Tradition is the source of pride for a majority of Poles - and corrupt football, hapless politicians and a decrepit road infrastructure are what makes them blush.

Traditional Polish cuisine with its staples such as fried pork chops, dumplings and oscypek sheep’s milk cheese are the biggest sources of pride mentioned by almost 90 percent of those polled for the weekly magazine Przekroj.

High on the list of things which make Poles proud are: the hospitality traditionally associated with the nation; the role played by Poland in toppling communism and support for democratic transformations in Ukraine and Belarus.

On the shame side – what Poles are least proud of - are the comi-tragic condition of Polish roads, poor standards represented by Polish politicians and corruption-ridden football.

Poles are also ashamed of still widespread intolerance towards other nations, poor command of foreign languages and the passive way the average people here spend their free time. (kk/pg)

Source: Przekroj