Polen, von links nach rechts: 1- Mazoviens, 2- Highlander, 3- Litauern, 4- Cracowianer, 1840 (Abbildung)

Poland is a country in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the north, Belarus to the east, Ukraine and Russia to the south, and Germany to the west. The total area is about 312,500 square kilometers. The population is about 38 million. The capital is Warsaw. The people of Poland are divided into three groups: the Mazovians, the Highlanders, and the Lithuanians. The Mazovians are the largest group, and they are made up of people from the region around the city of Minsk. The Highlanders are the second largest group, and they are made up of people from the mountainous regions of central and eastern Poland. The Lithuanians are the smallest group, and they are made up of people from the region around the city of Vilnius. Poland has a long and rich history. The first people to live in Poland were the Mazovians. They were followed by the Highlanders, who arrived in Poland about 1000 years ago. The Lithuanians arrived about 500 years ago. Poland was first ruled by the Germans, but it was later taken over by the Russians. In 1918, Poland became an independent country. Poland is a