Pomeranian Voivodeship
A Polish province on the Baltic Sea with rich cultural heritage.
The Pomeranian Voivodeship is a province in northwestern Poland, established on January 1, 1999, from the former voivodeships of Gdańsk, Elbląg, and Słupsk. Its capital is Gdańsk, and it is bordered by the Baltic Sea to the north, Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) on the Vistula Spit, and several other Polish voivodeships. The region is noted for its rich cultural heritage, including the Tricity urban area of Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot, which serves as a major cultural, commercial, and educational center.
- established
- January 1, 1999
- capital
- Gdańsk
- area_type
- Voivodeship
- country
- Poland
- population_rank
- Not specified
- gdp_2018
- 29.2 billion euros
- gdp_per_capita_ppp_2018
- 20,800 euros
Lore & Background
The voivodeship was created in 1999 as part of Polish local government reforms adopted in 1997, merging the former voivodeships of Gdańsk, Elbląg, and Słupsk. Its territory lies mostly in the historic region of Pomerania, with eastern parts in Powiśle. The name Pomerania derives from the Slavic 'po more,' meaning 'by the sea' or 'on the sea.' The province includes the Hel Peninsula, the Polish half of the Vistula Spit, and numerous tourist destinations such as Wejherowo, Sopot, and Jurata.
Reader's Guide
The Pomeranian Voivodeship is significant for its economic and cultural role in Poland. Its GDP in 2018 was 29.2 billion euros, accounting for 5.9% of Polish economic output, with a per capita purchasing power of 69% of the EU27 average. The Tricity area contains major seaports in Gdańsk and Gdynia, and the region hosts several major international sports events, including UEFA Euro 2012 and the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup. The voivodeship also features two national parks, nine landscape parks, and numerous historic landmarks such as the Malbork Castle (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the St. Mary's Church in Gdańsk. Its cultural heritage includes the Museum of the National Anthem in Będomin and the longest wooden pier in Europe at Sopot.
Did You Know?
- Gdańsk was the largest city of Poland for over 250 years, from the mid-15th century to the early 18th century.
- The first Scots settled in Gdańsk in 1380, founding a significant Scottish diaspora in Poland.
- The Westerplatte peninsula in Gdańsk was the site of the first battle of the German invasion of Poland and World War II.
- The voivodeship contains two spa towns: Sopot and Ustka.
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