The National Census-the first in 14 years-has provided the first comprehensive statistical picture of the changes taking place in Polish society since the end of communism. Not all the phenomena can be considered positive, and not all were known earlier, even to specialists. The results of the census, prepared a year after it was carried out, will likely provide the foundation for many scientific works. They will also be useful for the government-let's hope-in improving the social-economic situation. The data, collected by the census officials and processed by demographers and sociologists, makes for instructive reading.

For many weeks, economists have said-at first shyly and in a low voice, later more loudly and with growing satisfaction-that economic stagnation in Poland is nearing an end. Indeed, various signs of a permanent upturn are visible: sales in industry are growing fast, the construction sector is making up for delays, and exporters are doing increasingly well, despite the unfavorable economic conditions in the countries that are Poland's major economic partners. Analysts are almost sure that this year's economic growth will exceed 3 percent of GDP. Deputy Prime Minister Jerzy Hausner, the man responsible for the economy, says that in 2004-an extremely important year due to Poland's European Union accession-GDP growth may even reach 5 percent.

The problem of artistic freedom is as old as the hills. In totalitarian systems, artistic license practically did not exist. In democratic countries, on the other hand, it is often abused: many artists, particularly those who lack real talent, try to make a name for themselves by inciting scandal. It's enough to shock the viewer, and the artist's name hits the front pages, even if for a short while. Such is the case with Dorota Nieznalska, the 30-year-old sculptor whose work titled Passion-featuring a cross emblazoned with male genitalia-upset the councilors in Gdańsk so much that she was hauled into court. The judge decided that Nieznalska had hurt the religious feelings of the Catholic majority, and sentenced her to six months community service. The sentence has triggered protests from liberal groups, while for the Polish left and women's lib movements the sculptor from Gdańsk has become a kind of a martyr. The case will certainly not end here: the artist's lawyers have announced that they will try to have the verdict overturned, perhaps by European courts.