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At the very heart …

Many things in life are a question of perspective. Germany sees Poland as their neighbour to the east. Since Poland joined the EU in May 2004, they have formed the eastern border to non-EU countries. Nevertheless, Poland considers itself predominantly as Central European. Indeed, with its population of more than 37 million, this republic considers itself geographically as being in the middle of Europe, and the geographic centre in the town of Suchowola. At least this was how the Polish cartographer and astronomer Szymon Antoni Sobiekrajski calculated it in the 18th century.

There are also regions in Ukraine, Czech Republic, Slovakia and parts of Germany that also covet this unofficial title. However, it is difficult to determine the very heart of Europe as different aspects need to be taken into account, and it is also unclear where the borderline between Europe and Asia actually runs through. (bre)

Major cities in Poland 2021

Warsaw

Krakow

Lodz

Wroclaw

Poznań

Gdańsk

Source: GTAI 2022

Poland

Capital: Warsaw
Population in 2022: 37.8 m.*
Total area: 312,685 sqm
GDP per capita in 2022: 18,506 US-$*

Main imports in 2021

  • Chemical products 14,4% 14,4%
  • Machinery 10,0% 10,0%
  • Elektronics 8,6% 8,6%

Main exports in 2021

  • Foodstuffs 11,0% 11,0%
  • Electrical engineering 9,6% 9,6%
  • Chemical products 9,3% 9,3%

Main supplier countries in 2021

  • Germany 21,0% 21,0%
  • China 14,8% 14,8%
  • Russia 6,0% 6,0%

Main buyer countries in 2021

  • Germany 28,6% 28,6%
  • Czech Republic 6,0% 6,0%
  • France 5,7% 5,7%

German exports to Poland in 2021

  • Chemical products 17,2% 17,2%
  • Machinery 12,5% 12,5%
  • Vehicles and auto parts 10,0% 10,0%

German imports from Poland in 2021

  • Electrical engineering 11,9% 11,9%
  • Vehicles and auto parts 10,5% 10,5%
  • Machinery 9,2% 9,2%
Source: GTAI 2022
*provisional figure, estimate/forecast
Photos: istockphoto/ewg3D, vectorstock/siraanamwong