POLSKA LAND AND CLIMATE

Land regions. Poland can be divided into seven land regions: (1) the Coastal Lowlands, (2) the Baltic Lakes Region, (3) the Central Plains, (4) the Polish Uplands, (5) the Carpathian Forelands, (6) the Sudeten Mountains, and (7) the Western Carpathian Mountains. The Coastal Lowlands extend in a narrow strip along the Baltic coast of northwestern Poland. Sandy beaches line much of the generally smooth coastline. The coast forms natural harbors at Gdansk, Gdynia, and Szczecin. These three ports are the only major cities located in the lowlands. The Baltic Lakes Region covers most of northern Poland. This scenic, hilly area has thousands of small lakes. Forests and peat bogs (swamps made up of decayed plants) cover parts of the area. Most of the land is not good for farming, though some farmers raise potatoes and rye. Lumbering is the area's most important industry. The Baltic Lakes Region is thinly populated. It is a popular vacation spot, where many Poles enjoy camping, hiking, and fishing. The Central Plains stretch across the entire width of Poland south of the Baltic Lakes Region. The low-lying plains make up Poland's major agricultural area, though other regions have richer soil. Farmers in the plains grow potatoes, rye, sugar beets, and other crops. The plains region has several of Poland's most important cities, including Poznan, Warsaw, and Wroclaw. The Polish Uplands consist of hills, low mountains, and plateaus that rise south of the plains region. The densely populated uplands contain most of Poland's mineral wealth and much of its richest farmland. One of the world's largest coal fields lies around the city of Katowice. Coal-mining and metal-processing industries have made the Katowice area the most highly industrialized region in Poland. Copper, lead, and zinc are also found in the uplands. Fertile soil covers much of the area, especially in the east. Corn, potatoes, and wheat rank among the region's major crops. The Carpathian Forelands lie within the branches of the Vistula and San rivers in southeastern Poland. Much of this region is densely populated. Crops thrive in the rich soil that covers parts of the gently rolling forelands. Iron and steel industries have developed in the area around Krakow, the region's most important manufacturing center. The Sudeten Mountains border southwestern Poland. Forests cover the rounded peaks of the Sudetens, most of which lie less than 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) above sea level. The valleys and foothills are used for crops and pastureland. Textile industries operate in many of the small cities and towns of the Sudeten Mountains. The Western Carpathian Mountains form the southernmost region of Poland. These steep, scenic mountains rise up to 8,199 feet (2,499 meters) at Rysy peak, the highest point in Poland. Rural towns and villages are scattered throughout the region. Bears, wildcats, and other animals live in the thickly forested mountains, and the region has several national parks. Rivers and canals form a network of navigable waterways in Poland. The longest river, the Vistula, flows 675 miles (1,086 kilometers) from the Western Carpathians to the Baltic Sea. Other important rivers include the Bug, the Oder, and the Warta. Climate varies greatly from one part of Poland to another. In general, the coast has milder weather than the inland regions, and the mountainous zones are cooler than the lowlands. Temperatures throughout Poland average 26 °F (-3 °C) in January and 73 °F (23 °C) in July. The average annual precipitation (rain, snow, and other forms of moisture) totals 24 inches (61 centimeters).