How Poland became only EU nation to avoid recession

CNN) -- While the rest of Europe has battled with recession, Poland remained the only country to keep its head above water.

Its growth did slow to a crawl, but avoided full recession thanks to its very low private debt, robust domestic demand and flexible currency.

Poland's economy grew by 1.7 percent last year, while all others in Europe except Malta shrank. The forecast for 2010 is two percent growth.

Among Poland's thriving companies is Polpharma, the country's largest producer of pharmaceuticals, whose production lines are running close to full capacity.

"We are investing into new technologies, into the people, into assets, just to introduce new products and launch in different countries," said Tomasz Moys, a director of Polpharma.