Country exposure · PL
Poland
Europe · Warsaw · parliamentary republic
What Poland means for your money — the prices you pay, the tariffs in motion, and where U.S. policy could change both.
$14.1B
U.S. imports, 2025
+3%
change in one year
$14.3B
U.S. exports, 2025
39M
Population
$914.7B
GDP
In your house
What you buy that Poland makes
America bought $14.1B in goods from Poland in 2025. Of every $100 of it, here's where the money went.
Engines-civilian aircraft
$1.3B9.6%
Electric apparatus
$1.1B7.9%
Other parts and accessories of vehicles
car parts and accessories
$1.1B7.5%
Industrial machines, other
$1.0B7.2%
Furniture, household goods, etc.
furniture, mattresses, lamps
$523M3.7%
Finished metal shapes
$517M3.7%
U.s. goods returned, and reimports
$513M3.6%
Industrial engines
$417M3%
Medicinal equipment
medical devices and equipment
$412M2.9%
Industrial supplies, other
$398M2.8%
2026 so far (through April): $4.7B in imports. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, International Trade in Goods (customs basis).
The other direction
What America sells to Poland
$14.3B in 2025 — a trade rupture cuts both ways, for American producers as well as American prices.
Civilian aircraft, engines, equipment, and parts
$2.9BGas-natural
$1.7BMilitary trucks, armored vehicles, etc.
$832MIndustrial machines, other
$586MTelecommunications equipment
$527Mphones, routers, networking gear
Semiconductors
$425Msemiconductors and chips
Crude oil
$380MFuel oil
$347MMinimum value shipments
$308MWhere you stand
U.S. tariff posture toward Poland
Since February 24, 2026 most EU goods face the universal 10% Section 122 temporary import surcharge, which replaced the framework's 15% all-inclusive IEEPA structure when EO 14389 terminated the reciprocal tariffs. The framework's Section 232 terms persist: EU autos at 15%, and the April 2026 metals expansion expressly preserved the EU's trade-agreement-partner treatment (steel and aluminum otherwise at 50%).
The United States negotiates tariffs with the European Union as a single market — every measure here applies to Poland as an EU member.
Reciprocal tariff (assigned — terminated)
20%
The rate this country was assigned under the EO 14257 reciprocal Annex — no longer in force. The Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs and they were terminated February 24, 2026 (EO 14389), replaced by a universal ~10% Section 122 surcharge. See the timeline below for the current effective rate.
Section 232 sectors
Autos, Wood
Steel, aluminum, autos, and similar national-security tariffs that name this country.
Policy in motion
Tariff status: a moving target
U.S. tariff policy toward the European Union — and with it Poland — has changed 11 times since 2025. This page tracks it.
2026-04-06
EU treatment preserved in expanded metals tariffs
In effectThe April 2026 proclamation expanding Section 232 coverage of aluminum, steel, and copper derivatives expressly does not alter or supersede the prior U.S.–EU agreement implementation, and lists the EU among 'Trade Agreement Partners' eligible for its exclusion process.
91 FR 18201 →2026-02-24
IEEPA reciprocal tariffs terminated — replaced by 10% Section 122
In effectExecutive Order 14389 (Ending Certain Tariff Actions) terminated the IEEPA tariff duties — including those under EO 14257, the basis of the EU's 15% all-inclusive structure — effective February 24, 2026. A flat 10% Section 122 temporary import surcharge (Proclamation 11012 of February 20, 2026) replaced them. The framework's Section 232 terms (the 15% EU autos cap, metals carve-outs) rest on separate authority and were expressly unaffected.
91 FR 9437 →2025-09-25
Framework implemented: preferential treatment for certain EU goods
In effectActing under the September 8, 2025 procedures order, Commerce and USTR modified the HTSUS to implement the framework — preferential (zero) reciprocal treatment for certain EU goods and a reduction of the Section 232 automobile and parts duty to 15% for EU-origin vehicles.
90 FR 46136 →2025-08-21
U.S.–EU Framework Agreement joint statement
AgreementThe United States and the European Union issued the Joint Statement on a Framework on an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade: the U.S. committed to the 15% all-inclusive ceiling, zero reciprocal duty on certain products, and a cut of the Section 232 automobile duty to 15%; the EU committed to eliminate tariffs on U.S. industrial goods and expand agricultural access, plus $750B in U.S. energy procurement through 2028.
Source ↗2025-08-07
15% all-inclusive structure replaces the 20% rate
In effectThe July 31, 2025 order ('Further Modifying the Reciprocal Tariff Rates') gave the EU a unique structure effective August 7, 2025: for goods with an MFN (Column 1) rate below 15%, the reciprocal duty tops the total up to exactly 15%; goods with an MFN rate of 15% or higher pay no additional reciprocal duty.
Federal Register · 2025-15010 →2025-07-09
Reciprocal-rate pause extended to August 1
In effectThe July 7, 2025 order extended the suspension of country-specific reciprocal rates through August 1, 2025, keeping the EU at the 10% baseline while framework talks continued.
90 FR 30823 →2025-06-04
Section 232 steel and aluminum duties doubled to 50%
In effectThe June 3, 2025 proclamation raised Section 232 duties on steel and aluminum articles and derivatives from 25% to 50% effective June 4, 2025, with no EU carve-out.
90 FR 24199 →2025-04-10
90-day pause suspends the 20% rate back to 10%
In effectThe April 9, 2025 modification order suspended country-specific reciprocal rates for 90 days for all partners except China, returning the EU to the 10% universal baseline effective April 10, 2025 while negotiations proceeded.
90 FR 15625 →2025-04-09
EU country-specific reciprocal rate of 20% takes effect
In effectAnnex I of Executive Order 14257 assigned the European Union a 20% country-specific reciprocal rate, effective April 9, 2025 — the rate still carried for the EU in the HTS Chapter 99 Subchapter III note.
Federal Register · 2025-06063 →2025-04-05
Universal 10% reciprocal baseline takes effect
In effectExecutive Order 14257 (signed April 2, 2025) imposed a 10% ad valorem reciprocal duty on imports from all trading partners, including the EU, effective April 5, 2025. The order singled out the EU's 5% average MFN rate and 10% passenger-vehicle tariff as examples of non-reciprocal treatment.
Federal Register · 2025-06063 →2025-03-12
Section 232 steel and aluminum arrangements terminated — 25% duties on EU metals
In effectProclamations of February 10, 2025 ended the EU's tariff-rate-quota arrangements for steel and aluminum and raised the aluminum duty from 10% to 25%, applying 25% Section 232 duties to EU steel and aluminum effective March 12, 2025.
90 FR 9817 →
Made for America
What Poland makes for America
Poland is a direct U.S. source of 12 essential goods Americans rely on — the items themselves, shipped finished off the line.
materials
1% of U.S.Auto parts and repairs
$882M to the U.S.
materials
2% of U.S.Copper and electrical wiring
$455M to the U.S.
digital
2% of U.S.Lithium-ion batteries
$399M to the U.S.
materials
1% of U.S.Furniture
$372M to the U.S.
materials
1% of U.S.Plumbing pipes and fittings
$211M to the U.S.
food
1% of U.S.Seafood and fish
$207M to the U.S.
digital
Fiber optic cables and networking
$184M to the U.S.
logistics
2% of U.S.Port and crane equipment
$165M to the U.S.
digital
2% of U.S.Cameras & photo equipment
$152M to the U.S.
food
2% of U.S.Chocolate and cocoa products
$136M to the U.S.
digital
Servers and cloud hardware
$116M to the U.S.
materials
2% of U.S.Glass and windows
$99M to the U.S.
Go deeper
The supply chain view
Poland sits upstream of 24 essential American goods through 12 tracked inputs.
agricultural
9%Frozen Vegetables (commodity)
chemical
9%Melamine (Laminates / Concrete Superplasticizers / Flame Retardants)
manufactured
8%Pen Needles (Subcutaneous Injection)
manufactured
7%Appliance Gears & Transmission Assembly
chemical
6%Sulfur dioxide (sulphitation agent)
manufactured
5%Steel Forgings (Axles, Gears, Shafts)
Reference
The country itself
Europe · Geography, people, economy, and government — public-domain data from the CIA World Factbook.
Poland's history as a state began near the middle of the 10th century. By the mid-16th century, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth ruled a vast tract of land in Central and Eastern Europe. During the 18th century, internal disorder weakened the nation, and in a series of agreements between 1772 and 1795, Russia, Prussia, and Austria partitioned Poland among themselves. Poland regained its independence in 1918 only to be overrun by Germany and the Soviet Union in World War II. It became a Soviet satellite state following the war. Labor turmoil in 1980 led to the formation of the independent trade union Solidarity that over time became a political force with over 10 million members. Free elections in 1989 and 1990 won Solidarity control of the parliament and the presidency, bringing the communist era to a close. A "shock therapy" program during the early 1990s enabled the country to transform its economy into one of the most robust in Central Europe. Poland joined NATO in 1999 and the EU in 2004.
Geography
- Location
- Central Europe, east of Germany
- Area
- 312,685 sq km
- Climate
- temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and thundershowers
- Terrain
- mostly flat plain; mountains along southern border
- Natural resources
- coal, sulfur, copper, natural gas, silver, lead, salt, amber, arable land
- Coastline
- 440 km
- Natural hazards
- flooding
People & society
- Population
- 38,746,310 (2024 est.)
- Nationality
- Pole(s)
- Ethnic groups
- Polish 96.9%, Silesian 1.1%, German 0.2%, Ukrainian 0.1%, other and unspecified 1.7% (2011 est.)
- Languages
- Polish (official) 98.2%, Silesian 1.4%, other 1.1%, unspecified 1.2% (2011 est.)
- Religions
- Roman Catholic 70.7%, refused to answer 20.9%, no religion 6.9%; less than 1 percent: Orthodox, Jehovah Witness, Evangelic of Augsburg, Greek Catholic, Pentecostal, other Protestant, not stated, old Catholic Mariavite Church, other Christians, Islam, Buddhist, Polish Catholic Church, other, Baptist Union of Poland, Pagan, Seventh Day Adventist, Hindu, other Catholic (2021 est.)
- Median age
- 43.4 years (2025 est.)
- Life expectancy at birth
- 76.7 years (2024 est.)
Economy
- Economic overview
- high-income, diversified, EU-member economy; significant growth in GDP, trade, and investment since joining EU in 2004; private consumption and EU-funded public investments driving GDP growth; increased social spending, flooding recovery costs, and defense spending have added to public debt
- Industries
- machine building, iron and steel, coal mining, chemicals, shipbuilding, food processing, glass, beverages, textiles
- Agricultural products
- sugar beets, milk, wheat, maize, potatoes, triticale, apples, rapeseed, barley, rye (2023)
- Exports - partners
- Germany 25%, UK 6%, Czechia 6%, France 6%, Italy 5% (2023)
- Imports - partners
- Germany 22%, China 12%, Italy 5%, Netherlands 4%, USA 4% (2023)
Government
- Government type
- parliamentary republic
- Capital
- Warsaw
- Independence
- 11 November 1918 (republic proclaimed); notable earlier dates: 14 April 966 (adoption of Christianity, traditional founding date), 1 July 1569 (Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth created)
- Constitution
- several previous; latest adopted 2 April 1997, approved by referendum 25 May 1997, effective 17 October 1997
- Executive branch
- President Karol NAWROCKI (since 6 August 2025)
- Legislative branch
- bicameral
Full reference data
Every field, by section — CIA World Factbook. Open a topic to expand it.
Introduction
Background
Poland's history as a state began near the middle of the 10th century. By the mid-16th century, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth ruled a vast tract of land in Central and Eastern Europe. During the 18th century, internal disorder weakened the nation, and in a series of agreements between 1772 and 1795, Russia, Prussia, and Austria partitioned Poland among themselves. Poland regained its independence in 1918 only to be overrun by Germany and the Soviet Union in World War II. It became a Soviet satellite state following the war. Labor turmoil in 1980 led to the formation of the independent trade union Solidarity that over time became a political force with over 10 million members. Free elections in 1989 and 1990 won Solidarity control of the parliament and the presidency, bringing the communist era to a close. A "shock therapy" program during the early 1990s enabled the country to transform its economy into one of the most robust in Central Europe. Poland joined NATO in 1999 and the EU in 2004.
Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Poland. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. No need for blank pages for entry stamp. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
[48] (22) 504-2000; US Embassy Warsaw, Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31, 00-540 Warsaw, Poland; acswarsaw@state.gov; https://pl.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code
48
Local Emergency Phone
112, 999
Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations http://www.who.int/
Climate
Temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and thundershowers
Currency (Code)
Zlotych (PLN)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E
Major Languages
Polish, Silesian
Major Religions
Catholic 85.9% (includes Roman Catholic, Greek Catholic, Armenian Catholic, and Byzantine-Slavic Catholic), Orthodox 1.3%, Protestant 0.4%
Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Gdansk Old Town; Bialowieza Forest; Wieliczka & Bochnia Royal Salt Mine; Malbork Castle; Slowinski Sand Dunes; Masurian Lakeland; Wawel Castle & Cathedral; Krakow; Warsaw (includes Wilanow Palace, Palace on the Water); Auschwitz
Major Sports
Soccer, motorsports, volleyball, ski jumping, track and field
Cultural Practices
Many households will ask you to remove your shoes upon entry.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is expected for good service in restaurants, especially in tourist areas such as Krakow or Warsaw. The norm is to tip around 10-15%. Hotel housekeepers do not expect a tip, but leaving a small amount (10 zlotych), is appreciated. Tipping a tour driver 10-15% is customary.
Souvenirs
Amber jewelry and decorative items, natural linen, painted ceramic pottery and stoneware, traditional costumes, vodka
Traditional Cuisine
Bigos — a stew of white cabbage, sauerkraut (fermented cabbage), mushrooms, tomatoes, ham, and meats such as pork, beef, veal, bacon, or venison; Pierogi – small dumplings stuffed with either savory or sweet fillings including cheese, onions, ground meat, mushrooms, potatoes, sauerkraut, or various berries
CIA source last updated
Wednesday, October 05, 2022
Travel resources
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency? Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, October 05, 2022
Geography
Location
Central Europe, east of Germany
Geographic coordinates
52 00 N, 20 00 E
Map references
Europe
Area - total
312,685 sq km
Area - land
304,255 sq km
Area - water
8,430 sq km
Area - comparative
about twice the size of Georgia; slightly smaller than New Mexico
Land boundaries - total
2,865 km
Land boundaries - border countries
Belarus 375 km; Czechia 699 km; Germany 467 km; Lithuania 100 km, Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) 209 km; Slovakia 517 km; Ukraine 498 km
Coastline
440 km
Maritime claims - territorial sea
12 nm
Maritime claims - exclusive economic zone
defined by international treaties
Climate
temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and thundershowers
Terrain
mostly flat plain; mountains along southern border
Elevation - highest point
Rysy 2,499 m
Elevation - lowest point
near Raczki Elblaskie -2 m
Elevation - mean elevation
173 m
Natural resources
coal, sulfur, copper, natural gas, silver, lead, salt, amber, arable land
Land use - agricultural land
47.6% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 36.6% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 1.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 9.8% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
31% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
21% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
1,327 sq km (2016)
Major lakes (area sq km) - salt water lake(s)
Zalew Szczecinski/Stettiner Haff (shared with Germany) - 900 sq km
Major rivers (by length in km)
Wisla (Vistula) river source and mouth (shared with Belarus and Ukraine) - 1,213 km note: longest river in Poland
Major watersheds (area sq km) - Atlantic Ocean drainage
(Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km)
Population distribution
population concentrated in the southern area around Krakow and the central area around Warsaw and Lodz, with an extension to the northern coastal city of Gdansk
Natural hazards
flooding
Geography - note
historically an area of conflict because of flat terrain and the lack of natural barriers on the North European Plain
People and Society
Population - total
38,746,310 (2024 est.)
Population - male
18,441,415
Population - female
20,304,895
Nationality - noun
Pole(s)
Nationality - adjective
Polish
Ethnic groups
Polish 96.9%, Silesian 1.1%, German 0.2%, Ukrainian 0.1%, other and unspecified 1.7% (2011 est.)
Ethnic groups - note
note: represents ethnicity declared first
Languages - Languages
Polish (official) 98.2%, Silesian 1.4%, other 1.1%, unspecified 1.2% (2011 est.)
Languages - major-language sample(s)
Księga Faktów Świata, niezbędne źródło podstawowych informacji. (Polish) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Languages - note
note 1: shares of languages sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census; data represent language spoken at home note 2: Poland also recognizes Kashub as a regional language; Czech, Hebrew, Yiddish, Belarusian, Lithuanian, German, Armenian, Russian, Slovak, and Ukrainian as national minority languages; and Karaim, Lemko, Romani (Polska Roma and Bergitka Roma), and Tatar as ethnic minority languages
Religions
Roman Catholic 70.7%, refused to answer 20.9%, no religion 6.9%; less than 1 percent: Orthodox, Jehovah Witness, Evangelic of Augsburg, Greek Catholic, Pentecostal, other Protestant, not stated, old Catholic Mariavite Church, other Christians, Islam, Buddhist, Polish Catholic Church, other, Baptist Union of Poland, Pagan, Seventh Day Adventist, Hindu, other Catholic (2021 est.)
Age structure - 0-14 years
14.2% (male 2,830,048/female 2,676,300)
Age structure - 15-64 years
65.9% (male 12,513,402/female 13,036,977)
Age structure - 65 years and over
19.8% (2024 est.) (male 3,097,965/female 4,591,618)
Dependency ratios - total dependency ratio
51.6 (2024 est.)
Dependency ratios - youth dependency ratio
21.6 (2024 est.)
Dependency ratios - elderly dependency ratio
30.1 (2024 est.)
Dependency ratios - potential support ratio
3.3 (2024 est.)
Median age - total
43.4 years (2025 est.)
Median age - male
41.5 years
Median age - female
44.3 years
Population growth rate
-0.98% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
8.03 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
11.56 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-6.26 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
population concentrated in the southern area around Krakow and the central area around Warsaw and Lodz, with an extension to the northern coastal city of Gdansk
Urbanization - urban population
60.2% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
-0.16% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
1.798 million WARSAW (capital), 769,000 Krakow (2023)
Sex ratio - at birth
1.06 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 0-14 years
1.06 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 15-64 years
0.96 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 65 years and over
0.67 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - total population
0.91 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
27.9 years (2020 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
2 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate - total
4.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Infant mortality rate - male
5.3 deaths/1,000 live births
Infant mortality rate - female
4.4 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth - total population
76.7 years (2024 est.)
Life expectancy at birth - male
72.8 years
Life expectancy at birth - female
80.9 years
Total fertility rate
1.33 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.65 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: urban
urban: 95.8% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: rural
rural: 82.2% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: total
total: 90.4% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: urban
urban: 4.2% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: rural
rural: 17.8% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: total
total: 9.6% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of GDP)
6.7% of GDP (2022)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of national budget)
10.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
4.03 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Hospital bed density
6.1 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: urban
urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: rural
rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: total
total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: urban
urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: rural
rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: total
total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
23.1% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita - total
10.96 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - beer
5.72 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - wine
0.88 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - spirits
4.36 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - other alcohols
0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use - total
21.6% (2025 est.)
Tobacco use - male
25.6% (2025 est.)
Tobacco use - female
17.8% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
0.7% (2019 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
58.6% (2021 est.)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% GDP)
4.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% national budget)
10% national budget (2022 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - total
17 years (2023 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - male
16 years (2023 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - female
18 years (2023 est.)
Government
Country name - conventional long form
Republic of Poland
Country name - conventional short form
Poland
Country name - local long form
Rzeczpospolita Polska
Country name - local short form
Polska
Country name - former
Polish People's Republic
Country name - etymology
the name probably comes from the Slavic word pole ( field or plain), indicating the flat nature of the country
Government type
parliamentary republic
Capital - name
Warsaw
Capital - geographic coordinates
52 15 N, 21 00 E
Capital - time difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Capital - daylight saving time
+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
Capital - etymology
the origin of the name is unknown; Warszawa was the name of a fishing village, and several legends link the city's founding to a man named Wars or Warsz
Administrative divisions
16 provinces or voivodships ( wojewodztwa , singular - wojewodztwo ); Dolnoslaskie (Lower Silesia), Kujawsko-Pomorskie (Kuyavia-Pomerania), Lodzkie (Lodz), Lubelskie (Lublin), Lubuskie (Lubusz), Malopolskie (Lesser Poland), Mazowieckie (Masovia), Opolskie (Opole), Podkarpackie (Subcarpathia), Podlaskie, Pomorskie (Pomerania), Slaskie (Silesia), Swietokrzyskie (Holy Cross), Warminsko-Mazurskie (Warmia-Masuria), Wielkopolskie (Greater Poland), Zachodniopomorskie (West Pomerania)
Legal system
civil law system; judicial review of legislative, administrative, and other governmental acts; constitutional law rulings of the Constitutional Tribunal are final
Constitution - history
several previous; latest adopted 2 April 1997, approved by referendum 25 May 1997, effective 17 October 1997
Constitution - amendment process
proposed by at least one fifth of Sejm deputies, by the Senate, or by the president of the republic; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote in the Sejm and absolute majority vote in the Senate; amendments to articles relating to sovereignty, personal freedoms, and constitutional amendment procedures also require passage by majority vote in a referendum
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship - citizenship by birth
no
Citizenship - citizenship by descent only
both parents must be citizens of Poland
Citizenship - dual citizenship recognized
no
Citizenship - residency requirement for naturalization
5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch - chief of state
President Karol NAWROCKI (since 6 August 2025)
Executive branch - head of government
Prime Minister Donald TUSK (since 11 December 2023)
Executive branch - cabinet
Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, appointed by the president, and approved by the Sejm
Executive branch - election/appointment process
president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister, deputy prime ministers, and Council of Ministers appointed by the president and confirmed by the Sejm; all presidential candidates resign their party affiliation
Executive branch - most recent election date
18 May 2025, with the second round on 1 June 2025
Executive branch - election results
2025: Karol NAWROCKI elected president in second round; percent of vote - Karol NAWROCKI (PiS) 50.9%, Rafal TRZASKOWSKI (KO) 49.1%; NAWROCKI takes office 6 August 2025 2025: First round Rafal TRZASKOWSKI (KO) 31.4%, Karol NAWROCKI 29.5% (PiS), Slawomir MENTZEN 14.8%, Grzegorz BRAUN 6.3%, and Szymon HOLOWNIA 5.0%; second round to be held on 1 June 2025; 2020: Andrzej DUDA reelected president in second round; percent of vote - Andrzej DUDA (independent) 51%, Rafal TRZASKOWSKI (KO) 49% 2015: Andrzej DUDA elected president in second round; percent of vote - Andrzej DUDA (independent) 51.5%, Bronislaw KOMOROWSKI (independent) 48.5%
Executive branch - expected date of next election
July 2030
Legislative branch - legislative structure
bicameral
Legislative branch - note
note: the designation "National Assembly" (or Zgromadzenie Narodowe) is only used on those rare occasions when the two houses meet jointly
Legislative branch - lower chamber - chamber name
Sejm
Legislative branch - lower chamber - number of seats
460 (all directly elected)
Legislative branch - lower chamber - electoral system
proportional representation
Legislative branch - lower chamber - scope of elections
full renewal
Legislative branch - lower chamber - term in office
4 years
Legislative branch - lower chamber - most recent election date
10/15/2023
Legislative branch - lower chamber - parties elected and seats per party
Law and Justice (PiS) (194); Civic Coalition (KO) (157); The Third Way (65); The New Left (Nowa Lewica) (26); Other (18)
Legislative branch - lower chamber - percentage of women in chamber
31.3%
Legislative branch - lower chamber - expected date of next election
October 2027
Legislative branch - upper chamber - chamber name
Senate (Senat)
Legislative branch - upper chamber - number of seats
100 (all directly elected)
Legislative branch - upper chamber - electoral system
plurality/majority
Legislative branch - upper chamber - scope of elections
full renewal
Legislative branch - upper chamber - term in office
4 years
Legislative branch - upper chamber - most recent election date
10/15/2023
Legislative branch - upper chamber - parties elected and seats per party
Civic Coalition (KO) (41); Law and Justice (PiS) (34); The Third Way (11); The New Left (Nowa Lewica) (9); Independents (5)
Legislative branch - upper chamber - percentage of women in chamber
19%
Legislative branch - upper chamber - expected date of next election
October 2027
Judicial branch - highest court(s)
Supreme Court or Sad Najwyzszy (consists of the first president of the Supreme Court and 120 justices organized in criminal, civil, labor and social insurance, and extraordinary appeals and public affairs and disciplinary chambers); Constitutional Tribunal (consists of 15 judges, including the court president and vice president)
Judicial branch - judge selection and term of office
president of the Supreme Court nominated by the General Assembly of the Supreme Court and selected by the president of Poland; other judges nominated by the 25-member National Judicial Council and appointed by the president of Poland; judges serve until retirement, usually at age 65, but tenure can be extended; Constitutional Tribunal judges chosen by the Sejm for single 9-year terms
Judicial branch - subordinate courts
administrative courts; military courts; local, regional and appellate courts subdivided into military, civil, criminal, labor, and family courts
Political parties
Civic Coalition Confederation Free Republicans Polish Coalition or PSL The Left United Right or PiS
Diplomatic representation in the US - chief of mission
Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Bogdan Adam KLICH (since 21 November 2024)
Diplomatic representation in the US - chancery
2640 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Diplomatic representation in the US - telephone
[1] (202) 499-1700
Diplomatic representation in the US - FAX
[1] (202) 328-2152
Diplomatic representation in the US - email address and website
Diplomatic representation in the US - consulate(s) general
Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US - chief of mission
Ambassador Thomas ROSE (since 6 November 2025)
Diplomatic representation from the US - embassy
Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31, 00-540 Warsaw
Diplomatic representation from the US - mailing address
5010 Warsaw Place, Washington, DC 20521-5010
Diplomatic representation from the US - telephone
[48] (22) 504-2000
Diplomatic representation from the US - FAX
[48] (22) 504-2088
Diplomatic representation from the US - email address and website
Diplomatic representation from the US - consulate(s) general
Krakow
International organization participation
Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS, CD, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UN Security Council (temporary), UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Independence
11 November 1918 (republic proclaimed); notable earlier dates: 14 April 966 (adoption of Christianity, traditional founding date), 1 July 1569 (Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth created)
National holiday
Constitution Day, 3 May (1791)
Flag
description: two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red meaning: colors derive from the Polish emblem, a white eagle on a red field
Flag - note
note: similar to the flags of Indonesia and Monaco, which are red (top) and white
National symbol(s)
white crowned eagle
National color(s)
white, red
National coat of arms
Poland’s coat of arms was designed in 1927 by noted Polish graphic artist and educator Zygmunt Kaminski. The white crowned eagle is the national symbol, and white and red are the national colors, with white representing purity and truth and red symbolizing courage and the blood shed for freedom.
National anthem(s) - title
"Mazurek Dabrowskiego" (Dabrowski's Mazurka)
National anthem(s) - lyrics/music
Jozef WYBICKI/traditional
National anthem(s) - history
adopted 1927;
National heritage - total World Heritage Sites
17 (15 cultural, 2 natural)
National heritage - selected World Heritage Site locales
Historic Krakow (c); Historic Warsaw (c); Medieval Torun (c); Wooden Tserkvas of the Carpathian Region (c); Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork (c); Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines (c); Auschwitz Birkenau Concentration Camp (c); Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians (n); Białowieza Forest (n); Old City of Zamość (c)
Economy
Economic overview
high-income, diversified, EU-member economy; significant growth in GDP, trade, and investment since joining EU in 2004; private consumption and EU-funded public investments driving GDP growth; increased social spending, flooding recovery costs, and defense spending have added to public debt
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024
$1.649 trillion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$1.602 trillion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$1.598 trillion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2024
2.9% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2023
0.2% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2022
5.3% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - note
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2024
$45,100 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2023
$43,700 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2022
$43,400 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate)
$914.696 billion (2024 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate) - note
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024
3.8% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023
11.5% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
14.4% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - note
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - agriculture
2.6% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - industry
26.4% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - services
59.9% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use - household consumption
57.6% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - government consumption
20.8% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in fixed capital
16.9% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in inventories
0.8% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - exports of goods and services
52.3% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - imports of goods and services
-48.3% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
sugar beets, milk, wheat, maize, potatoes, triticale, apples, rapeseed, barley, rye (2023)
Agricultural products - note
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
machine building, iron and steel, coal mining, chemicals, shipbuilding, food processing, glass, beverages, textiles
Industrial production growth rate
-0.6% (2023 est.)
Industrial production growth rate - note
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
18.245 million (2024 est.)
Labor force - note
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2024
2.5% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2023
2.8% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2022
2.9% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate - note
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - total
9.9% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - male
10.1% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - female
9.6% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - note
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
12.2% (2023 est.)
Population below poverty line - note
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2022
28.9 (2022 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - note
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Average household expenditures - on food
18.6% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Average household expenditures - on alcohol and tobacco
6.2% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - lowest 10%
3.3% (2022 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - highest 10%
23.1% (2022 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - note
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances - Remittances 2024
0.9% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2023
1.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2022
1.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances - note
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget - revenues
$291.603 billion (2023 est.)
Budget - expenditures
$328.497 billion (2023 est.)
Budget - note
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt - Public debt 2017
50.6% of GDP (2017 est.)
Public debt - note
note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities, the data include subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions
Taxes and other revenues
18% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
Taxes and other revenues - note
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance - Current account balance 2024
$1.789 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2023
$14.535 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2022
-$15.822 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance - note
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports - Exports 2024
$478.579 billion (2024 est.)
Exports - Exports 2023
$471.571 billion (2023 est.)
Exports - Exports 2022
$436.388 billion (2022 est.)
Exports - note
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Germany 25%, UK 6%, Czechia 6%, France 6%, Italy 5% (2023)
Exports - partners - note
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
vehicle parts/accessories, electric batteries, plastic products, cars, seats (2023)
Exports - commodities - note
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports - Imports 2024
$441.945 billion (2024 est.)
Imports - Imports 2023
$423.797 billion (2023 est.)
Imports - Imports 2022
$421.765 billion (2022 est.)
Imports - note
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Germany 22%, China 12%, Italy 5%, Netherlands 4%, USA 4% (2023)
Imports - partners - note
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
crude petroleum, cars, garments, vehicle parts/accessories, plastic products (2023)
Imports - commodities - note
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024
$223.115 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023
$193.783 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022
$166.664 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - note
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Exchange rates - Currency
zlotych (PLN) per US dollar -
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2024
3.981 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2023
4.204 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2022
4.458 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2021
3.862 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2020
3.9 (2020 est.)
Energy
Electricity access - electrification - total population
100% (2022 est.)
Electricity - installed generating capacity
64.806 million kW (2023 est.)
Electricity - consumption
159.639 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - exports
11.403 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - imports
15.14 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - transmission/distribution losses
8.549 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - fossil fuels
72.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - solar
6.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - wind
14.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - hydroelectricity
1.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - biomass and waste
4.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal - production
96.72 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - consumption
99.932 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - exports
10.805 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - imports
10.041 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - proven reserves
27.758 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum - total petroleum production
24,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Petroleum - refined petroleum consumption
743,000 bbl/day (2024 est.)
Petroleum - crude oil estimated reserves
113 million barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas - production
5.345 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - consumption
20.602 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - exports
747.124 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - imports
15.111 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - proven reserves
91.492 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita - Total energy consumption per capita 2023
103.651 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications
Telephones - fixed lines - total subscriptions
4.987 million (2023 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
13 (2023 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - total subscriptions
52.4 million (2023 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
132 (2022 est.)
Broadcast media
state-run public TV operates 2 national channels supplemented by 16 regional and several niche channels; privately owned entities operate several national TV networks and some special interest channels; many privately owned local channels; roughly half of all households are linked to satellite or cable TV systems with access to foreign TV; state-run public radio operates 5 national networks and 17 regional stations; 2 privately owned national radio networks, several commercial stations, and many privately owned local radio stations (2019)
Internet country code
.pl
Internet users - percent of population
86% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - total
10.1 million (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
26 (2023 est.)
Transportation
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
SP
Airports
318 (2025)
Heliports
16 (2025)
Railways - total
19,461 km (2020) 11,946 km electrified
Merchant marine - total
152 (2023)
Merchant marine - by type
general cargo 6, oil tanker 6, other 140
Ports - total ports
10 (2024)
Ports - large
2
Ports - medium
2
Ports - small
4
Ports - very small
2
Ports - ports with oil terminals
5
Ports - key ports
Gdansk, Gdynia, Port Polnochny, Szczecin
Military and Security
Military and security forces
Polish Armed Forces (Polskie Siły Zbrojne): Land Forces (Wojska Ladowe), Navy (Marynarka Wojenna), Air Force (Sily Powietrzne), Special Forces (Wojska Specjalne), Territorial Defense Forces (Wojska Obrony Terytorialnej), Cyberspace Defense Forces (Wojska Obrony Cyberprzestrzeni) Ministry of Interior and Administration: Polish National Police (Policja); Border Guard (Straż Graniczna or SG) (2025)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2025
4.5% of GDP (2025 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2024
3.8% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2023
3.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2022
2.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2021
2.2% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 235,000 active military personnel (2025)
Military and security service personnel strengths - note
note: a new national defense law in 2022 set a goal to double the size of Poland’s armed forces to 300,000 personnel, including 250,000 professional soldiers and 50,000 territorials
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's inventory consists of a mix of some Soviet-era and a growing amount of more modern, NATO-compatible weapons systems; in recent years, significant suppliers of armaments have included Finland, South Korea, and the US; Poland has a domestic defense sector that produces or provides upgrades to various weapons systems, particularly ground systems such as tanks and other armored vehicles; it also cooperates with the European and US defense sectors (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; no conscription; professional soldiers serve on a permanent basis (for an unspecified period of time) or on a contract basis (for a specified period of time); initial contract period is 24 months (2025)
Military service age and obligation - note
note 1: as of 2024, women made up about 16.5% of the military's full-time personnel note 2: in 2022, Poland announced a new 12-month voluntary military service program with recruits going through a one-month basic training period with a military unit, followed by 11 months of specialized training; upon completion of service, the volunteers would be allowed to join the Territorial Defense Forces or the active reserve, and have priority to join the professional army and be given preference for employment in the public sector; the program is part of an effort to increase the size of the Polish military
Military deployments
250 Kosovo (NATO/KFOR); up to 300 Latvia (NATO); 190 Lebanon (UNIFIL) (2025)
Military deployments - note
note: Poland has obligated about 2,500 troops to the Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine joint military brigade (LITPOLUKRBRIG), which was established in 2014; the brigade is headquartered in Poland and is comprised of an international staff, three battalions, and specialized units; units affiliated with the multinational brigade remain within the structures of the armed forces of their respective countries until the brigade is activated for participation in an international operation
Military - note
the Polish Armed Forces are responsible for defense of the country's sovereignty and territory, deterring potential threats, and fulfilling Poland's commitments to NATO, EU, and European security; Poland’s geographic location on NATO’s eastern flank and its history of foreign invasion underpin the Polish military’s focus on territorial and border defense; in peacetime, the Armed Forces provide support to the Border Guard; other security concerns include hybrid threats from Russia and Belarus, such as cyberattacks, sabotage, and weaponized migration; since the 2010s, Poland has taken steps to enhance the security of its borders with Russia and Belarus since 2014, Poland has hosted several NATO military formations designed to enhance the defense of Poland and NATO’s eastern flank, including a US-led multinational NATO ground force battlegroup as part of the Alliance’s Enhanced Forward Presence initiative, NATO fighter detachments at Malbork Air Base, a NATO-led divisional headquarters (Multinational Division Northeast), which coordinates training and preparation activities of its respective subordinate battlegroups in Poland and Lithuania, and a corps-level NATO field headquarters (Multinational Corps Northeast); Poland also has increased the the US military presence in the country; Poland participates in a variety of EU and NATO military deployments in Africa, the Baltic States, Southern Europe, and the Middle East; Poland also provided support to the NATO mission in Afghanistan (2025)
Terrorism
Terrorist group(s)
Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS)
Terrorist group(s) - note
note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Transnational Issues
Refugees and internally displaced persons - refugees
1,019,863 (2024 est.)
Refugees and internally displaced persons - stateless persons
1,486 (2024 est.)
Illicit drugs - USG identification
major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
Environment
Environmental issues
air pollution (despite environmental policy improvements) because of coal-burning in homes and power plants; acid rain leading to forest damage; water pollution from industrial and municipal sources; disposal of hazardous wastes
International environmental agreements - party to
Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic- Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling
International environmental agreements - signed, but not ratified
Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants
Climate
temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and thundershowers
Land use - agricultural land
47.6% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 36.6% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 1.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 9.8% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
31% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
21% (2023 est.)
Urbanization - urban population
60.2% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
-0.16% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - total emissions
264.031 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from coal and metallurgical coke
132.101 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from petroleum and other liquids
95.095 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from consumed natural gas
36.835 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
18.8 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Methane emissions - energy
954.2 kt (2022-2024 est.)
Methane emissions - agriculture
595.9 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Methane emissions - waste
292 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Methane emissions - other
36.3 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling - municipal solid waste generated annually
12.758 million tons (2024 est.)
Waste and recycling - percent of municipal solid waste recycled
38.3% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - municipal
2.113 billion cubic meters (2022)
Total water withdrawal - industrial
6.44 billion cubic meters (2022)
Total water withdrawal - agricultural
1.28 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
60.5 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Geoparks - total global geoparks and regional networks
3 (2024)
Geoparks - global geoparks and regional networks
Land of Extinct Volcanoes; Muskauer Faltenbogen / Łuk Mużakowa (includes Germany); Holy Cross Mountains (2024)
Space
Space agency/agencies
Polish Space Agency (POLSA; established 2014; operational in 2015) (2025)
Space program overview
builds satellites, including nano/cube remote sensing (RS) and scientific/technology satellites; researches and develops communications, RS, navigational, and other scientific applications for satellite payloads; creating infrastructure for data from meteorological and environmental satellites; researches and develops other space-related technologies, including sensors and robotic probes for interplanetary landers, and launcher systems; space program is integrated with the ESA and the EU; participates in a variety of ESA/EU and international programs; cooperates with a variety of other foreign space agencies and industries, including those of Brazil, Canada, China, ESA/EU member states (particularly France, Germany, Italy), India, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Ukraine, UK, and the US; has a commercial space sector with more than 300 active enterprises (2025)
Key space-program milestones
1978 - first Polish astronaut in space on Soviet spacecraft 1991 - began cooperating with the ESA 1994 - began participating in Russia's Koronas solar research missions 2012 - joined ESA; first domestically built scientific nanosatellite (PW-Sat) launched on European rocket 2021 - joined US-led Artemis Accords for lunar and space exploration 2024 - successfully launched domestically developed experimental suborbital rocket (ILR-33 Amber 2K) to altitude of 101 kms 2025 - first Polish astronaut and scientific mission on International Space Station