Bierawa

The Bierawa Commune, located in the southeastern part of Kędzierzyn-Koźle County in the Opole Voivodeship, is a place with a rich history and diverse architecture. It was established in 1973 through the merger of the national gromada councils in Bierawa, Kotlarnia, and Dziergowice. The commune has introduced German as an auxiliary language, which reflects its multicultural heritage. The seat of the commune is the village of Bierawa, and the commune consists of 12 sołectwos (village councils), including Dziergowice, Stare Koźle, and Kotlarnia. The commune covers an area of 118.6 km², and according to data from the end of 2019, it is inhabited by 7,912 people, with 63% of its area being forests. Among its localities, Dziergowice stands out with a population of 2,556 residents, Bierawa with 1,350 residents, and Stare Koźle with 800 residents. The head of the commune is Krzysztof Marek Ficoń, who has held this position since 2013. The commune operates units such as the Municipal Housing and Utilities Department and the Commune Social Welfare Center, indicating its well-developed organizational structure. From a cultural perspective, the Bierawa Commune has various educational institutions, including public kindergartens and primary schools, which provide education at different levels. This is an important element of social life, influencing the cultural development of its residents. The presence of a commune cultural and recreation center fosters the organization of cultural and integrative events, contributing to social activity. Historically, the commune boasts interesting demographics, with 4,120 women and 3,809 men, and an average resident age of 42.7 years. In 2017, a natural population increase of 11 was recorded, indicating the demographic stability of the region. An interesting fact is that the introduction of German as an auxiliary language in administration highlights the commune's multicultural character. The commune is also known for its picturesque forest areas, which cover a significant part of its territory, making it an attractive destination for nature lovers. Neighboring communes, such as Cisek, Kędzierzyn-Koźle, Kuźnia Raciborska, Rudziniec, and Sośnicowice, influence the social life of the Bierawa Commune, creating a collaborative local environment. Architecture, traditions, and natural assets contribute to the unique atmosphere of this commune.