Poland's GDP in 1998 reached $136 billion and is forecast to reach $200 billion by 2005. Per capita income, now at $3505, is expected to increase by 2005 to $5115. The population of Poland in 1998 was 38.8 million and should reach 39.1 million by 2005. A big challenge for the country is reducing the 12% inflation rate, however, and Poland appears to be on its way with a forecast of 6.7% by 2005. The exchange rate is 3.9 zolty=$1.00.

Poland has an average tariff of 6%. The top tax bracket is 45%. The top corporate tax rate is 36%, the capital gains tax, 36%, and the value-added tax, 22%. The polish government consumes 17.8% of GDP while the public sector produces 30% of GDP. Poland's average inflation from 1990 to 1994 was 147.9%; it dropped to 13% in 1997.

Poland's automobile market is second to Russia's in Central and Eastern Europe. The vehicle fleet was estimated to be about 8.4 million units at the end of 1997 and is expected to reach 11.7 million units by 2005. Poland's car market reached 478,000 units in 1997, doubling in just five years. There is one vehicle for every 23 persons in Poland. The leading manufacturers in Poland are Fiat and FSO/Daewoo. Fiat's market share dropped from 52% in 1995 to 35% in 1997.

Country profiles were provided by Raymond Champagne