National Geographic Countries of the World:Poland

by DECKKER, ZILAH

• ISBN13: 9781426302015
• ISBN10: 1426302010
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2008-01-22
• Publisher: National Geographic Kids

Summary

Visit Poland, ancestral homeland of millions of Americans. Follow the ever-changing fate of the Polish state: from inception in 966, through kingdom and commonwealth status, through occupation and communism, to today's "Third Polish Republic." Learn of Poland's newest role as a full member of the European Union. Meet Nobel Prize winner Lech Walesa, the Solidarity Union leader who challenged the communist authorities in the 1980s and became president in 1990.

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. 4
Geography	p. 7
Somewhere in the Middle
At a Glance	p. 8
What's the Weather Like?
Fast Facts
Average Temperature & Rainfall
Physical Map
Special Feature: Poland's Waterway	p. 13
Special Feature: An Accidental Desert	p. 15
Nature	p. 17
Ancient Nature
At a Glance	p. 18
Varied Wildlife
Species at Risk
Vegetation & Ecosystems Map
Special Feature: Welcome Back Bison	p. 21
Special Feature: An Unlikely Nature Reserve	p. 23
Special Feature: Who Gives a Hoot?	p. 25
History	p. 27
Crossroads of Europe
At a Glance	p. 28
Polish Rule
Time line
Historical Map
Special Feature: Underground City of Salt	p. 31
Special Feature: Where Is the World?	p. 32
Special Feature: September 11, 1683	p. 33
Special Feature: The Home Army	p. 35
Special Feature: Workers' Solidarity	p. 36
People & Culture	p. 39
A Catholic Culture
At a Glance	p. 40
A Changing Population
Common Polish Phrases
Population Map
Special Feature: Passion Plays	p. 42
Special Feature: National Holidays	p. 44
Special Feature: Chopin Polonaise	p. 45
Special Feature: The City of Culture	p. 46
Special Feature: Watching, Waiting, and Eating	p. 47
Government & Economy	p. 49
The European Dream
At a Glance	p. 50
Dictators and Democracy
Trading Partners
Political Map
Special Feature: How the Government Works	p. 52
Special Feature Map: Industry	p. 54
Special Feature: The Polish Pope	p. 55
Special Feature: Lech Walesa	p. 57
Add a Little Extra to Your Country Report!	p. 58
Glossary	p. 60
Bibliography
Further Information	p. 61
Index	p. 62
Credits	p. 64
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