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Places in News: Poland
Context:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Poland marks the first visit by an Indian leader to the country in nearly 45 years. This visit holds special significance as it coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Poland.
About Poland
- Country Overview: Poland, officially known as the Republic of Poland, is a Central European nation stretching from the Baltic Sea in the north to the Sudetes and Carpathian Mountains in the south.
- Borders: It shares borders with Lithuania and Russia to the northeast, Belarus and Ukraine to the east, Slovakia and the Czech Republic to the south, and Germany to the west.
- Major Cities: The capital and largest city is Warsaw; other major cities include Kraków, Wrocław, Łódź, Poznań, and Gdańsk.
- UNESCO Sites: Poland has 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 15 of which are cultural.
- Global Memberships: Poland is a founding member of the United Nations and a member of the World Trade Organization, OECD, NATO, and the European Union (including the Schengen Area).
Geography:
- Largest Island: Wolin is the largest Polish island on the Baltic Sea, located within Wolin National Park.
- Mountain Ranges: The southern part of Poland features two major mountain ranges: Sudetes (west) and Carpathians (east) with the Tatra Mountains being the highest part of this massif.
- Mount Rysy in the Tatras, at 2,501 meters (8,205 ft), is Poland’s highest point.
- Major Rivers: Poland’s longest rivers are the Vistula, Oder, Warta, and Bug.
- Protected Areas: Approximately 1% of Poland’s territory, is protected within 23 national parks.
- Two of these parks, Białowieża and Bieszczady, are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.