Poland, referred to as the New Europe in some circles, is surprising some with its strong growth and economic problems. Will it become an economic hub in Europe in the future?

Memberships: EU Membership and Structural Funds since 2004

GDP: $421.5 bn

GDP Growth Rate: 7%; Inflation: 2.0% (2007 CPI est.)

Per Capita Income: $11,057; 17% of population below poverty line

Unemployment: 12.8%

Current Account Balance: -$2.8 billion

Exports have more than doubled since 2002

Economic Forecast:

• GDP growth: 5.1% in 2008, 4.3% 2009-2012
• Goal to adopt Euro in 2012
• Labor market problems
• 54% participation rate in the labor market
• Wages growing faster than productivity
• Need to liberalize market regulations

Median Age

• male: 35.8 years
• female: 39.5 years

11 million Internet users in population of 38 million

Low divorce rate compared to the rest of Europe

• 67,578 divorces in 2005
• Country is Catholic, 90% of people define selves as “religious”

“Brain drain” worker migration to UK

• Trend will reverse over long-term
• Firms need to know how to attract best talent

Machinery and Transport equipment

• 30% of imports
• 38% of exports

Packaging

• 1.5% of GDP
• Metal and Paper Packaging expected 5-10% annual growth

Foreign Investment

• Driver of recent economic success
• Computers
• Consumer Electronics
• Automobile Component Production

Agriculture

• Inefficient small farms without investment

Oil, Coal, Refining (controlled by government)

Sources: culture.polishsite.us
data.un.org

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