Geography of Poland

Aim: The author describes the main characteristics of the study of geography sciences in Poland and its development. In Poland, the continuity of geography sciences has fairly strong foundations. To explain these foundations the author discusses the relationship between the history of geography sciences in Poland and research since the 18th century, as well as the importance of knowledge about the country's land, people, and history. Method: Three approaches are adopted in this study. Interviews and discussions with geographers in Poland helped to enhance the author's understanding. The standard research method of collecting and reading literature was used; however, knowledge obtained through observations during the author' stay in Poland over the past 40 years was another important source of information used to complete this study. Results: The main results can be summarized by three points. 1. Poland's geography is important from a geopolitical viewpoint. 2. The Academy of Sciences systems introduced along with socialism can be regarded as a device that supports geography sciences. 3. Five major accomplishments are identified in geography science research in Poland. (1) Progress of theory in economic geography from the 1950s into the 1990s: the theory and practice of economic regionalization. (2) Studies in urban and population geography conducted from the 1960s into the 1990s. (3) Studies in the regional (spatial) structure of national economy and, as an extension, the development of socialist futurology (or geography of the future) toward the 21st century. (4) Restoration of traditional regional geography in forms such as the study of ethnic minority groups in the Eurasian space. Eastern border problems in the EU, Republic of Poland, and ethnic minorities. (5) Cartography: the national atlases published during these periods were notable achievements in the field of cartography.