Poland, edged by Baltic Sea in the north and surrounded by the Czech Republic, Germany, the Russian Federation and the Ukraine, is a popular European tourist destination. It offers visitors the opportunity to explore its rich history, culture and natural beauty.
Labelled as an indestructible nation, Poland has risen majestically to modernity after remaining under communism for years. The attractions include more than 100 ancient castles, countless timber-built churches, medieval villages and towns and beautiful forests.
With a population of over 38 million, Poland is a major hub for Nazi forces during the World War II, now considered as one of Europe’s most modern countries. Poland is regarded as a safe, friendly country that extends a warm welcome to its tourists.
Tourism
Not to be missed in Poland for tourists are Wieliczka Salt Mine. The total length of the corridor is 350km of which only 2 km is open to the visitors. One get to see bas-reliefs, extraordinary chambers, chandeliers and a chapel, all sculpted in salt. The beach resort at Sopot has Europe’s longest pier, 500m/1,640ft.
In Zamosc, one should visit the Renaissance-style market square, among the chosen UNESCO sites in Poland. The medieval walled town of Torun is popular for its gingerbread and leaning tower which has a vertical deviation of 4.5 feet. Gdansk attractions include St Mary’s Basilica, the largest gothic church in Poland.
Poland’s fourth-biggest city, Wroclaw comprises of a series of islands that boasts around 100 bridges. In 2012, Poland, along with Ukraine, will host Euro 2012, the 14th European Football Championship.
Accommodation
Most of the major international hotel chains are present in Poland. There are over 150 hostels in Poland which are open throughout the year, during summer season there are around 450 of them open for public. Agricultural tourism is a recent concept that has evolved. These accommodations encourage the concept of living closer to the land. There are over 200 campsites in Poland.
Food
Poland has a distinct cuisine though it has mild influence from the cuisines of France and Italy. Poland is also known for its exclusive hand-made, Oscypek and Bryndza.
Weather
The climate of Poland is always pleasant – summer is warm, autumn is crisp and sunny and winter is cold. The south of Poland is covered with snow from mid December to April. Poland experiences rainfall throughout the year. The months of May till September are the busiest travel months.
General | |
Language | Polish |
Time Zone | CET(UTC +1) summer(DST) CEST(UTC +2) |
Dialing Code | +48 |
Electricity | 230V, 50Hz |
Major Cities | Cracow, Gdansk, Poznan, Szczecin, Warsaw, Wroclaw |
Currency | Zloty |
Clothing | It is not too hot in summers but winters get really cold. |
Health Related |
|
Mortality Rate | 6.66 deaths/1,000 population |
Life Expectancy | M 72/ F 80 |
Patient: Physician ratio | 400: 1 |
Hospitals JCI accredited | 0 |
Recommended Vaccinations | Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Influenza, Tickborne encephalitis, Diphtheria-tetanus, MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella), Varicella |
Other Infections | Lyme disease, Diphtheria, Brucellosis, HIV |
Tourism Related |
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Population | 38,192,000 |
Global Competitiveness | 4.51 |
Tourism Competitiveness | 4.2/7 |
GDP/Capita | 12,260 |
Health and Hygiene | 4.5/7 |
Safety and Security | 4.6/7 |
Air Transport Infrastructure | 2.7/7 |
Tourism Infrastructure | 3.5/7 |
Cultural Infrastructure | 5.1/7 |
Visa Requirements | 40/133 |
Reliability of Police Services | 86/133 |
Physician Density | 56/133 |
Hospital Beds | 33/133 |
Quality of Air Transport Infrastructure | 103/133 |
International Air Transport Network | 92/133 |
Quality of Roads | 127/133 |
Hotel Rooms | 75/133 |
Tourism Openness | 75/133 |
Attitude of Population Towards Foreign Visitors | 125/133 |