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The Poles are the people of Poland. Numbering about 38 million, the Poles are one of the many European people adjusting to a capitalist environment after nearly half a century of Communist rule.
Under the Jagiellonian dynasty in the 15th and 16th centuries Poland, then united with Lithuania, was a major power. After the fall of the Jagiellonian dynasty it fell into decline. The nation state of Poland emerged after World War I. However, in 1939 it was partitioned between Germany and USSR. After the Second World War the boundaries were again redrawn. Polish is the national language and is spoken by almost the entire population. The language is written using the Roman Script and has a number of dialects. The principal religion is Roman Catholicism, which has played a significant role in Polish history. It has 95 percent of the population as its members. During the communist period, its activities were greatly curtailed. A number of priests were arrested. The Church has gained a greater say in national policies after the fall of Communism in 1989. The Poles are an exceptionally literate people. Nearly all Poles can read and write. Education is free and compulsory for children between 7 and 15. Prior to World War II the Poles were an agrarian people. However, during the Communist period rapid industrialization occured. This led to urbanization. Christmas and Easter are the major festivals. The Major cities are Warsaw, Krakow , Wroclaw and Lublin Go To Page: 1
The copyright of the article The Poles in World Cultures is owned by . Permission to republish The Poles in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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