Polish People's Republic (PRL)

The Polish People's Republic (PRL) was Poland's official name from 1952 to 1989 when it was a communist state aligned with the Soviet Union. It was characterized by a centrally planned economy, one-party rule by the Polish United Workers' Party, and limited political freedoms. During this period, Poland experienced industrial growth but also political repression and shortages. The PRL ended with the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, leading to democratic reforms and the establishment of the modern Republic of Poland in 1989.