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Poland
Poland
Ministries in Poland
Projects in Poland
Feeding Fertile MindsView project info »
Equipping The Next Generation Of Christian LeadersView project info »
Vehicles For Eastern EuropeView project info »
Leadership SupportView project info »
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Background
Poland gained its independence in 1918 only to be overrun by Germany and the Soviet Union in World War II. It became a Soviet satellite country following the war, but one that was comparatively tolerant and progressive. Labour turmoil in 1980 led to the formation of an independent trade union “Solidarity” that over time became a political force and by 1990 had won parliamentary elections and the presidency. Complete freedom came with the implosion of the USSR in 1991. A “shock therapy” programme during the early 1990s enabled the country to transform its economy into one of the most robust in Central Europe. Today, it is one of the fastest growing economies in Europe and a significant trading partner for the UK. It became a full member of the European Union in May 2004. Poland joined the NATO alliance in 1999.
Location
Central Europe, east of Germany
Area
312,685 sq km
Land Boundaries
Belarus, Czech Republic, Germany, Lithuania, Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast), Slovakia, Ukraine
Natural Resources
Coal, sulphur, copper, natural gas, silver, lead, salt, arable land
Population
38 million (March 2011 est.)
Ethnic Groups
Polish 97.6%, German 1.3%, Ukrainian 0.6%, Belorussian 0.5% (2011 est.)
Religions
Roman Catholic 95% (about 55% practicing), Eastern Orthodox, Protestant, and Other (1.5%)
Languages
Polish
Capital
Warsaw
Agriculture
Potatoes, fruits, vegetables, wheat; poultry, eggs, pork, beef, milk, cheese
Industries
Machine building, iron and steel, coal mining, chemicals, shipbuilding, food processing, glass, beverages and textiles
Currency
1 zloty (Zl) = 100 groszy