Poland has a population of around 38 million, making it the fifth largest country in the EU by population. After significant emigration to Western Europe following EU accession in 2004 — particularly to the UK, Germany, and Ireland — the demographic picture has shifted somewhat, with some returning and a growing number of Ukrainian migrants arriving since 2022.
The population is overwhelmingly ethnic Polish (over 97%) and Roman Catholic. Religion plays a significant role in public life, though churchgoing has declined among younger generations in cities. The Catholic Church remains politically and culturally influential.
Poles have a reputation for warmth once you get past a sometimes reserved initial manner. Hospitality is taken seriously — if you're invited to someone's home, bring wine or flowers (an odd number, not 12), and expect to be fed. Refusing food or drink can seem rude.
Polish national identity is shaped profoundly by history — particularly the partitions (when Poland ceased to exist as a state for 123 years), World War II (during which Poland lost around a fifth of its population), and the communist era. Poles are generally proud of their resilience and their contributions to European history, from the Battle of Vienna to Solidarity. This history is not background noise; it comes up in conversation.
The older generation often speaks Russian as a second language, a legacy of the communist era. Younger Poles overwhelmingly speak English, especially in cities. German is useful near the western border.
Regional identities remain strong. Silesia, Pomerania, and the mountainous Podhale region each have distinct cultures, dialects, and sometimes a complicated relationship with Warsaw.