Spatial differentiation of Poland’s gross domestic product

Abstract

PURPOSE: The main aim of this study was to evaluate changes in spatial differentiation of Poland’s gross domestic product (GDP). We also evaluated changes in GDP in specific provinces in Poland. Last, we analyzed the shadow economy in Poland.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Data for the study were obtained from the Statistics Poland data. The analyzed data covered the period from 1990 to 2023, which reported a total of 34 years of observations. We used tabular, graph and descriptive methods to present the spatial differentiation of GDP development.

FINDINGS: The study revealed that in 2023, Poland’s GDP exceeded PLN 3 trillion. We used the nominal GDP that is explained in current prices. Moreover, the biggest GDP was observed in the Mazovia, Silesia and Wielkopolskie voivodeships. In 2021 the highest GDP was produced in the Mazovia voivodeship (593 814 PLN million), the Silesia voivodeship (314 500 PLN million) and the Wielkopolska voivodeship (259 958 PLN million). The smallest GDP was observed in 2021 in the Opole voivodeship (53 994 PLN million), the Podlasie (58 369 PLN million) and the Świętokrzyskie voivodeship (60 381 PLN million). East voivodeships in Poland produce lower gross domestic products.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The study contributes to the development of the economy in Poland showing changes in gross domestic products (GDP). Poland is still divided into west with a better developed Poland and east with a lesser developed Poland. This is a clue for policy makers to address additional funding for the development in east Poland.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The paper brings original value in GDP analysis and shadow economy in Poland.