Warsaw

Warsaw is the capital and largest city of Poland, situated on the Vistula River in east-central Poland. It serves as the country’s political, economic, and cultural center and is the seat of the Polish government, parliament, and presidential residence.

The city’s origins trace back to a medieval settlement; it received city rights in the 14th century. In 1596, Warsaw became the capital of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth under King Stephen Báthory. After the partitions of Poland and the destruction of World War II, the city was largely rebuilt in the postwar period. It has since developed into a major European capital with a diversified economy and cultural life.

Warsaw is Poland’s leading economic hub, hosting the central bank and the Warsaw Stock Exchange, as well as numerous national and international companies. It is also an important center of higher education, with institutions such as the University of Warsaw and the Warsaw University of Technology, attracting students from Poland and abroad.

Culturally, the city offers a mix of historic and modern attractions. The historic Old Town, the Royal Route, Łazienki Park, the Palace of Culture and Science, and Wilanów Palace are key landmarks. Museums such as the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews and a range of theaters and concert venues contribute to a vibrant cultural scene, including events like international music competitions.

Transportation in Warsaw is well developed, with a comprehensive tram and bus network, two metro lines (M1 and M2), and major rail connections. The city is served by Warsaw Chopin Airport and, for some services, Warsaw Modlin. The metropolitan area forms a large urban agglomeration with a population of several million people.

As of recent estimates, the city proper has about 1.8 to 1.9 million residents, while the metropolitan area reaches around 3 million. The population is predominantly Polish, with growing international communities and students.