Kolno County

Kolno County, established in 1999 as part of the administrative reform, is located in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, with its seat in the town of Kolno. The county includes both urban and rural municipalities, such as the urban municipality of Kolno, the urban-rural municipality of Stawiski, and the rural municipalities of Grabowo, Kolno, Mały Płock, and Turośl. In 2019, the county was home to 38,057 people, and by 2020, the population had decreased to 37,983. From a demographic perspective, during the interwar period of the Second Polish Republic, the county had 63,656 inhabitants, with a majority of Poles but also a significant Jewish community. The contemporary demographic structure is diverse, and the population in 2013 reflects further changes in this regard. The county faces the challenge of unemployment, with a rate of 13.7% in 2019. In terms of religion, the 1921 census showed a significant majority of Catholics, with smaller religious groups. An interesting point of reference is the region's architecture, which is dominated by traditional rural buildings, along with numerous Orthodox churches and Catholic churches that bear witness to its centuries-old history. Kolno County also boasts rich cultural traditions related to folklore and folk rituals that have survived to this day. Interestingly, the region stands out not only for its natural resources but also for its pro-ecological initiatives aimed at protecting the local environment. The county's proximity to other administrative units, such as Grajewo County and Łomża County, contributes to dynamic development and cooperation between them. It is also worth noting that, despite numerous challenges, the county strives to actively develop its tourist attractions, placing greater emphasis on the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region.