Poland has a population of approximately 38 million people in 2025, making it the 37th most populous country in the world and the fifth most populous member of the European Union. That figure places Poland firmly among Europe's demographic heavyweights, behind only Germany, France, Italy, and Spain within the EU, while comfortably exceeding the populations of the Netherlands, Belgium, or the Czech Republic.
How Many People Live in Poland?
With roughly 38,000,000 residents, Poland accounts for close to one in twelve EU citizens. Spread across about 312,700 square kilometres, that works out to a population density of around 122 people per square kilometre — moderately dense by European standards, denser than France or Spain but far less crowded than the Netherlands. The population is distributed fairly evenly across the country's central plains and southern industrial belt, with the south and the area around Warsaw being the most populated and the northeast (the Masurian lake district) among the most sparsely settled.
Poland is also one of the most ethnically homogeneous countries in Europe. About 97% of residents identify as ethnic Polish, and Polish is the sole official language. This uniformity is a relatively recent product of the twentieth century — border changes and population transfers after World War II reshaped a country that had been strikingly multiethnic before 1939.
Population Growth and Decline
Poland's population is no longer growing. It is currently shrinking at an annual rate of roughly -0.15%, a trend driven by two forces common across Europe: low fertility and emigration. The fertility rate sits near 1.3 births per woman, well below the 2.1 needed to keep a population stable without migration.
The emigration story is dramatic. After Poland joined the European Union in 2004, an estimated 2 million Poles moved abroad — chiefly to the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Germany — in one of the largest peacetime migrations in modern European history. More recently, the arrival of roughly 1 million Ukrainian refugees since 2022 has partially offset these losses and temporarily slowed the decline. Even so, projections suggest Poland's population could fall toward 33 million by 2060 if birth rates and migration patterns hold.
The Largest Cities
Poland's population is increasingly urban, and three cities anchor its demographic map:
- Warsaw — the capital, with about 1.8 million residents in the city and roughly 3.1 million in its metropolitan area. Almost completely destroyed in World War II, Warsaw was painstakingly rebuilt and is now one of the fastest-growing economic centres in the EU.
- Kraków — around 800,000 residents and Poland's cultural and former royal capital. It is home to the Jagiellonian University, founded in 1364, one of the oldest universities in Europe.
- Łódź — about 670,000 residents. Once a textile-manufacturing powerhouse, it is reinventing itself as a creative and technology hub.
Other major centres include Wrocław, Poznań, and the tri-city of Gdańsk-Gdynia-Sopot on the Baltic coast.
Demographics and Society
Poland's median age is about 42 and rising, reflecting both low birth rates and increasing life expectancy. Roman Catholicism remains the dominant faith — around 87% of Poles identify as Catholic, one of the highest shares in Europe — though regular religious attendance has fallen sharply among younger generations.
Education is a striking strength. Roughly 45% of Poles aged 25 to 34 hold a university degree, one of the highest proportions among OECD countries, which has helped fuel the rapid expansion of the service and technology sectors in cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław. To explore more about the country behind these numbers, see our poland country guide.
Why the Numbers Matter
Poland's demographic profile shapes its economy and politics. A shrinking, ageing population raises pressure on pensions, healthcare, and the labour market, which is part of why immigration — long a marginal issue in such a homogeneous country — has become central to public debate. At the same time, Poland's large, well-educated workforce and growing metropolitan economies have made it one of the EU's standout performers in recent decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Poland in 2025?
Poland's population in 2025 is approximately 38 million people, ranking it 37th in the world and fifth in the European Union by population.
Is Poland's population growing or declining?
It is slowly declining, at roughly -0.15% per year. A fertility rate near 1.3 and decades of emigration outweigh natural increase, though Ukrainian refugees have softened the trend since 2022.
What is the largest city in Poland?
Warsaw is the largest city and the capital, with about 1.8 million residents and a metropolitan area of roughly 3.1 million people.
How densely populated is Poland?
Poland has a population density of about 122 people per square kilometre — moderate for Europe, with the south and the Warsaw region most densely settled and the northeastern lake districts the most sparsely populated.