Polernes

Polernes is a term used in Danish and Norwegian to refer to the Polish people, i.e., Poles. The form polernes is the definite plural possessive in these languages, used for phrases such as polernes kultur (the Poles’ culture) or polernes sprog (the Poles’ language). In English-language contexts, the corresponding noun is "the Poles." The term denotes nationality and ethnicity rather than citizenship status.

Poles form the majority population of Poland, with a country population of around 38 to 40 million residents. A large and long-standing diaspora exists in many countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, France, and Sweden, among others. Polish communities often maintain cultural and linguistic ties to Poland through media, religion, schools, and organizations.

Language and culture

Polish (język polski) is the national language, a West Slavic language written in the Latin script. Polish culture has diverse regional traditions, literature, music, and cuisine. Catholicism has historically played a significant role in Polish society, though Poland is religiously diverse today. Polish traditions include Christmas Eve supper (Wigilia), All Saints’ Day, and various folk customs.

History

Polish statehood emerged in the 10th century and evolved into the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth in the 16th–18th centuries. After partitions in the late 18th century, Poland regained independence in 1918, was invaded in 1939, and became a communist state after World War II. The modern Republic of Poland was established in 1989 and joined the European Union in 2004. The Poles have contributed to science, arts, and politics, with notable figures such as Copernicus and Marie Curie.