Poland

Europe
Central Europe, east of Germany.

52 00 N, 20 00 E

President Bronisław Komorowski	Prime Minister Donald Tusk

Capital
Warsaw

Government
Parliamentary republic

Religion
Roman Catholic 89.8% (about 75% practicing), Eastern Orthodox 1.3%, Protestant 0.3%, other 0.3%, unspecified 8.3%.

Population
38,463,689

Ethnic group
Polish 96.7%, German 0.4%, Belarusian 0.1%, Ukrainian 0.1%, other and unspecified 2.7%.

National Language                   
Polish
          
National Day
3 May (1791)

Anthem
Mazurek Dąbrowskiego (Dąbrowski's Mazurka)

Currency
Złoty (PLN)

Attractions
Gdansk Historic Center,  Krakow Old Town,  Malbork Castle, Torun Old Town,  Wawel Royal Castle, Warsaw Old Town Marketplace,  Wielicska Salt Mine,  Zamosc Old Town 

Website       

Art & Cultural

The ICON

Wawel Castle The Gothic Wawel Castle in Cracow in Poland was built at the behest of Casimir III the Great and consists of a number of structures situated around the central courtyard. In the 14th century it was rebuilt by Jogaila and Jadwiga of Poland. Their reign saw the addition of the tower called the Hen's Foot (Kurza Stopka) and the Danish Tower. The Jadwiga and Jogaila Chamber, in which the sword Szczerbiec, was used in coronation ceremonies, is exhibited today and is another remnant of this period. Other structures were developed on the hill during that time as well, in order to serve as quarters for the numerous clergy, royal clerks and craftsmen. Defensive walls and towers such as Jordanka, Lubranka, Sandomierska, Tęczyńska, Szlachecka, Złodziejska and Panieńska were erected in the same period.

Wawel Castle