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| Poland |
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Population: 38,500,696 (July 2008 est.)
Official Languages: Polish 97.8%, other and unspecified 2.2% (2002 census)
Major Religions: Roman Catholic 89.8%, Eastern Orthodox 1.3%, Protestant 0.3%, other 0.3%, unspecified 8.3% (2002) |
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Geography:
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Climate: temperate with cold, moderately severe winters with frequent precipitation. Has a mild summer with frequent precipitation
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Terrain: mostly flat plains; mountains along southern border
Top Products:
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Agriculture: fruit, vegetables, wheat, poultry, eggs, pork, dairy, etc.
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Industry: machine building, iron & steel, coal mining, shipbuilding, etc.
Literacy:
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Some Statistics:
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Labour Force by Occupation:
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Unemployment Rate: 14.9% (2006 est.)
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Pop. Below Poverty Line: 17% (2003 est.)
Economic Overview:
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since 1990 have pursued economic liberalization
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has a thriving private sector
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rigid labour codes, corruption, inefficient commercial court system, and bureaucratic red tape all hinder growth
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reforms have failed to reduce government deficit
Political Stability:
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Government Type: republic
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Legal System: blend of Continental Law and Communist legal theory. They are trying to introduce the democratic process. Limited judicial review of legislature is permitted, however ruling of the Constitutional Tribunal is final. Court decisions can be appealed to European Court of Justice. |
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Christian Perspective
The past is still remembered in Poland. The nation is 95% Roman Catholic. They closely identify with Roman Catholic Church as it was their “savior” from Communism. An increasing amount of Poles are seeking a genuine faith in God. |
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Praise Points:
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Christian literature missions is continually growing
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Though the young people are skeptical of ‘organized religion’, they are open to the Gospel message
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English classes are new witnessing opportunities |
Prayer Points:
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Dreams that capitalism would bring instant wealth top the populace have been broken. Crime, violence, and immorality rates are on the rise particularly in the younger generation.
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Thousands of towns and villages have no evangelical witness. | |
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