The Republic of] Poland is a country located in Central Europe, between Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, and Russia. The population of Poland is approximately 38,500,000 people. The Polish state was formed over 1,000 years ago under the Piast Dynasty, and reached its Golden Age near the end of the 16th century under the Jagiellonian Dynasty, when Poland was one of the largest, wealthiest, and most powerful countries in Europe. There is a vast political history to this country, and some studying on the subject might add even more meaning to your visit. Of all the countries involved in World War II, Poland lost the highest percentage of citizens, over 6,000,000 perished; half of them Polish Jews. Poland also made up the fourth largest troops contribution to combat the German army. At the end of the war, Poland's borders were shifted. Poland consists almost totally of the lowlands of the North European Plains, although the Carpathian Mountains is where you'll find Poland's highest point, Rysy, at 2,499m (8,199 ft) from the southern border. In addition to the large rivers crossing the plains, Poland contains over 9,300 lakes, predominantly in the north. Masuria forms the largest and most visited lake district in the country. There are also remains of the ancient forests in the Bialowieza Forest. The climate is temperate, with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters, and mild summers with frequent showers and thunderstorms. Poland entertains a number of industries, and manufactures clothing, electronics, cars, buses, helicopters, planes, ships, military engineering, medicines, food, chemicals, etc. Polish culture, like its politics, has a long rich, history. These influences are evident in architecture, folklore, and art. There are currently 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Poland, all of which should be seen and duly appreciated in its own right. Many of the sites are concentration camps from World War II, others are forests, churches, and castles. There is a reason to visit all (or at least some); to travel to Poland and not visit or seek them out is not a fair representation of your travel opportunities.

Gdansk

Katowice

Krakow