country’s political framework is characterized by a commitment to democratic principles, illustrated through regular elections and a strong constitution.

Government type: Parliamentary republic
Capital: Warsaw
Latest constitution adopted: 2 April 1997
Suffrage age: 18 years
Number of provinces: 16
Chief of state: President Karol Nawrocki (since 6 August 2025)
Legislature: Bicameral (Sejm with 460 members; Senate with 100 members)

Military and Security

The Polish Armed Forces are structured to ensure national defense and fulfill commitments to NATO. Poland is enhancing its military capabilities and modernization, with an aim to double the size of its armed forces. The country contributes to international missions, maintaining a focus on territorial security.

Active military personnel: Approximately 235,000 (2025)
Military spending: 4.5% of GDP (2025 est.)
Military deployments: 250 troops in Kosovo; 300 in Latvia (2025)
Defense modernization plan: $50 billion over 7 years (announced in 2018)
Military age: 18 years for voluntary service
Military equipment: Mix of Soviet-era and NATO-compatible systems
Cybersecurity forces: Established to combat modern threats

Energy

Poland's energy sector heavily relies on fossil fuels, particularly coal, which dominates electricity generation. The country is increasingly adopting renewable energy sources, but coal remains a substantial part of its energy mix. Poland aims for sustainable energy development while ensuring energy security.

Total electricity production capacity: 64.806 million kW (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita: 103.651 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Coal production: 96.72 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Natural gas consumption: 20.602 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Electricity access: 100% of total population (2022 est.)
Renewable energy share: 22.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity imports: 15.14 billion kWh (2023 est.)

Environment

Poland faces several environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, largely stemming from industrial activity and coal burning. The government participates in international environmental agreements to mitigate these issues while managing natural resources and promoting sustainability.

Carbon dioxide emissions: 264.031 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Municipal solid waste generated: 12.758 million tons (2024 est.)
Recycling rate: 38.3% of municipal solid waste (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources: 60.5 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Environmental agreements: A party to major protocols including the Paris Agreement
Air quality issue: Air pollution remains a significant concern
Forested area: 31% of land (2023 est.)

Transportation

Poland's transportation infrastructure includes an extensive railway system and numerous airports, supporting both domestic and international travel. The development of ports along the Baltic Sea enhances trade capabilities, while the government invests in modernizing transport networks.

Total railways: 19,461 km (2020)
Airports: 318 by 2025
Ports: 10 major ports with key facilities at Gdansk and Gdynia
Merchant marine: 152 vessels (2023)
Civil aviation registration code: SP
Heliports: 16 (2025)
Public transport availability: Expanding in urban areas

Communications

Poland has well-developed communication infrastructure, with a high percentage of internet users and extensive mobile network coverage. The media landscape includes state-run and private broadcasters, providing diverse information sources to the population.

Internet users: 86% of the population (2023 est.)
Mobile cellular subscriptions: 52.4 million (2023 est.)
Fixed-line telephone subscriptions: 4.987 million (2023 est.)
Broadband subscriptions: 10.1 million (2023 est.)
Television and radio networks: Multiple state-run and private outlets
Fixed-line subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media: State and private networks serving national and regional areas

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	38,746,310	(2024 est.)
Area	312,685 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$1.649 trillion	(2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	2.5%	(2024 est.)
Birth Rate	8.4 births/1,000 population	(2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	76.7 years	(2024 est.)
Total Fertility Rate	1.32 children born/woman	(2024 est.)
Electricity Access	100%	(2022 est.)
Renewable Energy Share	22.5% of total capacity	(2023 est.)
Public Debt	50.6% of GDP	(2017 est.)