Independence Year : 1918
Population : 38653600
Life Expectancy : 73.2
Capital : 2928
GNP : 151697.00
GNP Old : 135636.00
Local Name : Polska
Government Form : Republic
Location : Central Europe, east of Germany
Terrain : Flat plain, except mountains along southern border
Climate : Temperate with both maritime and continental elements
Ethnic Group : Polish 98%, German, Ukrainian, Belorussian, Lithuanian
Religions : Roman Catholic 90%, Eastern Orthodox, Uniate, Protestant, Judaism
Official Website :
www.president.pl
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General Information - Poland
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. Labor turmoil in 1980 led to the formation of the independent trade union "Solidarity" that over time became a political force and by 1990 had swept parliamentary elections and the presidency.
A "shock therapy" program during the early 1990s enabled the country to transform its economy into one of the most robust in Central Europe, boosting hopes for acceptance to the EU.
Poland joined the NATO alliance in 1999.
(Source: CIA - The World Factbook)
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