DEMOGRAPHIC TRENDS Population is 38,635,144 (est. Jul Population is 38,635,144 (est. Jul

‘05)‘05) 0-14 years: 16.7%0-14 years: 16.7%

(M 3,319,176/F 3,150,859)(M 3,319,176/F 3,150,859) 15-64 years: 70.3%15-64 years: 70.3%

(M 13,506,153/F (M 13,506,153/F 13,638,265)13,638,265)

65 years and over: 13%65 years and over: 13% (M 1,912,431/F 3,108,260)(M 1,912,431/F 3,108,260)

Trends in populationSex Ratio

at birth: 1.06 M/F

< 15: 1.05 M/F

15-64: 0.99 M/F

+65: 0.62 M/F

total population:

0.94 M/F (2005 est.)

Population growth rate is at estimated 0.03% in 2005

Birth rate is 10.78 births/1000 population

Death rate is 10.01 deaths/1,000 population

Net migration rate is (-) 0.49 migrants/ 1000 population

Religions Roman Catholic 89.8%

(about 75% practicing) Eastern Orthodox 1.3% Protestant 0.3% other 0.3% unspecified 8.3% (2002)

UnspecifiedProtestantEastern OrthodoxCatholicsOther

Literacy Rates

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

Total Population: 99.8%

male: 99.8%male: 99.7%

Source: CIA FACTBOOK, 2003 ESTIMATE

CULTURE The strongest traditions are

during religious feasts. The most important day in a

polish person’s life is his or her “ name day”--the day of observance patron saint.

Enjoying meals with families and friends.

Pleasing your guest is high honor and requirement in polish home.

Polish people find a successful family life is the most important value. 

Household Structure One of the lowest

divorce rates in Europe. This is certainly in part

due to the significance of religion

The most popular family model is the 2 + 2 formula (mother, father, and two children).

Leisure Activities Poles are also going in for more and

more sports activities. Cycling, going to fitness centres,

bowling and roller skating are the sports recently in fashion

Only watching television enjoys greater popularity - Poles watch an average of 4 hours a day.

In recent years visiting shopping malls has grown to be one of the

most popular pastimes.

Influence of the family The family, the traditional center of Polish

social life, assumed a vital role in this informal system.

Everyday urban life assumed some characteristics of traditional rural life.

For both professional and working classes, extended families and circles of friends helped when a family or individual was not self-sufficient.

Religious InfluencesMajority of poles are Catholics The catholic church was not only a spiritual

institution but also a social and political force.Catholic poles are very religious and attend

church at least once a weekOne mechanism that has emerged over the last

two years has been the charitable foundation, supports of hospitals and non profit organizations.

Economic FactorsTotal active force in Poland is 19.9

million people 32% of workers are employed in the

industryThe rest work for private services 17% of population is unemployed

Business EnvironmentNot informal trade barrier because they are

actively trying to attract foreign investment (FI) Strong support for FI and business to combat

the high level of unemployment Investing in local Polish talent and sales teams

would be a good idea. This will take advantage of lower costs

This would be a good way to become a long term player and gain market shares in Poland

Recommendation

FAMILY*Still plays a major role in everyday life

* Respect century-old traditions

Advertisement* Freedom & diversity of information in the media

SOCIAL FACTORS- Most poles view themselves as highly religious

* Human Capital: High literacy rates* Largest broadcast marketing in Eastern & Central Europe

ECONOMIC- F.I. welcomed by government

* High level of unemployment: Desire to work

POLITICAL- Stable Democracy- Member of the E.U.

* Still have laws against campaigns detrimental to the State

POLAND