Poland is a country of vast forests, moving sand dues and unique wetlands, with 21 national parks and six UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves. The coast is blessed with some gorgeous beaches while the Great Malsurian Lakes in the north-east lure hikers and sailing enthusiasts alike. Then there are the stunning Carpathian Mountains to the south and the Krakow-Wielun Upland, riddled with caves and castles.
Perhaps the most important thing about Poland, though, is its history. A battleground for the Soviets and Nazis during the second world war, what survives of its 14th century Gothic architecture is bleakly offset by the countless Jewish cemeteries and derelict concentration camps that litter the vast landscape.
Since emerging from Soviet rule, however, Poland has fixedly looked to the future with a series of economic reforms, privatising many of the state-owned coal, agricultural and industrial companies and achieving steady and impressive economic growth. It was the only country in Europe to avoid recession after the 2008 financial crisis and where high unemployment once drove Poles abroad for jobs in droves, many are now returning to a booming and prosperous nation.
Because of its rapid liberalisation and shift in outlook from east to west, business protocol can be quite varied. Many Poles are extremely formal but those accustomed to international business may be far more relaxed. It is best to enter any situation with a firm grip of propriety and wait for your host to move to a more informal basis. In either case, go to any meeting possessed of hard facts; Poles are impressed by substance far more than hyperbole.
Getting there
The majority of flights go to Warsaw, though some are also available to Gdansk, Katowice, Krakow and Wroclaw. There are regular car ferries to Denmark and Sweden. The European bus and train network provides links across the continent.
Getting around
Trains are fast, efficient and relatively inexpensive. There is also an extensive domestic flight network. Buses are a slower but usually cheaper alternative; however the timetables can be difficult to decipher. Car hire is not cheap.
Local information
Language: Polish
Time: UTC+1
Climate: Continental. Warm summers, cold winters, moderate rainfall throughout year. Temperature: Max 24°C (July), Min 6°C (February). Rainfall: Max 70mm (July), Min 20mm (January)
Currency: Złoty (PLN)
Business etiquette: Greet with a firm handshake. Business proceedings will begin formal but will often become more informal as a relationship develops. Academic or honorific titles are used; include any academic qualifications on your business card.
Tipping: 10-15 percent
Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 1l of wine and 1l of spirits; Goods up to the value of Ä175.
Safety: Thieves operate at major train stations and on train routes.
Laws: Drug offences incur mandatory prison sentences. It is illegal to take photographs of official buildings. Zero tolerance for drink-driving.
Healthcare: Vaccination required for tetanus. 24-hour chemists can be found in cities. Hotels often have a nurse or doctor on call. Health insurance is advisable.
Socket type: Type C
