Hajnówka

Hajnówka is a rural commune in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, within Hajnówka County, established in 1954 as the Nowoberezowo Commune. In 2010, Belarusian was introduced as an auxiliary language, highlighting its multicultural character. The seat of the commune is the town of Hajnówka, which plays a significant role in the region. The commune covers an area of 293.15 km², and according to 2014 data, it was inhabited by 3,942 people. The land use structure is diverse, dominated by forestland (56%) and agricultural land (37%). The national composition of the community is noteworthy, with 65.47% of residents declaring Belarusian nationality, making the commune one of the few where Poles constitute less than half of the population. In terms of religion, the majority of inhabitants are Orthodox Christians, and the commune is home to three Orthodox parishes, reflecting their traditions and culture. The commune includes numerous villages, such as Bielszczyzna, Nowoberezowo, Orzeszkowo, and Trywieża, as well as smaller settlements that also play a role in local culture. Its proximity to Belarus adds a unique character to the commune. Contemporary architectural and cultural attractions are linked to the historical traditions of this part of Poland, as well as Belarusian influences. Hajnówka is a place where one can experience cultural and historical richness, and its unique demographic structure contributes to the diversity of local traditions, customs, and cultural events. The commune invites both residents and tourists to explore its beauty.