Page 118 - Olympism in Socialism

nations of 16th and 17th century Europe, with
a uniquely liberal political system which adopted
Europe's first modern constitution,
the Constitution of 3 May 1791.
With the passing of prominence and
prosperity, the country was partitioned by
neighboring states at the end of the 18th century,
and regained independence in 1918 with
the Treaty of Versailles. After a series of territorial
conflicts, the new multi-ethnic Poland restored its
position as a key player in European politics. In
September 1939, World War II began with
the invasion of Poland by Germany, followed by
the Soviets invading Poland in accordance with
the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact. Approximately six
million Polish citizens, including three million of
the country's Jews, perished during the course of
the war. As a member of the Eastern Bloc,
the Polish People's Republic proclaimed
forthwith was a chief signatory of the Warsaw
Treaty amidst global Cold War tensions. In the
wake of the 1989 events, notably through the
emergence and contributions of the Solidarity
movement, the communist
government was dissolved and Poland re-
established itself as a semi-
presidential democratic republic.
Poland is a developed market and a regional
power in Central Europe; it has the sixth largest
economy in the European Union by nominal
GDP and the fifth largest by GDP (PPP). It
provides very high standards
of living, safety and economic freedom, as well as
free university education and a universal health
care system in accordance with EU
standards. The country has 16 UNESCO World
Heritage Sites, 15 of which are cultural. Poland is
a member state of the Schengen Area, the United

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