Poland has historically stood as a buffer between Germany and Russia -- two of European history's mightiest enemies -- and its geography has played a significant role in forming the Polish psyche. Alternately defensive and suspicious, risk-avoiding and risk-taking, and formal yet warm, the Polish character is the result of living between the bear and the wolf. About 95 percent of Poland's population is Roman Catholic, and the Roman Catholic Church played a revolutionary role in moving the country away from communism and toward democracy.

What Makes Poles Tick?

Family and friends are everything. Non-Poles will be received warmly, especially if from the West, but will need to prove themselves. Poles will make every effort to be good hosts -- often at their own sacrifice. Poland is traditionally a formal culture, and individuals are admired for their ability to do the right thing.

What to Say and How to Say It

Most Poles on the street do not speak English, although many Poles in business do speak some English. They may also speak German and Russian.

Pan (Mr.) and Pani (Mrs.) plus the family name are absolutely required when introduced to anyone. Panna (Miss) is seldom used; unless speaking to a child, all women should be referred to with Pani. Married women take their husbands' last names, but when the last letter is a vowel, change it to an "a." For example, Pan Brszynski's wife is referred to as Pani Brszynska.

Shake hands with everyone individually in a group before departing. The American group wave is not appreciated. The use of business cards is common, and if possible, you should have your business card translated into Polish on the reverse. Put any advanced educational degrees and your full title on your business card. Maintain direct eye contact when eye contact is made with you, especially when toasting. Hand gestures, in general, are limited. Flicking a few fingers against the neck is an invitation (usually between men) to join the person for a drink of vodka.

Watch the Clock

Be punctual for start times. The Polish workday usually starts early (around 8 a.m.) and ends early (no later than 4 p.m.). The Polish workweek includes Saturday morning. Most Poles do not take lunch during the day. Instead, they often eat a sandwich as a mid-morning snack and wait until they get home for a full lunch. In this case, dinner is usually late and light.

Polish Cuisine?

Tea is the drink of preference in Poland. To sweeten tea, some older Poles hold a cube of sugar between their front teeth and let the tea wash over it as they drink. Polish vodka is world-renowned, and it will be served with all meals, between meals and at social events. The most common toast is na zdrowie, to your health. Sometimes, stolat is said instead, meaning "100 years" and implying you should live to be 100 years old. The more you drink, the more you will be offered to drink. Know when to stop.

For private dinners at a Polish home, be prepared to arrive around 8 p.m. and to stay late (sometimes past midnight, even midweek). When it comes to dining, the knife remains in the right hand, and the fork remains in the left. You might need to remove your shoes before entering a Polish home. If there are shoes lined up at the entrance, it means you are requested to remove yours as well.

Gathering Those Zlotys

In business discussions, Poles usually move fairly quickly to substantive issues. Presentations need not be fancy, as long as they are clear and easily understood. Presenting in English is fine, but back-up documentation should also be in Polish, if possible. Never be condescending or offer an ultimatum -- bargaining is not Polish style. Contracts are serious. They should be clear, concise and translated into both Polish and English.

With a solid understanding of Poland's rich traditions, you are well on your way to succeeding in the land between the wolf and the bear.