History of Suwalki

Following the end of Communist rule in 1989, Suwałki experienced a period of economic difficulties. Most of the town's major factories were inefficient and went bankrupt. However, the creation of the Suwałki Special Economic Zone and the proximity of the Russian and Lithuanian borders opened new possibilities for local trade and commerce, while the region began to attract many tourists from all around the world. Residents of Suwalki frequently travel across the Russian and Lithuanian borders for shopping trips as well as to make use of the various attractions both countries offer