Living in Poland guide for expats

Every year, foreign workers, students, etc, move to Poland in large numbers. Indeed, the country has been attracting many expatriates worldwide, especially due to its dynamic and prosperous economy, as well as the numerous career prospects which are available there. Poland also provides quality living to its inhabitants with its rich cultural and historical background and its multicultural environment and population.

Geography

Bordered by Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kaliningrad and Lithuania, Poland is a member of the European Union since 2004. Thanks to its wide opening over the Baltic Sea, the country is a major platform for the export of agricultural and manufactured products and coal.

Poland consists of 16 regions (voïvodies) which are divided into 379 districts (powiaty) and subdivided into 2,478 municipalities (gminy). 65 cities are also known as districts. Warsaw, the capital city, Krakow, Lodz, Wroclaw and Poznan, etc., are its biggest cities.

Demography

To date, Poland ranks 34th among the world's most densely populated countries with more than 38 million inhabitants. The population comprises, namely, Poles, as well as expatriates who have come different parts of the world, including Eastern countries, Europe (France, Germany and the United Kingdom), the USA, China, Turkey, Sweden, and many others.

The country attracts expatriates, especially for its openness over the rest of Europe and for its conducive business climate.

Languages

Polish is the official language in Poland. It is spoken by almost the whole of the native population as Poland is one of Europe's most homogenous countries. However, other languages such as English, Russian, German and French are also spoken in the country.

Economy

Since it joined the European Union, Poland has experienced a growing dynamism which has allowed it to support its infrastructure financially. This is how it has managed to attract foreign investors more easily. To date, Poland is deemed to be the European Union's 6th economic powerhouse. Note that it has not be affected by the global financial crisis in 2008-2010.

The country's economy mainly relies on the primary and secondary sectors, but in general, most sectors involve trade and investment. Indeed, the country enjoys a high growth rate along with a vast local market and political stability. These factors have greatly encouraged foreign companies to set up their offices in the different Pole cities.

Climate

Poland enjoy an oceanic climate from the North to the West and continental climate from the South to the East. In winter, temperatures are quite harsh, ranging from -8 to 3°C. Summer, for its part, is rather mild as temperatures rarely exceed 30°C. Summer is more humid than winter, especially in the East.

Useful links:

Expat.com ' Poland
Poland Official Portal www.poland.travel
OECD ' Poland www.oecd.org