When Americans plan to visit Europe, countries like France, England, Germany, and Italy usually make the top of the wish list. But the European Union is home to a number of amazing countries that often fly under the US radar.
One such country is Poland. Here are just a few of the most interesting facts about Poland — and reasons that you should visit!
- Poland is bigger than both Italy and the UK.
Poland is the eighth largest country in Europe (or ninth if you include Russia). It’s just a little bit smaller than the state of New Mexico.
- Polish history is incredibly complicated.
If you’re someone who loves history and battles, try taking a peek into Polish history. The country has been invaded or fought for its freedom more than 40 times. The medieval era was a particularly complicated one for Poland, and it even disappeared from world maps for a period in the 1700s.
- Nicolaus Copernicus was Polish.
Copernicus was the first astronomer to propose that the Earth is not the center of the universe.
- Poland had the second constitution in the world.
Following the United States, Poland adopted its own constitution in 1791. Unfortunately, Poland’s first constitution only lasted a little over a year.
- Marie Curie was Polish.
The groundbreaking scientist is closely associated with France, but she was born and raised in Poland. Her given name was Maria Sklodowska.
- Poland has one of the world’s oldest salt mines.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine was built in the thirteenth century.
- Over 96% of Polish citizens identify as Roman Catholic.
That said, freedom of religion is a right in Poland.
- Poland is home to the oldest restaurant in Europe.
The restaurant Piwnica Swidnicka has been in operation since 1275.
- The Polish city of Wroclaw hosts a myriad of festivals every year.
Annual festivals that take place in Wroclaw celebrate literature, jazz music, and one-actor performances.
- Poland has the second oldest university in Europe.
Jagiellonian University was founded way back in 1364.
- Poland makes some great vodka.
Vodka is an important beverage in Poland, and a lot of the best vodkas in the world come from Poland. There is some debate, but many experts believe that vodka was invented in Poland. It was originally used as a medicine.
- College in Poland is free.
If you’re a Polish citizen, you can attend a state-run university without paying tuition.
- Poland’s land is very diverse.
The country is home to beaches and lakes, forests and mountains, and even deserts.
- Polish people like to celebrate their name days.
Many people in Poland celebrate their name day instead of their birthday. All of the most common Polish names are associated with a particular day of the year. These are feast days for particular Catholic saints.
- Polish is an incredibly hard language to learn.
It is considered one of the most complicated languages in the world thanks to additional tenses, letters, and difficult pronunciations.
- Poland is home to 15 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Thanks to its long and complicated history, Poland is home to a number of culturally significant monuments. Perhaps the most famous UNESCO site in Poland is the Nazi death camp, Auschwitz Birkenau.
- Poland has 24 national parks.
- Pol’and’Rock Festival is one of the largest free music festivals in the world.
The festival has been held every summer since 1995.
- Poland is home to a number of beautiful castles.
Many of Poland’s castles are open to the public.
- Americans don’t need a visa to visit Poland!
If you have a US passport, you don’t need to worry about Poland visas. If you have a passport from another country, give us a call to learn what requirements you might be subject to.
Rob Lee is co-founder of Swift Passport and Visa Services. Originally from Michigan, Rob is an avid fisherman and SCUBA diver who enjoys adventure travel.
COMMENTS
Awsome! Is is true about the scause and pizza? Enjio Poland!!!
The pizza fact is just party true. There is a tomato souce under the chesse. Ketchup is added and needed in Poland 🙂
i like it