Głogówek

Głogówek, also known as Gemeinde Oberglogau, is an urban-rural municipality located in the Opole Voivodeship, within Prudnik County. Its administrative seat is the town of Głogówek. The municipality was established on January 1, 1973, and currently comprises 21 villages, including Biedrzychowice, Dzierżysławice, and Racławice Śląskie. Between 1975 and 1998, the municipality was part of the Opole Voivodeship, and since 2009, the German language has been recognized as an auxiliary language, reflecting the region's rich cultural heritage. In 2004, Głogówek had a population of 14,576, which decreased to 12,970 according to the 2021 census. The diverse national structure of its inhabitants includes Poles, Germans, Silesians, as well as smaller groups of Ukrainians and Belarusians. The municipality covers an area of 170.06 km², of which 87% is agricultural land and 4% is forested, highlighting its predominantly agricultural character. The architecture of Głogówek and its surroundings reflects both Polish and German influences. The municipality features interesting structures, including historic churches and characteristic rural houses. It is known for its beautiful landscapes, which encourage various forms of outdoor activities. Historically, Głogówek has a rich past, having witnessed numerous administrative changes over the years. The safety of residents is ensured by the Border Guard, which has special authority in this region due to its location in the border zone. Głogówek borders the Czech Republic, further enriching its character. Local authorities, represented by the Municipal Office, enable residents to actively participate in the political life of the municipality by electing councilors from both urban and rural areas. Interestingly, despite the population decline in recent years, Głogówek maintains a strong sense of community and cultural diversity, making it an interesting place both to live in and to visit.