Lesser Poland Voivodeship

Lesser Poland Voivodeship
Name	Lesser Poland Voivodeship
Native name	Województwo małopolskie
Settlement type	Voivodeship
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Poland
Capital	Kraków
Largest city	Kraków
Population total	3,404,863
Population as of	2019
Population density km2	221
Leader title	Voivode
Leader name	Łukasz Kmita

Lesser Poland Voivodeship is a voivodeship located in southern Poland, bordering Slovakia to the south, Czech Republic to the west, Silesian Voivodeship to the west, Śląsk Voivodeship to the northwest, Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship to the north, Podkarpackie Voivodeship to the east, and Biała Podlaska and Lublin Voivodeship to the northeast. The voivodeship is home to many notable cities, including Kraków, Tarnów, Nowy Sącz, and Oświęcim, which is near the infamous Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. The region is also close to the Tatra Mountains, a popular destination for hiking and skiing, and is near the Dunajec River, which forms part of the border with Slovakia.

Geography

The geography of the region is characterized by the Carpathian Mountains to the south, including the Tatra Mountains, and the Vistula River, which flows through the voivodeship and is a major tributary of the Baltic Sea. The region is also home to many notable lakes, including Lake Rożnów and Lake Czorsztyn, and is near the Babia Góra National Park, which is a popular destination for hiking and nature enthusiasts. The voivodeship is also close to the Slovak Paradise National Park, which is located in neighboring Slovakia, and is near the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, a region of hills and valleys that stretches across southern Poland. The region is also home to many notable rivers, including the Dunajec River, Poprad River, and Raba River, which flow through the voivodeship and are popular destinations for kayaking and fishing.

History

The history of the region dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was part of the Kingdom of Poland and was a major center of trade and commerce. The region was also home to many notable monarchs, including Casimir III the Great, who ruled Poland in the 14th century and was a major figure in the development of the region. The voivodeship was also a major center of culture and learning, and was home to many notable universities, including the Jagiellonian University, which was founded in 1364 and is one of the oldest universities in Europe. The region was also a major center of industry and manufacturing, and was home to many notable factories and mills, including the Kraków Steelworks, which was founded in the 19th century and is one of the largest steel producers in Poland. The region was also a major center of resistance during World War II, and was home to many notable partisans, including Emil Fieldorf, who was a major figure in the Polish resistance.

Administration

The administration of the voivodeship is headed by the Voivode, who is appointed by the Prime Minister of Poland and is responsible for the overall administration of the region. The voivodeship is also divided into many notable counties, including Kraków County, Tarnów County, and Nowy Sącz County, which are responsible for the administration of the local government. The region is also home to many notable cities, including Kraków, which is the capital of the voivodeship and is a major center of culture and learning. The voivodeship is also a member of the Silesian Voivodeship and Śląsk Voivodeship Euroregion, which is a regional organization that promotes economic and cultural cooperation between the regions.

Economy

The economy of the region is diverse and is based on many notable industries, including manufacturing, mining, and agriculture. The region is also home to many notable companies, including Tauron Polska Energia, which is one of the largest energy companies in Poland, and Grupa Azoty, which is a major chemical company. The region is also a major center of tourism, and is home to many notable attractions, including the Wawel Castle, which is a major historical landmark and is a popular destination for tourists. The region is also close to the A4 highway, which connects Kraków to Katowice and is a major transportation route, and is near the John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice, which is a major airport and is a hub for many notable airlines, including LOT Polish Airlines.

Tourism

The tourism industry in the region is a major contributor to the local economy, and is based on many notable attractions, including the Wawel Castle, which is a major historical landmark and is a popular destination for tourists. The region is also home to many notable museums, including the National Museum, Kraków, which is a major cultural institution and is home to many notable artworks, including The Lady with an Ermine by Leonardo da Vinci. The region is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and is home to many notable parks and nature reserves, including the Tatra National Park, which is a major protected area and is home to many notable species, including the European brown bear and the gray wolf. The region is also close to the Slovak Paradise National Park, which is located in neighboring Slovakia, and is near the Babia Góra National Park, which is a popular destination for hiking and nature enthusiasts.

Culture

The culture of the region is rich and diverse, and is based on many notable traditions, including folk music and dance. The region is also home to many notable festivals, including the Kraków Film Festival, which is a major cultural event and is a popular destination for film enthusiasts. The region is also a major center of learning, and is home to many notable universities, including the Jagiellonian University, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe. The region is also home to many notable theaters, including the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre, which is a major cultural institution and is home to many notable performances, including opera and ballet. The region is also a popular destination for food enthusiasts, and is home to many notable restaurants, including Wierzynek, which is a major gastronomic institution and is a popular destination for foodies. The region is also close to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, which is a major historical landmark and is a popular destination for tourists.

Category:Voivodeships of Poland