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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 the
independent trade union "Solidarity" that over time became a political
force and by 1990 had swept parliamentary elections and the presidency.
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 acceptance to the EU. Poland joined the NATO alliance
in 1999.
Location: Central Europe, east of Germany
Area:
total: 312,685 sq km
land: 304,465 sq km
water: 8,220 sq km
Coastline: 491 km
Climate: temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters
with frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and
thundershowers
Terrain: mostly flat plain; mountains along southern border
Natural resources: coal, sulfur, copper, natural gas, silver,
lead, salt, arable land |
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