Natural Resources
Poland is a land of great resources, both natural and man-made. In addition to its highly advanced manufacturing sector, Poland is also blessed with an abundance of other natural resources which are not usually found in other countries, like gold, marble and potash, as well as oil and gas.
Poland is perhaps best known for its abundance of coal reserves, a resource which has been used to power the country’s industry for centuries. In 2017, Poland’s coal reserves of over 53.33 billion tons were the sixth-largest in the world. The mining industry is traditionally strong in the country, with approximately 33,000 coal miners daily extracting coal in over 500 coal mines throughout the country.
In addition to coal, Poland also boasts significant uranium deposits. Though most of the uranium in the country is exported in its processed form, the ore is found in nearly 15 regions and is estimated to total around 200,000 tons.
Poland also holds an abundance of other natural resources which are of value to the country and the world, such as marble and granite, limestone and chalk, timber, and iron ore. With over 500 marble quarries in the country, Poland is currently the world’s second-largest producer of quarried marble, after Italy.
Man-Made Resources
In addition to its wealth of natural resources, Poland is also respected for its man-made resources, like its network of highways and railways, its power grids, and its advanced telecommunications networks which allow for the widespread transmission of data.
Poland is the sixth-largest state in the European union and as such it boasts an excellent and forward-thinking transport network. The country is connected by nearly 40,000km of asphalt roads and nearly 9,000 km of railways, allowing for easy access to most of its regions. Nearly 7 million passenger cars are registered in the country, with most of them belonging to private owners, and the yearly railway traffic consists of nearly 2.2 billion passengers and over 7.5 billion tons of freight.
Poland is also considered to be a leader in the field of telecommunications, with its advanced data-transmission networks enabling high-speed internet access and connectivity to many parts of the country. Today, nearly 27.5 million Poles are able to access the internet, which accounts for over 75% of the country’s population. In addition, Poland has the sixth-largest fiber-optic backbone network in Europe.
Energy Resources
Poland’s current primary energy sources consist mainly of coal, natural gas, and liquid fuels, and the country is striving to become more energy independent. In 2019, the Polish government announced a long-term strategy to reduce the amount of its energy consumption derived from coal and significantly increase the amount of energy produced by renewables.
Currently, Poland’s energy sector relies heavily upon coal, accounting for over 47% of the country’s total energy production in 2017. In order to decrease this reliance and increase the use of renewable sources, the country’s government has committed to increasing its share of renewable energy sources in the national power mix, from the current 11% to 20% by 2030.
In addition, Poland also boasts significant oil and gas reserves, and despite relatively low production figures, exploration and development activities are steadily increasing.
Agriculture
Agriculture has long been an integral part of Poland’s economy and the country boasts over 65 million hectares of agricultural land, making up around one-third of its total area. Poland is a major producer of grains, potatoes, sugar beets, dairy products, and horticultural products, and the country is also one of the world’s leading producers of apples.
The country is home to over 200,000 farmers, and in recent years, the Polish government has undertaken significant efforts to modernize its farming sector. These efforts have resulted in increased yields for many crops, improved agricultural infrastructure, and increased investment in machinery and equipment.
Tourism
In addition to its abundant natural resources, Poland is home to numerous world-class tourist attractions, ranging from medieval castles to picturesque mountain ranges. The country’s rich cultural heritage, thousands of historical sites, and numerous natural wonders draw visitors from all over the world. According to the World Tourism Organization, Poland is currently the 14th most visited country in the world, and the country takes full advantage of its large number of visitors by welcoming them to its numerous luxurious boutiques, resorts, and other attractions.
Sustainable Resources
In recent years, Poland has begun to focus more keenly on developing its renewable energy sources and adopting other sustainable practices. Recognizing that renewable energy could provide an effective long-term solution to Poland’s energy needs, the country has committed to increasing its share of renewable energy sources from the current 11% to 20% by 2030.
In addition, Poland is also working to create a circular economy, and the country is investing heavily in waste management solutions which include composting, recyclable materials, and anaerobic digestion. The Polish government has also taken a number of steps to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the country, including setting limits on the amount of CO2 emissions allowed from power plants and requiring the use of energy efficient technologies.
Infrastructure
Having a modern, reliable infrastructure is essential for the development and success of a country, and Poland is fortunate to have a network of flexible and up-to-date transportation systems. In addition to its extensive highway and railway systems, the country also has a number of modern airports and seaports.
Poland is connected to the rest of Europe and the world through its highly developed road system, which is made up of over 11,000 km of highways, and its railway network which links it to over 20 countries. The country also has numerous international airports, of which Warsaw Chopin Airport is the busiest. Finally, the country boasts several seaports, including the main port in Gdansk and smaller ports which specialize in oil and gas.
Business & Finance
Poland is becoming increasingly attractive to investors and businesses in Europe and the world, and the country is home to numerous opportunities for those looking to start a business or invest in the Polish market. The country has an advanced financial system which is underpinned by a number of laws protecting foreign investment. In addition, the government is actively promoting the growth of the country’s financial sector, particularly through the introduction of new business incentives and initiatives.
Poland is also home to a number of financial institutions which specialize in the financing of businesses and consumers. These institutions include banks, investment houses, and venture capital firms, as well as a number of local insurance companies. Finally, the country also boasts a business-friendly environment, with low corporate tax rates and a range of valuable tax incentives.
Human Resources
Poland is home to a highly educated and motivated population which is eager to contribute and move the country forward. According to the OECD, the country boasts a remarkably high employment rate of 73%, and the average monthly salary is significantly higher than the European average. In addition, many Poles are highly trained professionals, with nearly 62% of the population having completed tertiary education.
Gas pipelines, oil pipelines, and electricity grids all serve to connect the country to the rest of Europe, while the country’s highly developed transport infrastructure allows for easy movement of both people and goods. Poland is also recognized for its numerous universities and Institutes of Technology, which foster innvoation and research in a multitude of fields.
The government also has an active role in promoting the country’s labor force development and has made significant improvements in its labor market, such as reducing the gender gap for both wages and labor force participation.
Technological Resources
Poland has established itself as an important player in the European market, thanks in part to the country’s surge in technological innovation and development. The country’s thriving tech sector is supported by several government initiatives, such as R&D tax incentives and the Polish Start-up Visa, which allow start-ups and innovators from abroad to obtain visas to stay in Poland.
Poland is also a hub for a number of multinationals, such as Google, Microsoft, and IBM, all of which have established offices in the country. In addition, the country is home to numerous incubators, tech accelerators, and venture capital funds which facilitate the growth of tech start-ups and help them to attract investments.
Finally, the country also boasts several universities and research centers, which specialize in new technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, high-performance computing, and data science. These research centers are contributing to the development of Polish society and the economy by introducing new technologies, products, and services which can be used to improve the lives of Poles and attract new investors to the country.
