Poland, a central European country with a population of approximately 38 million, joined the European Union in 2004. As one of the larger EU economies, its GDP ranks 6th in the EU. The country has a significant agricultural sector, benefiting from EU agricultural subsidies, and has shown robust growth in the manufacturing and services sectors. Politically, Poland is a parliamentary republic, and it has been influential in EU discussions, particularly regarding Eastern Europe relations and energy policy. Its capital, Warsaw, is a major international business and cultural hub.