, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR,
UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNOMIG, UNWTO, UPU, WCL, WCO,
WEU (associate), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Robert KUPIECKI
chancery: 2640 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 234-3800 through 3802
FAX: [1] (202) 328-6271
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Victor ASHE
embassy: Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31 00-540 Warsaw
mailing address: American Embassy Warsaw, US Department of State,
Washington, DC 20521-5010 (pouch)
telephone: [48] (22) 504-2000
FAX: [48] (22) 504-2688
consulate(s) general: Krakow

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; similar to the
flags of Indonesia and Monaco which are red (top) and white

Economy
Poland

Economy - overview:

Poland has pursued a policy of economic liberalization since 1990
and today stands out as a success story among transition economies.
In 2007, GDP grew an estimated 6.5%, based on rising private
consumption, a jump in corporate investment, and EU funds inflows.
GDP per capita is still much below the EU average, but is similar to
that of the three Baltic states. Since 2004, EU membership and
access to EU structural funds have provided a major boost to the
economy. Unemployment is falling rapidly, though at roughly 12.8% in
2007, it remains well above the EU average. Tightening labor
markets, and rising global energy and food prices, pose a risk to
consumer price stability. In December 2007 inflation reached 4.1% on
a year-over-year basis, or higher than the upper limit of the
National Bank of Poland's target range. Poland's economic
performance could improve further if the country addresses some of
the remaining deficiencies in its business environment. An
inefficient commercial court system, a rigid labor code,
bureaucratic red tape, and persistent low-level corruption keep the
private sector from performing up to its full potential. Rising
demands to fund health care, education, and the state pension system
present a challenge to the Polish government's effort to hold the
consolidated public sector budget deficit under 3.0% of GDP, a
target which was achieved in 2007. The PO/PSL coalition government
which came to power in November 2007 plans to further reduce the
budget deficit with the aim of eventually adopting the