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Pomeranian Voivodeship

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The Pomeranian Voivodeship is a province located in northwestern Poland.

Gdańsk żuraw (3)
Gdańsk żuraw (3)

It serves as a vital maritime and cultural hub for the nation. The province sits along the Baltic Sea coast. To its west lies the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. To the south, it borders Greater Poland and the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship. The Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship borders it to the east. A short land border with Russia exists on the Vistula Spit. The name comes from the Slavic word *po more*. This term means "by the sea" or "on the sea."

The region is composed of several distinct historical and ethnocultural areas. Much of the province is within the historic region of Pomerania. The territories on the eastern bank of the Vistula river are known as Powiśle. Within Pomerania, there are subregions called Kashubia and Kociewie. The western area near Słupsk is part of Farther Pomerania.

Slupsk starostwo
Slupsk starostwo

The coastline includes the narrow Hel Peninsula and the Polish portion of the Vistula Spit. These landforms create unique environments for nature and tourism.

Administratively, the voivodeship is organized into many smaller units. It is divided into 20 counties, known as *powiats*. These include four city counties and 16 land counties.

Tczew 008
Tczew 008

These counties are further subdivided into 123 *gminas*, or communes. The city of Gdańsk is the provincial capital. Other significant urban centers include Gdynia and Sopot. These three cities together form the Tricity urban area. This area acts as a primary center for commerce and education in Poland.

The history of the region is reflected in its architecture and landmarks. Gdańsk was established as a seaport in the Middle Ages by Mieszko I.

Gdańsk żuraw (3)
Gdańsk żuraw (3)

In contrast, the seaport of Gdynia was built during the interwar period. The province contains many historic masterpieces in Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Notable sites include the Malbork Castle and the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Pelplin.

6. Panorama STG
6. Panorama STG

The region also houses the Museum of the National Anthem in Będomin. This museum is located at the birthplace of Józef Wybicki. He was the poet who authored the Polish national anthem.

Economically, the province is a significant contributor to the Polish economy. In 2018, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was 29.2 billion euros. This represented 5.9% of the total economic output of Poland.

Sopot (DerHexer) 2010-07-16 043
Sopot (DerHexer) 2010-07-16 043

The province hosts many major corporations across various industries. Companies like Energa provide energy supplies in Gdańsk. Others, such as Polpharma, manufacture medicines in Starogard Gdański.

6. Panorama STG
6. Panorama STG

The maritime sector is crucial, with Gdańsk and Gdynia serving as major seaports. The region also supports industries like electronics, paper products, and clothing design.

Education and infrastructure support the growing population. The province has a high number of students attending various institutions. For example, the University of Gdańsk and the Gdańsk University of Technology are major centers.

Slupsk starostwo
Slupsk starostwo

Transportation is facilitated by major highways, including the A1, S6, and S7.

A1-PL
A1-PL

The railway system is also very busy. The stations at Gdynia Główna, Gdańsk Główny, and Gdańsk Wrzeszcz are among the ten busiest in Poland. These connections allow for efficient movement of people and goods.

Nature and recreation are also central to the province's identity. It contains two National Parks and nine Landscape Parks.

WEJHEROWO. AB-034
WEJHEROWO. AB-034

Słowiński National Park is a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve. The region is famous for its many fishing ports, lighthouses, and marinas. Sports are a major part of local culture. Football, basketball, and volleyball have large followings.

Sopot (DerHexer) 2010-07-16 043
Sopot (DerHexer) 2010-07-16 043

Intense rivalries exist, such as the Tricity Derby between Arka Gdynia and Lechia Gdańsk. This makes the province a dynamic place for both residents and visitors.

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🖼️ Images & Media (68)
File:A1-PL.svg
A1-PL.svg
File:S6-PL.svg
S6-PL.svg
File:S7-PL.svg
S7-PL.svg
File:Gdańsk żuraw (3).jpg
Gdańsk żuraw (3).jpg
File:Slupsk starostwo.jpg
Slupsk starostwo.jpg
File:Tczew 008.jpg
Tczew 008.jpg
File:WEJHEROWO. AB-034.JPG
WEJHEROWO. AB-034.JPG
File:6. Panorama STG.jpg
6. Panorama STG.jpg
File:Sopot (DerHexer) 2010-07-16 043.jpg
Sopot (DerHexer) 2010-07-16 043.jpg
File:POL_COA_Ostoja_średniowieczna.svg
POL_COA_Ostoja_średniowieczna.svg
File:Bajerski_herb_własny.jpg
Bajerski_herb_własny.jpg
File:POL_COA_Chomąto.svg
POL_COA_Chomąto.svg

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