Poland
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 an independent trade union "Solidarity" that over time became a political force and by 1990 had swept parliamentary elections and the presidency. Complete freedom came with the implosion of the USSR in 1991. 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 early acceptance to the EU. Poland joined the NATO alliance in 1999, and became an EU member in May 2004.
Poland was one of the first of the former Soviet satellite countries to hold free elections and successfully introduce market reforms. The country has achieved some success in creating a market economy and attracting foreign investment but unemployment is painfully high and incomes are generally low. Poland still has a huge farming sector which is unwieldy and very inefficient. Poverty is particularly widespread in rural areas.
Poland's profile on the international stage was raised by its support for the US-led military campaign in Iraq. A Polish-led international force, including 2,500 Polish troops, took on peacekeeping responsibilities in south-central Iraq in September 2003.
Despite public criticism of the deployment, the government of Prime Minister Kazimierz Marcinkiewicz reversed the previous administration's plan to pull troops out in early 2006.
The presence in the Vatican of Polish Pope John-Paul II was an important influence on the Solidarity movement throughout the 1980s. The Roman Catholic church remains a very potent force in Polish life.
Poland shares with the rest of Europe a threat from international terrorism, but there are no known specific threats to expatriate travelers or residents.
Violent crime is rare, but street crime and road safety are concerns (see below).
