Comparing Poland to the UK and Japan
Poland’s per capita GDP is on track to surpass that of Japan — another milestone in the country’s remarkable economic transformation.
April 14, 2025
According to the World Bank, Poland’s purchasing power-adjusted income per capita is poised to surpass that of Japan.
Poland’s GDP per capita (PPP) is approximately $49,464. This compares to the UK ($58,906) and Japan ($50,206).
This indicates that Poland is rapidly closing the gap — highlighting its huge economic progress over recent decades.
Poland’s economy has doubled in size over the past two decades. It grew faster than neighboring Central European countries — and at twice the average rate of other OECD countries.
Twenty years ago, Poland’s GDP per capita stood at just 48% of the EU average (at PPP). By 2024, it had climbed to 82% — matching that of Portugal.
Full-year GDP growth in Poland averaged 3.88% from 1996 until 2024 — reaching an all-time high of 7.10% in 2007.
Poland's unemployment rate, once at 20%, has now plummeted to just 2.6%. The EU average unemployment rate is 5.8% — and the average for the euro area is even higher, at 6.2%.
The 2025 growth forecast for Poland is 3.4%. Investment growth — driven by structural reforms and unlocked EU funds — will further support Polish growth in 2025.
A supportive business environment, combined with a well-educated population, has attracted foreign investment and innovative businesses, boosting economic growth.
Inequalities in disposable income in Poland remain low. Poland’s Gini coefficient of 30.5 is lower compared to the UK (35.6), Japan (32.1) and the United States (41.4).
Sources: Trading Economics, Central Statistical Office of Poland, OECD, World Bank, Warsaw Business Journal, IMF, Polish Ministry of Family, Labor and social Policy, Eurostat, European Commission
Takeaways
Poland’s per capita income on a purchasing power basis is on track to surpass that of Japan — another milestone in the country’s remarkable economic transformation.
Poland’s economy has doubled in size over the past two decades. It grew faster than neighboring Central European countries — and at twice the average rate of other OECD countries.
Unemployment in Poland, once at 20%, has now plummeted to 2.6%. The EU average unemployment rate is 5.8% — and the average for the euro area is even higher, at 6.2%.
