Poland

Abstract

Over the last century the experience of Poland has diverged significantly from that of other Central and Eastern European socialist countries. The relatively slow pace of industrialization, the continuing involvement of the large rural population in small-scale private agriculture, the vast devastation and loss of life during World War II followed by settling newly acquired Western territories, and the strong role of the Roman Catholic Church in contemporary life have all created unique constraints for policy formation.

We are pleased to acknowledge the considerable benefit over many years of scientific cooperation, statistical assistance, or constructive criticism from Jerzy Holzer (Central Statistical Office) and Mikolaj Kozakiewicz (Polish Academy of Sciences), who reviewed the draft chapter, and from Danuta Markowska (Polish Academy of Sciences). The opinions expressed in this chapter, and any remaining errors, are solely the responsibility of the authors.