Administrative Structure of Poland
Three Levels of Structure
The current administrative structure of Poland is based on three levels of subdivision:
- The largest subdivisions are Voivodeships (provinces); Each Voivodeship has its own Coat of Arms.
- The Voivodeships are further divided into Powiats (counties or districts);
- The Powiats are then divided into Gminas (municipalities). Gminas may be classed as urban, urban-rural (which includes a town as well as surrounding villages and countryside), and rural (not containing a town). Major cities usually have the status of both powiat and gmina.
Poland had 49 voivodeships from 1975-1998 (see map above). It currently has 16 voivodeships. It is unknown why the large reduction in numbers, but it likely was more cost-effective and efficient to have fewer voivodeships. Also, since Communism ended in Poland in 1989, it likely was a time to restructure and must have taken years to work through the details.
Current Poland Powiats
There are currently 380 powiats (including 66 cities with powiat status) and 2,478 gminas. Note that the current structure has only been in place since 1999. There were many different divisions historically, dependent on the time period.
Links Related to the Administrative Structure of Poland
Administrative Divisions of Poland
Cities and Municipalities in Poland
Video overview of the 16 Voivodeships
