Adriana Sas
Research expert covering the Polish market
Poland - statistics & facts
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Poland, officially the Republic of Poland, is a country in Central Europe. It is the fifth most populous member state of the European Union (EU) and its sixth-largest economy. Its central location has historically made it a crossroads for trade and a key player in European geopolitics. Currently, the country serves as a major hub for several key industries, including manufacturing, information technology, and financial services.
The Polish economy is well-diversified, with services accounting for around 60 percent of GDP, followed by industry and agriculture. Since 2014, The country has maintained a strong labor market with low unemployment rates. In 2024, Poland had one of the lowest unemployment rates in the EU.
The information technology sector is one of the most prominent and innovative Polish industries. In 2024, Poland was estimated to have the highest revenues for IT services among Central and Eastern European countries, and those numbers are forecasted to continue rising.
However, Poland also faces significant challenges. Like many European countries, Poland is experiencing demographic struggles with an aging population and declining birth rates. Another pressing issue is Poland’s reliance on fossil fuels. In 2024, they accounted for over three-quarters of the country’s energy production. Transitioning to renewable energy sources will be critical to ensuring long-term energy security and meeting climate commitments.
Despite the obstacles, Poland is likely to grow economically and maintain an essential role in the region’s future in the following years.
Geography
Poland stretches from the Baltic Sea in the north to the Sudetes and the Carpathian Mountains in the south, lying predominantly on the North European Plain. Its fertile plains make it one of Europe’s leading agricultural producers, known especially for meat and grains production. In terms of urban development, centrally located Warsaw is Poland’s capital and the most populous city. Other major cities include historical capital Kraków, former industrial powerhouse Łódź, and Poland’s key Baltic Sea port — Gdańsk.Economy
Over the past three decades, Poland has rapidly transitioned from a centrally planned economy to a market-driven economy. Following the fall of communism in 1989, Poland’s GDP per capita has grown more than twelvefold, reaching approximately 22,000 U.S. dollars in 2023 and positioning Poland among the advanced economies of Europe. Poland’s economic success made it an attractive foreign investment destination and a reliable trade partner, with Germany being the leading partner for imports and exports.The Polish economy is well-diversified, with services accounting for around 60 percent of GDP, followed by industry and agriculture. Since 2014, The country has maintained a strong labor market with low unemployment rates. In 2024, Poland had one of the lowest unemployment rates in the EU.
The information technology sector is one of the most prominent and innovative Polish industries. In 2024, Poland was estimated to have the highest revenues for IT services among Central and Eastern European countries, and those numbers are forecasted to continue rising.
Future Outlook
Poland’s economy is expected to grow and achieve the highest real GDP growth among Central and Eastern European EU members in 2025.However, Poland also faces significant challenges. Like many European countries, Poland is experiencing demographic struggles with an aging population and declining birth rates. Another pressing issue is Poland’s reliance on fossil fuels. In 2024, they accounted for over three-quarters of the country’s energy production. Transitioning to renewable energy sources will be critical to ensuring long-term energy security and meeting climate commitments.
Despite the obstacles, Poland is likely to grow economically and maintain an essential role in the region’s future in the following years.
Adriana Sas
,
Mar 6, 2025
Adriana Sas
Research expert covering the Polish market
