For visitors...

In many ways, Poland is one of the success stories of the new Europe, transforming itself from a one-party state to a parliamentary democracy in a remarkably short period of time. More than a decade of non-communist governments has wrought profound changes on the country, unleashing entrepreneurial energies and widening cultural horizons in a way that pre-1989 generations would have scarcely thought possible. Gleaming corporate skyscrapers have taken root in Warsaw, and private shops and cafés have established themselves in even the most provincial of rural towns. The country has a radically different look about it, having exchanged the greyish tinge of a state-regulated society for the anything-goes attitude of private enterprise - and all the billboards and window displays that go with it.

Poland's foremost attractions include medieval architecture, cultural events, health spas, historical sights, art, scenery, beaches, hunting, opera, fishing, skiing and music festivals.

Poland shares borders with the Baltic Sea, the Russian Federation, Belarus, Ukraine, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic and the Federal Republic of Germany. Warsaw, the capital, was completely destroyed during World War II, but the Old Town has been completely rebuilt. The reconstructed Royal Castle is well worth seeing. The Lazienki Palace is set in a lovely park with an open-air Greek theatre and a monument to Chopin. Krakow, Poland’s second city, still retains its charming medieval air, having largely escaped destruction during the War. In the centre is the Cloth Hall built in the 14th century. Opposite is St Mary’s Church, famous for its wooden altar carved by Wit Stwosz. Gdansk, formerly known as Danzig, was also destroyed in World War II, but has also been restored to its former beauty. Sights include the Town Hall, the 17th-century Golden Gate and the largest Gothic church in Poland. Popular dishes include zrazy zawijane (mushroom-stuffed beefsteak rolls in sour cream) served with boiled kasza (buckwheat) and pigs’ knuckles. Poland has strong theatrical and musical traditions. Warsaw and the main cities have theatres and opera companies that put on a whole range of musical and cultural programmes for both locals and visitors.

Basics

Full country name: Republic of Poland
Area: 312,685 sq km
Population: 38.62 million
Capital City: Warsaw (pop 1.75 million)
People: 98% Polish, plus Ukrainian and Belorussian minorities
Language: Polish, German, English
Religion: 95% Roman Catholic
Government: republic
Head of State: President
Head of Government: Prime Minister

GDP: US$373.2 billion
GDP per capita: US$9,700
Inflation: 4%
Major Industries: Machinery, iron & steel, chemicals & agriculture
Major Trading Partners: EU (esp. France, German, Italy, UK), Russia
Member of EU: Yes

Passport/Visa U.S.: Australian and Canadian citizens need both passport and visa. U.K. and U.S. citizens need passport, but no visa required for a visit of up to three months. Proof of onward passage and sufficient funds required for all. Passports must be valid for six months after scheduled departure from Poland. Reconfirm travel document requirements with your carrier before departure.
Telephone Codes: 48, country code; 22, Warsaw city code; 12, Krakow city code
Time Zone: 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+1 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is not observed
Tipping Overview: Tip taxi drivers and waitstaff 10% (if a service charge has not been included in the bill).
Voltage Requirements: 220 volts

When To Go

The best time to visit is May-September. Summer days can be hot, but take a sweater for evenings. Winters are wet, cold, dreary and not a great time to visit unless you're interested in skiing (December-April). In May and June, the fields are overrun by wildflowers: poppies, cornflowers and daisies. October is also a good time to go, because the weather is mild and there are no crowds.