Poland

Poland which is situated in a stratigic place in Europe has had its borders shifted constantly the years.  The borders were last changed in 1945 at the end of World War II.  White represents a desire for peace and red  is said to represent socialism.  These colors were taken from the 13th century arms.  The design was adopted after the Great War. Red and white did not become the national colors until 1831.  

     Poland has had a history of being invaded.  First, in 1241, when they were invaded by the Mongols and then in 1655 by the Swedes. The Polish Parilment then in 1791 adopted a constution that had only been seen in one other place before, the United States.  Unfortuntely that constitution did not last for long.  The constitution was crushed by the partion of Poland by Russia, Prussia, and Austria from 1793-1795.  Poland was then declared an independent repubic on November 11, 1918.  That freedom did not last long.  In 1939 Poland was invaded by Nazi Germany and Russia.  Poland was then divided into two countries.  Concentration camps in Poland systematically murdered about four million Jews during the Holocaust from 1941-1944.  Poland was then liberated from Nazi Germany and was ruled by Communistic Russia in 1944.  Finally in 1989 Poland was free of Communism after forty-five years of rule.  Aleksamder Kwasniewski, a former communist party member won the presidency in 1995.

 Country Stats

Official Name: Republic of Poland

Capital: Warsaw

Official Language: Polish

Official Religion: none

National Anthem: Jeszcze Polska nie Zginela (Poland Has Not Yet Perished While We Are Still Alive)

Government: Multi Party Republic with two legitlative houses

Head of State and Government: not listed

Population: 38,504,700

Currency: Zloty

Literacy: 98.7%