Dzień dobry! Welcome to the land of amber and resilient history—Poland, a central European nation that has served as a cultural bridge for over a millennium. There are around 38 million people living here, and the capital is Warsaw, a city that was meticulously rebuilt after World War II and is now a thriving hub of skyscrapers and history. The official language is Polish, known for its complex grammar and beautiful, sibilant sounds.

Poland covers about 312,696 square kilometers (120,733 square miles). To imagine its size, the country is roughly the same size as the state of New Mexico in the U.S., or about the same size as Italy. It features a diverse landscape, from the sandy beaches of the Baltic Sea in the north to the jagged peaks of the Tatra Mountains in the south.

The most popular sport is Football, but Poland is also a global powerhouse in Volleyball and Speedway racing. Their national animal is the White Eagle, which has been the symbol of the Polish state for over a thousand years.

The flag consists of two horizontal stripes of white and red, where the white represents the eagle and the red stands for the color of the shield.

The food is comforting, hearty, and deeply traditional. You must try Pierogi, versatile dumplings filled with everything from savory potato and cheese to sweet forest berries. Another staple is Bigos, known as “Hunter’s Stew,” made with sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, and various meats. For a snack on the go, grab an Obwarzanek in Krakow—a chewy, ring-shaped bread that is a predecessor to the bagel.

Poland is home to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, an underground “cathedral” carved entirely out of salt, including massive chandeliers and chapels. The country features the Białowieża Forest, the last and largest remaining part of the primeval forest that once stretched across the European Plain, where you can still find European bison roaming free. You can visit the Malbork Castle, the largest castle in the world by land area, built by the Teutonic Knights. For a somber look at history, the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial serves as a vital site for education and remembrance. Interestingly, Poland is home to the world’s oldest business, the Bochnia Salt Mine (operating since 1248), and was the first country in Europe to adopt a written constitution!

From the medieval charm of Kraków’s Main Square to the moving piano music of Frédéric Chopin, Poland is a land of incredible perseverance and soulful traditions. Dziękuję! That means “Thank you!”