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The Economic Growth and Regional Convergence in Interwar Poland: Detailed Historical National Accounts

Author

Listed:
  • Maciej Bukowski

    (University of Warsaw, Faculty of Economic Sciences)

  • Michał Kowalski

    (University of Warsaw, Faculty of Economic Sciences)

  • Marcin Wroński

    (Warsaw School of Economics, Collegium of World Economy, Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies)

Abstract

We provide the first estimate of the Polish national, regional and sectoral GDP in the interwar period. We find that the Polish economy's performance in the interwar period was much better than it was assumed before. In the years 1924 – 1938, the real GDP per capita increased by almost 40% or by 2.3% annually. As economic growth was stronger in the poorer regions significant regional convergence was achieved. Our results challenge the dominant narrative about the weak performance of the Polish economy in the interwar years.

Suggested Citation

  • Maciej Bukowski & Michał Kowalski & Marcin Wroński, 2025. "The Economic Growth and Regional Convergence in Interwar Poland: Detailed Historical National Accounts," Working Papers 2025-03, Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw.
    • Handle: RePEc:war:wpaper:2025-03
    as

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    File URL: https://www.wne.uw.edu.pl/download_file/5264/0
    File Function: First version, 2025
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    economic history; Poland; Great Depression; regional convergence; economic growth;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • N10 - Economic History - - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics; Industrial Structure; Growth; Fluctuations - - - General, International, or Comparative
    • N14 - Economic History - - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics; Industrial Structure; Growth; Fluctuations - - - Europe: 1913-
    • N90 - Economic History - - Regional and Urban History - - - General, International, or Comparative
    • N94 - Economic History - - Regional and Urban History - - - Europe: 1913-

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