The Republic of Poland, officially known as Rzeczpospolita Polska, is a democratic country located in Central Europe. It covers an area of roughly 312,000 square kilometers. Based on its geographical size, it ranks as the seventh-largest country in Europe, and the 62nd largest in the world. Seven other countries border Poland. To the west it shares borders with Germany; to the south, the Czech Republic; to the east, Lithuania, Belarus and Ukraine; and to the north, Russia and the Baltic Sea. Its population is roughly 38.5 million.
The geography of Poland is mostly plain, but there is some diversity. Along the southern border run the Carpathian Mountains and the Sudety Mountains. In the center of the country lie some lowlands and rolling hills. The north contains forested areas and lakes, which lead up to the beaches on the Baltic Sea coast.
Poland’s national flag consists of two stripes, one white and one red. Its national emblem is a white eagle, spreading its wings against a red background, and wearing a golden crown.
The dominant religion of Poland is Catholicism.