Ślemień

The collective commune (gmina) of Ślemień has functioned on four separate occasions: from 1934–1941, 1944–1954, 1973–1976, and again since 1991. It was first established on August 1, 1934, within the Żywiec County of the Kraków Voivodeship, formed from the individual rural communes of Hucisko, Kocierz Rychwałdzki, Kocoń, Kurów, Las, Pewelka, Pewel Ślemieńska, and Ślemień. During World War II, the commune underwent several territorial changes, including the incorporation of the settlement (gromada) of Gilowice and the detachment of Hucisko and Kocierz to other communes. After the war, the original administrative division was reinstated. However, in 1954, the commune was abolished as part of a nationwide administrative reform. The commune of Ślemień was reactivated in 1973, this time comprising only three village councils (sołectwa): Kocoń, Las, and Ślemień. It was abolished again in 1976, merging with the communes of Gilowice and Łękawica to form the new commune of Gilowice-Ślemień. Finally, following the dissolution of that merged entity, Ślemień was re-established as an independent commune on April 2, 1991, with the same territory it held in 1976. The commune covers an area of 45.87 km², 58% of which is forested. In 2004, the population was 3,425, which grew to 3,541 by 2017. Ślemień borders the communes of Andrychów, Gilowice, Jeleśnia, Łękawica, Stryszawa, and Świnna. Its administrative seat is the village of Ślemień. The commune is characterized by its picturesque landscape and rich natural values, making it an attractive place to live and visit.