Elbląg

The rural commune of Elbląg, located in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, in Elbląg County, boasts a rich landscape and numerous valuable natural and cultural resources. The seat of the commune is Elbląg, which is the largest city in Poland with the status of a rural commune. The commune comprises 24 villages, including Adamowo, Cieplice, and Nowakowo. According to data from 2002, its area is 192.06 km², predominantly agricultural land (65%) and forests (9%). The commune is characterized by a unique low-lying location, with the lowest point in Poland in the village of Raczki Elbląskie, reaching an elevation of 1.8 meters below sea level. The hydrology of the commune is diverse due to the presence of rivers such as the Elbląg and Nogat, as well as Lake Druzno, recognized as an area of high biodiversity and listed as a Ramsar site. Elbląg also features interesting natural and architectural assets. Part of the Elbląg Upland Landscape Park and numerous nature reserves, including Lake Drużno and the Nogat Estuary, are located within the commune. Notably, the commune includes Natura 2000 sites, highlighting its environmental significance. Demographically, the commune has seen an increase in population from 6,501 people in 2004 to 7,563 in 2019. Cultural diversity and rich flora and fauna attract tourists and researchers, making Elbląg Commune an interesting place to live, work on environmental protection, and enjoy local cultural heritage. Neighboring communes, such as Markusy and Milejewo, further enhance the region's diversity and development potential.