YEREVAN. - The number of Armenians in Poland does not exceed 40,000 of which 30,000 live in Warsaw, Azg newspaper reports.

Armenians settled in Poland over 600 years ago. However, it is surprising over the past 200 years the Armenians have not formed a community, Armenian schools and churches do not operate.

In general, the Armenians in Poland can be divided into three groups.

First group includes Armenians living in Poland for about 600 years. They call themselves Poles of Armenian descent. Over time they assimilated and became Catholics.

The second group includes emigrants who left for Poland in the 90s. They speak in Armenian and are followers of Armenian Apostolic Church. The first and second groups have nothing in common, they operate separately and have different interests. However, Congress of Armenians of Poland was set up last year to unite the Armenians.

The third group includes Armenians living in Poland illegally. They hold Soviet passports and work in the markets.