Moving to Poland: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

38,282,325

Population Growth Rate

-1%

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

Urban Population

• population: 60.2% of total population rate of
• urbanization: -0.16% annual rate of change

Population in Major Urban Areas

1.798 million WARSAW (capital), 769,000 Krakow

Population: Male/Female

• total: 38,746,310
• male: 18,441,415
• female: 20,304,895

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Age Structure

• years: 14.2% (male 2,830,048/female 2,676,300) 15-64
• years: 65.9% (male 12,513,402/female 13,036,977) 65 years and
• over: 19.8% (male 3,097,965/female 4,591,618)

Median Age

• total: 42.9 years
• male: 41.5 years
• female: 44.3 years

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

8

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

12.2

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

1.32

Gross reproduction rate

1

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

62.3%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

62.3%

Currently married women (ages 15-49)

56.6%

Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49)

27.9

Mother's mean age at first birth

27.9

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

• birth: 1.06 male(s)/female 0-14
• years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64
• years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and
• over: 0.67 male(s)/female total
• population: 0.91 male(s)/female

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

-6.2

Ethnic Groups

Polish 96.9%, Silesian 1.1%, German 0.2%, Ukrainian 0.1%, other and unspecified 1.7%

Language Note

• Polish (official) 98.2%, Silesian 1.4%, other 1.1%, unspecified 1.2%
• note - data represent the language spoken at home
• shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census
• Poland ratified the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in 2009 recognizing 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

Nationality Noun

• noun: Pole(s)
• adjective: Polish

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Literacy - total population

99.8%

Literacy - male

99.8%

Literacy - female

99.8%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

5.2%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

• total: 16 years
• male: 15 years
• female: 17 years

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Life Expectancy at Birth

• population: 76.7 years
• male: 72.8 years
• female: 80.9 years

Infant Mortality Rate

• total: 4.9 deaths/1,000 live births
• male: 5.3 deaths/1,000 live births
• female: 4.4 deaths/1,000 live births

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

• total: 4.9 deaths/1,000 live births
• male: 5.3 deaths/1,000 live births
• female: 4.4 deaths/1,000 live births

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

2

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

3.77

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

6.5

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

6.5%

Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

• risk: intermediate vectorborne
• diseases: tickborne encephalitis

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

23.1%

Tobacco Use

• total: 24%
• male: 27.9%
• female: 20.1%

Alcohol consumption per capita

• total: 10.96 liters of pure alcohol
• beer: 5.72 liters of pure alcohol
• wine: 0.88 liters of pure alcohol
• spirits: 4.36 liters of pure alcohol other
• alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

• improved: urban: 99.9% of population
• rural: 100% of population
• total: 100% of population
• unimproved: urban: 0.1% of population
• rural: 0% of population
• total: 0% of population

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

• improved: urban: 100% of population
• rural: 100% of population
• total: 100% of population
• unimproved: urban: 0% of population
• rural: 0% of population
• total: 0% of population

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Economic Overview

• Stability: Despite global economic challenges, Poland has maintained steady economic growth for several years. Its GDP growth rate has consistently outperformed many other European countries. Domestic demand, investments, and exports primarily drive the country's GDP. Diverse
• Economy: Poland's economy is diverse, with various sectors contributing to its growth. Key sectors include manufacturing, agriculture, information technology, finance, and services. The country has also seen significant foreign investment, particularly in the automotive, electronics, and outsourcing industries. Exports and
• Trade: Poland is an export-oriented economy, with exports accounting for a substantial portion of its GDP. The country exports machinery and equipment, furniture, food products, chemicals, and vehicles, among other goods. Its main trading partners include Germany, France, the UK, and other European countries. Labor
• Market: Poland has a large and relatively young labor force, contributing to its economic growth. However, there are concerns about emigration, particularly of skilled workers, which could impact specific sectors in the long run. Infrastructure
• Development: Poland has invested in infrastructure development, including transportation networks, energy, and telecommunications. These investments aim to enhance connectivity within the country and improve its competitiveness on the global stage. EU
• Membership: Poland's membership in the European Union has driven economic growth through access to EU funds, trade agreements, and foreign investment. However, challenges such as compliance with EU regulations and managing EU funds effectively remain.
• Challenges: Despite its economic successes, Poland faces several challenges, including income inequality, regional disparities, bureaucracy, and corruption. Moreover, there are concerns about political stability and the rule of law, which can impact investor confidence and economic growth.

Industries

machine building, iron and steel, coal mining, chemicals, shipbuilding, food processing, glass, beverages, textiles

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$26,400.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

3.5%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$1,223,460,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$26,400.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

3.5%

GDP - official exchange rate

$481,200,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 58.9% government
• consumption: 17.8% investment in fixed
• capital: 20% investment in
• inventories: 0.7% exports of goods and
• services: 52.6% imports of goods and
• services: -50%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

3.3%

GDP by Sector- Industry

41.1%

GDP by Sector- services

55.6%

Industrial Growth Rate

6.5%

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Inflation Rate

2.6%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

zloty (PLN)

Currency Name and Code

Polish Zloty (PLN)

Fiscal Year

calendar year

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

6.9%

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Labor Force

17,000,000

Unemployment Rate

11.8%

Major Industries

machine building, iron and steel, coal mining, chemicals, shipbuilding, food processing, glass, beverages, textiles

Agriculture Products

potatoes, fruits, vegetables, wheat; poultry, eggs, pork

Population Below Poverty Line

17%

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

12.9%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

30.2%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

57%

Annual Budget

$91,230,000,000 (USD)

Public Debt (% of GDP)

47.3%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

18%

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Full Country Name

Republic of Poland

Country Name

Poland

Local - Long

Rzeczpospolita Polska

Local - Short

Polska

Former Name

Polish People's Republic

Etymology- history of name

name derives from the Polanians, a west Slavic tribe that united several surrounding Slavic groups (9th-10th centuries A.D.) and who passed on their name to the country

the name of the tribe likely comes from the Slavic "pole" (field or plain), indicating the flat nature of their country

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)

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Government Type

parliamentary republic

Constitution

• history: several previous; latest adopted 2 April 1997, approved by referendum 25 May 1997, effective 17 October 1997
• amendments: 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; amended 2006, 2009

Legal System:

• civil law system
• judicial review of legislative, administrative, and other governmental acts
• constitutional law rulings of the Constitutional Tribunal are final

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President Karol NAWROCKI (since 6 August 2025)
• head of government: Prime Minister Donald TUSK (since 11 December 2023)
• cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, appointed by the president, and approved by the Sejm 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 most recent election
• date: 18 May 2025, with the second round on 1 June 2025
• 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% expected date of next
• election: July 2030

Legislative Branch:

• Description: bicameral Parliament consists of: Senate or Senat (100 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 4-year terms) Sejm (460 seats; members elected in multi-seat constituencies by party-list proportional representation vote with 5% threshold of total votes needed for parties and 8% for coalitions to gain seats; minority parties exempt from threshold; members serve 4-year terms)
• Elections: - Senate - last held on 15 October 2023 (next to be held in 2027) Sejm - last held on 15 October 2023 (next to be held in 2027)
• Election Results: - Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA Sejm (preliminary results as of 10/15/2023): PiS 35.4%, KO 30.7%, TD 14.4%, Lewica 8.6%, Konf 7.2%; seats by party - PiS 194, KO 157, TD 65, Lewica 26, Konf 18
• Note: the designation National Assembly or Zgromadzenie Narodowe is only used on those rare occasions when the 2 houses meet jointly

Judicial Branch:

• 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
• subordinate courts: administrative courts; military courts; local, regional and appellate courts subdivided into military, civil, criminal, labor, and family courts

Regions or States:

16 voivodships [provinces] (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)

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Agreement [Jaroslaw GOWIN]
• Civic Platform or PO [Donald TUSK]
• Konfederajca [Krzysztof BOSAK]
• Law and Justice or PiS [Jaroslaw KACZYNSKI]
• New Left or NL [Wlodzimierz CZARZASTY and Robert BIEDRON]
• Poland 2050 [Szymon HOLOWNIA]
• Polish People's Party or PSL [Wladyslaw KOSINIAK-KAMYSZ]
• Republican Party or R [Adam BIELAN]
• United Poland or SP [Zbigniew ZIOBRO]

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: both parents must be citizens of Poland dual citizenship
• recognized: no residency requirement for
• naturalization: 5 years

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Capital Name

Warsaw

Capital - geographic coordinate

52 15 N, 21 00 E

Capital Time Difference

UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Daylight Savings Time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

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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
• UN Security Council (temporary)
• UNWTO
• UPU
• Wassenaar Arrangement
• WCO
• WFTU (NGOs)
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO
• ZC

International Law Organization Participation:

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Mark BRZEZINSKI (since 19 January 2022)
• Embassy: Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31, 00-540 Warsaw
• Mailing Address: 5010 Warsaw Place, Washington, DC 20521-5010
• Telephone: [48] (22) 504-2000
• FAX: [48] (22) 504-2088
• Email: acswarsaw@state.gov
• Website: https://pl.usembassy.gov/
• Consulate(s) General: Krakow

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Marek Grzegorz MAGIEROWSKI (since 13 January 2022)
• Chancery: 2640 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
• Telephone: [1] (202) 499-1700
• FAX: [1] (202) 328-2152; [1] (202) 328-6271
• Email: washington.amb.sekretariat@msz.gov.pl
• Website: https://www.gov.pl/web/usa-en/embassy-washington
• Consulate(s) General: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York

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Geographic Location

Europe

Geographic Coordinates

52 00 N, 20 00 E

Total Area

120,728 Square Miles 312,685 Square Kilometers

Land Area

117,473 Square Miles 304,255 Square Kilometers

Water Area

3,255 Square Miles 8,430 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

1,893 Miles 3,047 Kilometers

Border Countries

Belarus 407 km, Czech Republic 658 km, Germany 456 km, Lithuania 91 km, Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) 206 km, Slovakia 444 km, Ukraine 526 km

Coastline

273 Miles 440 Kilometers

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Terrain

mostly flat plain; mountains along southern border

Highest Point

2,499 Meters

Highest Point Location

Rysy 2,499 m

Lowest Point

-2 Meters

Lowest Point Location

near Raczki Elblaskie -2 m

Natural Resources

coal, sulfur, copper, natural gas, silver, lead, salt, amber, arable land

Irrigated Land

447 Square Miles 1,157 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

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

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Climate

Poland’s climate is continental European.

Winters can be severe, with heavy snows possible from December through March.

Winter temperatures in Warsaw average about -3.9ºC to 0ºC.

The lowest temperature in recent years was - 30ºC.

Spring is usually cold and rainy.

Summer can bring temperatures topping 37ºC, but a few days at about 32ºC is more typical.

Autumn is usually cloudy and can be quite cold.

Yearly rainfall averages about 59.69 centimeters.

Terrain

mostly flat plain; mountains along southern border

Location

Central Europe, east of Germany

Total Area

120,728 Square Miles 312,685 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

Belarus 407 km, Czech Republic 658 km, Germany 456 km, Lithuania 91 km, Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) 206 km, Slovakia 444 km, Ukraine 526 km

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Environment - Current Issues

• situation has improved since 1989 due to decline in heavy industry and increased environmental concern by post-Communist governments
• air pollution nonetheless remains serious because of sulfur dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants, and the resulting acid rain has caused forest damage
• water pollution from industrial and municipal sources is also a problem, as is disposal of hazardous wastes
• pollution levels should continue to decrease as industrial establishments bring their facilities up to European Union code, but at substantial cost to business and the government

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Air Pollution, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94

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Exports

$160,800,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$167,400,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

machinery and transport equipment 30.2%, intermediate manufactured goods 25.5%, miscellaneous manufactured goods 20.9%, food and live animals 8.5%

Major Imports

machinery and transport equipment 38.2%, intermediate manufactured goods 20.8%, chemicals 14.3%, miscellaneous manufactured goods 9.5%

Top Export Partners

Germany 32.3%, France 6%, Italy 5.5%, UK 5.2%, Netherlands 4.5%, Czech Republic 4%

Top Import Partners

Germany 24.3%, Italy 8.4%, Russia 8%, France 7%

Export Partners

Germany 32.3%, France 6%, Italy 5.5%, UK 5.2%, Netherlands 4.5%, Czech Republic 4%

Import Partners

Germany 24.3%, Italy 8.4%, Russia 8%, France 7%

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Country Description

Poland is a stable parliamentary and free-market democracy, and a member of the European Union and NATO.

Safety & Security

The terrorism threat in Poland is low, however, like other countries in the Schengen zone, Poland's open borders with its neighbors allow for the possibility of terrorist groups to enter/exit the country undetected.

The latest U.S.

Department of State Worldwide Caution should be reviewed as a guide on international and transnational terrorism operations against U.S. targets.

Demonstrations are a regular occurrence of the Polish political scene but are, for the most part, orderly and peaceful.

Demonstrations regularly occur in Warsaw and are concentrated around Polish government offices, many of which are in close proximity to the U.S.

Embassy.

During the winter, these activities taper off, but spring and summer witness a large number of such events.

Demonstrators are typically vocal but law-abiding, and events involving 15 or more people require permits in advance from the government.

The average size of a demonstration in Warsaw last year was several hundred people and occurred, on average, twice monthly.

You should be vigilant in protecting your security, bearing in mind that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful may turn violent.

Avoid street demonstrations whenever possible.

Soccer matches in Poland are often marred by confrontations between opposing fans.

Such confrontations occasionally turn violent, and U.S. citizens should exercise caution when attending soccer matches or traveling near sporting venues during events.

U.S. citizens should also be aware of the potential for an increase in traffic and crowds after sporting events.

As always, we urge you to avoid areas where you see heavy police presence or crowds assembling, to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any large public gatherings, and to stay away from demonstrations.

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Crime

While Poland generally has a low rate of violent crime, the incidence of street crime, which sometimes involves violence, is moderate.

Major cities have higher rates of crime against residents and foreign visitors than other areas.

Organized groups of thieves and pick-pockets operate at major tourist destinations, in train stations, and on trains, trams, and buses in major cities.

Thieves often target overnight trains.

Most pick-pocketing on trains occurs while boarding or disembarking.

In a common scenario, a group of well-dressed young men surround you in the narrow aisle of the train, jostling and pick-pocketing you as they supposedly attempt to get around you.

You should guard your passport, money, credit cards, and cell phone.

The number of car thefts and carjacking has significantly declined, but theft from vehicles and attempted highway robberies remain a concern.

Be wary of people indicating you should pull over or signaling that something is wrong with your car.

If you pull over, you may find yourself suddenly surrounded by thieves from another vehicle.

If you encounter someone indicating that there is trouble with your car, continue driving until you reach a safe spot (a crowded gas station, supermarket, or even police station) to inspect your vehicle.

There have been incidents of thieves opening or breaking passenger-side doors and windows in slow or stopped traffic to take purses or briefcases from the passenger seat.

Remember to keep windows closed and doors locked, and use parking garages and anti-theft devices.

You should not leave valuables in plain sight inside vehicles, as this increases the opportunity for theft.

U.S. citizens of Asian and African descent have reported being targets of verbal harassment and physical attacks while traveling in Poland.

Under Polish law, if asked by Polish police, you must verify your identity by presenting a travel document, a residence permit card, or an identity card issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Recently, the Border Guards (Stra%u017C Graniczna) have increased random travel document checks on trains originating from or transiting border countries.

Border Guards may appear in plain clothes when requesting passports and other travel documents, which are scanned into a handheld scanner for verification.

If you are a tourist, this means that you are expected to carry your passport with you.

Please ensure the security of your passport while traveling to prevent incidents of pick-pocketing or theft.

Keep a copy of your passport biodata page (and any pages with valid visas) in a safe place separate from the passport itself; this can help you when applying for a new passport if yours is lost or stolen.

You should change money only at banks or legitimate money kiosks.

A legitimate offer to change money by an unknown person on the street is extremely rare and would almost certainly be a scam.

Automated teller machines (ATMs) are widely available throughout major cities in Poland.

Most Polish ATMs offer instructions in multiple languages and allow access to U.S. bank accounts.

The press has reported that criminal organizations have illegally obtained users' ATM card numbers and PIN codes by electronically "skimming" the information from victims' cards at public ATMs.

Try to use machines at more secure or heavily traveled and monitored locations, such as commercial banks, large hotels, shopping malls, and airports.

You should notify your bank of all international travel before you leave the United States, and monitor your personal bank account after traveling.

Polish bars and dance clubs are generally safe for the vast majority of visitors.

However, as in many cities, people may approach you with offers of illicit drugs, which are against the law in Poland.

Be mindful that security personnel at nightclubs could respond more forcefully than at similar venues in the United States.

Whereas casinos and gaming establishments are government-regulated, some are affiliated with, o

Criminal Penalties

While traveling in Poland, you are subject to its laws, even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own.

In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don't have your passport with you.

It is illegal in Poland to take pictures of military buildings and other national security or restricted objects.

Driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.

Likewise, riding a bike while under the influence is also illegal and can result in being jailed, paying steep fines and banned from riding a bike in Poland for half a year or more.

Criminal penalties in Poland vary from the United States.

There are some things that might be legal in Poland, but illegal in the United States, for which you can be prosecuted under U.S. law, such as buying pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in Poland is a crime prosecutable in Poland and in the United States.

If you break local laws in Poland, your U.S. passport won't help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It's very important to know what's legal and what's not wherever you visit.

Penalties are severe for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Poland, and you can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines if convicted.

If you are arrested in Poland, the authorities are required to notify the nearestU.S.embassy or consulate of your arrest, but this does not always happen quickly.

If you are concerned that the Department of State may not be aware of your situation, you should request the policeor prison officials to notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your arrest.

This pertains in particular to dual U.S.-Polish nationals, since Poland does not recognize (although it does not prohibit) dual nationality.

A person holding Polish and U.S. citizenship is deemed by Poland to be a Polish citizen.

Languages Polish (official) 98.2%, Silesian 1.4%, other 1.1%, unspecified 1.2%; note - data represent the language spoken at home; shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census; Poland ratified the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in 2009 recognizing 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

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Medical Facilities

Adequate medical care is available in Poland, but hospital facilities and nursing support are not comparable to American standards.

Physicians are generally well trained, but specific emergency services may be lacking in certain regions, especially in Poland's small towns and rural areas.

Younger doctors generally speak English, but nursing staff usually do not.

Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Medications are generally available, although they may not be specific U.S. brand-name drugs.

Traffic Safety

While in Poland, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning Poland is provided for general reference only, and may not be completely accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

You must have an International Driving Permit (IDP), obtained prior to departure from the United States and a U.S. driver's license, in order to drive in Poland.

A U.S. driver's license alone is not enough, and U.S. citizens cannot obtain IDPs in Poland.

Only two U.S. automobile associations - the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) - have been authorized by the U.S.

Department of State to distribute IDPs.

According to Polish law, an international driver's license is only valid for six months.

If you plan to stay for more than six months in Poland, you are required to obtain a Polish Driver's License.

Polish roadside services, while not always at American levels, are rapidly improving.

The Polish Automobile Association (Polski Zwi%u0105zek Motorowy Auto-Tour, equivalent to AAA) has multilingual operators and provides assistance countrywide 24/7.

You can reach them by calling (22) 532-8427, or (22) 532-8433.

The police emergency number is 997, fire service is 998, ambulance service is 999, and the general emergency number is 112.

Seat belts are compulsory in both the front and back seats, and children under the age of 12 are prohibited from riding in the front seat.

Children younger than 12 years old and who are shorter than 4'11" must ride in a child car seat.

You must use headlights year round, at all times, day and night.

The use of cellular phones while driving is prohibited except for hands-free models.

Making a right turn on a red light is not allowed.

Turning right on red with a green arrow is the equivalent of turning right on red in the U.S.

Unlike in the United States, the green arrow in that case does NOT give you the right of way.

Police will ticket for traffic violations, and fines can be substantial.

If you are a non-resident, you are expected to pay fines immediately to the police officer issuing the ticket.

You must be prepared to pay in local currency, though in some cases credit cards are accepted.

You should note that road fatalities are high in Poland, placing it among the more dangerous places to drive in Europe.

There has been a substantial increase in the number of cars on Polish roads and driving, especially after dark, is hazardous.

Roads are sometimes narrow, poorly lit, frequently under repair (especially in the summer months), and are often also used by pedestrians and cyclists.

The Ministry of Infrastructure has a program called "Black Spot" (Czarny Punkt), which places signs at locations with a particularly high number of accidents and/or casualties.

The signs have a black spot on a yellow background, and the road area around the "black spot" is marked with red diagonal lines.

Alcohol consumption is frequently a contributing factor in accidents.

Polish law provides virtually zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol, and penalties for doing so (defined as a blood alcohol level of 0.02 or higher) include a fine and probation or imprisonment for up to two years.

Penalties for drivers involved in accidents are severe, and can include imprisonment from six months to eight years or, in the case of drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, up to twelve years.

Within cities, taxis are available at major hotels and designated stands or may be ordered in advance by telephone.

Some drivers speak English and accept credit cards.

When hailing taxis on the street, you should avoid those that do not have a company name and/or telephone number displayed since these may not have meters and many of them charge significantly more.

Do not accept assistance from self-professed "taxi drivers" who approach you in the arrivals terminal or outside the doors at Warsaw Airport, but rath

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Airports - total

126

Airports with Paved Runways

87

Heliports

6

Railways

12,072 Miles 19,428 Kilometers

Roadways- total

256,027 Miles 412,035 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

174,431 Miles 280,719 Kilometers

Waterways

2,484 Miles 3,997 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Gdansk, Gdynia, Gliwice, Kolobrzeg, Szczecin, Swinoujscie, Ustka, Warsaw, Wroclaw

3 facts — expand for details.

Pipelines: Gas

8,822 Miles 14,198 Kilometers

Pipelines: Oil

854 Miles 1,374 Kilometers

Pipelines: Refined Products

483 Miles 777 Kilometers

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Telephones

9,556,000

Cell Phones

41,389,000

Internet Users

16,000,000

Internet Country Code

.pl

Internet Hosts

10,510,000

Broadcast Media

• state-run public TV operates 2 national channels supplemented by 16 regional channels and several niche channels
• privately owned entities operate several national TV networks and a number of special interest channels
• many privately owned channels broadcasting locally
• roughly half of all households are linked to either satellite or cable TV systems providing access to foreign television networks
• state-run public radio operates 5 national networks and 17 regional radio stations
• 2 privately owned national radio networks, several commercial stations broadcasting to multiple cities, and many privately owned local radio stations

Telephone System

• assessment: modernization of the telecommunications network has accelerated with market-based competition; fixed-line service, dominated by the former state-owned company, is dwarfed by the growth in mobile-cellular services
• domestic: mobile-cellular service available since 1993 and provided by three nation-wide networks with a fourth provider beginning operations in late 2006; coverage is generally good with some gaps in the east; fixed-line service lags in rural areas
• international: country code - 48; international direct dialing with automated exchanges; satellite earth station - 1 with access to Intelsat, Eutelsat, Inmarsat, and Intersputnik

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Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

129,300,000,000

Electricity Exports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

9,703,000,000

Electricity Imports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

8,480,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

149,100,000,000

Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

14,380,000,000

Natural Gas Exports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

25,010,000,000

Natural Gas Imports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

37,380,000,000

Natural Gas Production- Cubic Meters (cu m)

6,193,000,000

Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m)

92,000,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

576,600

Oil Exports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

3,615

Oil Imports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

547,900

Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

24,530

Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

156,500,000

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Anthem History

• name: "Mazurek Dabrowskiego" (Dabrowski's Mazurka)
• lyrics/music: Jozef WYBICKI/traditional
• note: adopted 1927; the anthem, commonly known as "Jeszcze Polska nie zginela" (Poland Has Not Yet Perished), was written in 1797; the lyrics resonate strongly with Poles because they reflect the numerous occasions in which the nation's lands have been occupied

Anthem Lyrics

• blaganie: Ojczyzne, wolnosc racz nam wrocic Panie. Boze! cos Polske przez tak liczne wieki Okryta blaskiem potegi i chwaly, Nagle spod swojej usunal opieki I wzniosl te ludy, co jej sluzyc mialy. Przed Twe oltarze zanosim
• blaganie: Ojczyzne, wolnosc racz nam wrocic Panie. Tys, co ja potem, tkniety jej upadkiem, Wspieral walczaca za najswietsza sprawe I chcac swiat caly miec jej mestwa swiadkiem, wsrod samych nieszczesc pomnozyl jej slawe. Przed Twe oltarze zanosim
• blaganie: Ojczyzne, wolnosc racz nam wrocic Panie. Niedawnos zabral wolnosc z polskiej ziemi A lez, krwi naszej poplynely rzeki; Jakze to okropnie to byc musi z temi, Ktorym Ty wolnosc odbierzesz na wieki. Przed Twe oltarze zanosim
• blaganie: Ojczyzne, wolnosc racz nam wrocic Panie. Jedno twe slowo, wielki gromow Panie! W chwili nas z prochow wskrzesic bedzie zdolne, Gdy znow zasluzym na Twe ukaranie, Obroc nas w prochy, ale w prochy wolne! Przed Twe oltarze zanosim
• blaganie: Ojczyzne, wolnosc racz nam wrocic Panie.

Anthem Lyrics English

• supplication: Fatherland and freedom, please return us, Lord. God! something about Poland for so many centuries Covered in the radiance of power and glory, Suddenly he removed from his care And he raised up the peoples who were to serve her. Before Your altar I offer my
• supplication: Fatherland and freedom, please return us, Lord. You are the same as me, touched by her fall, He supported those fighting for the most holy cause And I want the whole world to be a witness to her courage, in the midst of misfortunes he increased her fame. Before Your altar I offer my
• supplication: Fatherland and freedom, please return us, Lord. You recently took freedom from Polish land And tears, rivers of our blood flowed; How terrible it must be for these, Whose freedom you will take away forever. Before Your altar I offer my
• supplication: Fatherland and freedom, please return us, Lord. One word from you, great thundering Lord! In a moment it will be able to resurrect us from the ashes, When I deserve Your punishment again, Return us to ashes, but to free ashes! Before Your altar I offer my
• supplication: Give us back our homeland and freedom, Lord.