Located at the heart of Europe, Poland is the largest of the recent entrants to the European Union. The country also has one of the fastest growing economies in the region: GDP grew by 6.7% in 2007 (above the global average) and 4.7% in 2008. Although recent European Commission estimates suggest that Poland’s economy will see a contraction of 1.4% in 2009, the Polish government has refuted these claims and believes that the country will continue its growth trend, despite the economic turmoil.