Careers, Jobs and Education Resources for: Poland

Economic Overview

Poland has pursued a policy of economic liberalization since 1990 and today stands out as a success story among transition economies. in 2007, gdp grew an estimated 6.5%, based on rising private consumption, a jump in corporate investment, and eu funds inflows. gdp per capita is still much below the eu average, but is similar to that of the three baltic states. since 2004, eu membership and access to eu structural funds have provided a major boost to the economy. unemployment is falling rapidly, though at roughly 12.8% in 2007, it remains well above the eu average. tightening labor markets, and rising global energy and food prices, pose a risk to consumer price stability. in december 2007 inflation reached 4.1% on a year-over-year basis, or higher than the upper limit of the national bank of poland's target range. poland's economic performance could improve further if the country addresses some of the remaining deficiencies in its business environment. an inefficient commercial court system, a rigid labor code, bureaucratic red tape, and persistent low-level corruption keep the private sector from performing up to its full potential. rising demands to fund health care, education, and the state pension system present a challenge to the polish government's effort to hold the consolidated public sector budget deficit under 3.0% of gdp, a target which was achieved in 2007. the po/psl coalition government which came to power in november 2007 plans to further reduce the budget deficit with the aim of eventually adopting the euro. the new government has also announced its intention to enact business-friendly reforms, reduce public sector spending growth, lower taxes, and accelerate privatization. however, the government does not have the necessary two-thirds majority needed to override a presidential veto, and thus may have to water down initiatives in order to garner enough support to pass its pro-business policies.

Environmental Issues

Situation has improved since 1989 due to decline in heavy industry and increased environmental concern by post-communist governments; air pollution nonetheless remains serious because of sulfur dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants, and the resulting acid rain has caused forest damage; water pollution from industrial and municipal sources is also a problem, as is disposal of hazardous wastes; pollution levels should continue to decrease as industrial establishments bring their facilities up to eu code, but at substantial cost to business and the government

Government Type

Republic

Population

38,500,696 (july 2008 est.)

Location

Central europe, east of germany

Area

Total: 312,679 sq km land: 304,459 sq km water: 8,220 sq km

Slightly smaller than new mexico

Country Aliases

Conventional long form: republic of poland conventional short form: poland local long form: rzeczpospolita polska local short form: polska

Capital

Name: warsaw geographic coordinates: 52 15 n, 21 00 e time difference: utc+1 (6 hours ahead of washington, dc during standard time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last sunday in march; ends last sunday in october

Military Service

17 years of age for male compulsory military service after january 1st of the year of 18th birthday; 17 years of age for voluntary military service; conscript service obligation shortened from 12 to 9 months in 2005; by 2008, plans call for at least 60% of military personnel to be volunteers; only soldiers who have completed their conscript service are allowed to volunteer for professional service; as of april 2004, women are only allowed to serve as officers and noncommissioned officers (2006)

International Disputes

As a member state that forms part of the eu's external border, poland has implemented the strict schengen border rules to restrict illegal immigration and trade along its eastern borders with belarus and ukraine