CRM, IDA, IEA
(observer), IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MONUA, NAM (guest), NSG, OAS
(observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO,
UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNMIBH, UNMOP, UNMOT, UNOMIG,
UNPREDEP, UPU, WCL, WEU (associate partner), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WToO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Jerzy KOZMINSKI
chancery: 2640 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Daniel FRIED
embassy: Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31 00-054, Warsaw P1
mailing address: American Embassy Warsaw, US Department of State,
Washington, DC 20521-5010 (pouch)
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

Economy--overview: Poland today stands out as one of the most
successful and open transition economies. The privatization of small
and medium state-owned companies and a liberal law on establishing
new firms marked the rapid development of a private sector now
responsible for 70% of economic activity. In contrast to the vibrant
expansion of private non-farm activity, the large agriculture
component remains handicapped by structural problems, surplus labor,
inefficient small farms, and lack of investment. The government's
determination to enter the EU as soon as possible affects all
aspects of its economic policies. Improving Poland's worsening
current account deficit also is a priority. To date, the government
has resisted pressure for protectionist solutions and continues to
support regional free trade initiatives. The government export
strategy emphasizes a more aggressive export assistance program.
Warsaw continues to hold the budget deficit to less than 2% of GDP.
Further progress on public finance depends mainly on comprehensive
reform of the social welfare system and privatization of Poland's
remaining state sector. Restructuring and privatization of
"sensitive sectors" (e.g., coal, steel, and telecommunications) has
begun. Long-awaited privatizations in aviation and energy are
scheduled for 1999.

GDP: purchasing power parity--$263 billion (1998 est.)

GDP--real growth rate: 5