Located in east-central Europe, Poland comprises an area of nearly 313,000 square kilometers (about the size of New Mexico). Borders with Germany on the west and Belarus and Russia on the east give Poland notable geopolitical significance. In addition, its flat topography, with no defensible geographical features, has made Poland a prime area for conflict, as the country not only lies between historically powerful nations but also has served as an unwilling conduit for forces between Russia and Germany.
Copyright © 2006 Facts On File. This book chapter first appeared in World Encyclopedia of Political Systems and Parties.
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Hass, Jeffrey K. "Republic of Poland." In World Encyclopedia of Political Systems and Parties, edited by Neil Schlager, Jayne Weisblatt, and Orlando J. Pérez, 1085-094. 4th ed. Vol. 3. New York: Facts On File, 2006.