The population of Poland is over 38 million people.
National composition:
- Poles (97%);
- Ukrainians, Germans, Belarusians, Lithuanians, Roma and other nations (3%).
The high mono-ethnicity of Poland is the result of historical events that took place in the middle of the 20th century (World War II and the post-war period): at this time, there was a massive displacement of Germans, Poles and Ukrainians, which led to changes in the ethnic composition of the state.
Over the past several decades, a large number of immigrants have not come to Poland, with the exception of refugees from Chechnya. But refugees in Poland are not paid benefits and are prohibited from engaging in labor activities, the purpose of which is to earn money. Therefore, Poland is a transit country for them.
On average 123 people live per 1 km2, but the most densely populated is the southern part of Poland.
The official language is Polish, but English is widespread, and the staff in hotels and shops also speaks Russian.
Large cities: Warsaw, Krakow, Lodz, Wroclaw, Poznan, Szczecin, Lublin.
Most of the inhabitants of Poland are Catholic, but in the country you can find Jews, Orthodox Christians and representatives of Lutheranism.
Life span
Men live on average to 71 years, and women to 80 years.
It is generally accepted that the higher the government allocates funds for health care and medicine, the higher the life expectancy will be. But the high living standards of the population of Poland do not justify this postulate - the government allocates only $ 1,300 for this item of expenditure, while in the USA - $ 8,000, and the countries of Western Europe - about $ 5,000.
Poles take good care of their health - they smoke 2 times less than Bulgarians, Greeks, Russians, Serbs, and the obesity level in Poland is 15.8% (on average in Europe - 18%, in the USA - 36%, and in Mexico - 40%). In addition, Poles are advocates of a healthy diet.
Traditions and customs of the inhabitants of Poland
Poles love to hold merry celebrations, especially to participate in theatrical performances ("nurseries"), which they put on the gospel stories (such events are held after Christmas) - mummers go around the villages, joking and carols: they go from door to door and amuse the owners. And as "payment" they accept treats from the festive table or a little money.
The season of balls and masquerades begins on December 31st - these noisy holidays are accompanied by entertainment events with dances, songs, plentiful treats and practical jokes.
If you are going to Poland, keep in mind that:
- You need to go to visit the Poles on an empty stomach: they treat their guests abundantly and satisfyingly;
- if you are a teetotal person, visiting the Poles, at the table, you will have to defend your position;
- it is customary in Poland to give up space to women and the elderly in public transport in order to show respect.
