The AFP agency cited five key facts about Poland while announcing the Sunday parliamentary elections. The French press agency emphasized that the country can boast of a thousand-year history, was invaded by Germany and the Soviet Union during World War II, was ruled by communists for decades afterward and is now a member of NATO and the European Union. AFP noted that Poland has continuously recorded economic growth since 1989 and is currently the seventh-largest economy in the EU. “It is the largest producer of poultry, apples, raspberries, and potatoes in Europe. The country is also an industrial giant, especially thanks to its cheap labor force. About a third of international transport in the EU is carried out by Polish companies,” the agency pointed out. It also noted that Poland has gained recognition in the computer games industry, thanks to such hits as “The Witcher,” “Dying Light,” “This War of Mine” and “Cyberpunk 2077” that has been announced for next year.

Another aspect that AFP drew attention to is the dominant religion in Poland. Over 90% of Poles declare to be Catholics, but only 38% attend Sunday mass regularly. AFP also mentioned the Polish government’s tough stance on illegal migration and the ruling PiS party’s rejection of EU migration quotas. Jews’ centuries-long treating of Poland as a safe haven prior to 1939 was another highlighted aspect. “3.3 million Jews lived in the country at the time, or about 10% of the entire Polish population,” the agency wrote, reminding that around 8,000-12,000 Jews currently live in Poland.

As for trivia, AFP drew attention to a unique custom. Poland is probably the only country in the world to distribute presidential medals to couples celebrating the 50th anniversary of their marriage.

(Rzeczpospolita)