Garwolin County

Garwolin County, located in the Masovian Voivodeship, was established in 1999 as part of the administrative reform, with the city of Garwolin as its capital. In 2019, it had a population of 108,981, indicating a stable demographic trend. The county consists of various municipalities, including urban, urban-rural, and rural communes, and its boundaries encompass several towns, such as Garwolin, Łaskarzew, Maciejowice, Pilawa, and Żelechów. The region boasts a rich history dating back to 1539, when King Sigismund I the Old moved the land negotiations to Garwolin. In the 19th century, the county expanded its borders to include areas of the Stężyca Land, and between 1918 and 1938, it belonged to the Lublin Voivodeship. The county was abolished in 1975 but reinstated in 1999 with a new administrative division. Architecturally, religious buildings stand out, with Catholicism being the dominant denomination. The region is also home to the Garwolin Congregation and a diaspora of the Mariavit Catholic Church, although historically, there was an Old Catholic Mariavite Church, which has since been demolished. The culture of Garwolin County is deeply rooted in Masovian traditions, reflected in local festivals and community events. Demographically, the county is characterized by a low degree of urbanization, with 72.7% of the population living in rural areas, making it a sparsely urbanized region. Interestingly, the western border of the county is formed by the Vistula River, and its diverse landscape includes the Garwolin Plain, the Żelechów Upland, and the Middle Vistula Valley, providing rich conditions for local flora and fauna. The county borders other administrative units, such as Grójec, Kozienice, Łuków, Mińsk, Otwock, Ryki, and Siedlce counties, highlighting its central location within the Masovian region. Combining a rich historical heritage with local traditions and varied landscapes, this area represents an interesting point on the map of Poland.