SGA Ministries in Poland
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- Biblical Leadership Training
- Leadership Support
- Christian Literature
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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, boosting hopes for early
acceptance to the EU. 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
Land Use
Arable land: 47%, permanent crops: 1%,
permanent pastures: 13%, forests and woodland:
29%, other: 10% (1993 est.)
Population
38,646,023 (July 2000 est.)
Ethnic Groups
Polish 97.6%, German 1.3%, Ukrainian 0.6%,
Belorussian 0.5% (1990 est.)
Religions
Roman Catholic 95% (about 75% practicing),
Protestant 0.4%, and other 4%
Languages
Polish
Capital
Warsaw
Independence
11 November 1918 (independent republic
proclaimed)
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
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