Situated at the centre of Europe, and the largest of the former Eastern European states, Poland’s position is crucial. The principal city in the southwest and the capital of Lower Silesia, Wroclaw (Breslau) can claim to be the cradle of the Polish state: it was here that the Polanie tribe built their first fortified settlement (on Ostrow Tumski Island).

The country is best remembered for being the birthplace of the former Soviet bloc's first officially recognised independent mass political movement when strikes at the Gdansk shipyard in August 1980 led to agreement with the authorities on the establishment of the Solidarnosc (Solidarity) trade union. Opposition to the regime was significantly led by elements of the industrial work force – in contrast to movements elsewhere in Eastern Europe which were led by intellectuals. It was also supported by the Catholic Church, a major political force in Poland that the communists had never been able to fully suppress.

Elections in summer 1989 ushered in eastern Europe's first post-Communist government. A member of the European Union, the country has achieved some success in creating a market economy and attracting foreign investment although growth remains low.

Today, Poland is also one of the major destinations for travellers. Its beauty can be admired in both its old cities and in the wild scenery of its national parks and nature reserves. The country’s regions are largely divided into horizontal bands: the Baltic Coast and the hilly post-glacial lake district. Central Poland is split into northern lowlands and southern uplands, including the Kraków-Wielun Upland with its limestone areas, caves and medieval castles. The Carpathian Mountains, including the Tatras, lie in the extreme south; their mountain scenery, folklore and sports facilities are important parts of their charm.

Poland is a nation with a proud cultural heritage and strong theatrical and musical traditions. Warsaw and the main cities have theatres and opera companies that put on a whole range of musical and cultural programmes for both locals and visitors.