Narew

Narew Commune, located in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, is one of the largest communes in the region by area. Its administrative seat is the town of Narew, which, according to 2019 data, had a population of 3,454. The commune borders the communes of Michałowo, Narewka, Zabłudów, Bielsk Podlaski, Czyże, and Hajnówka, and its territory includes a significant part of the Białowieża Forest. The commune comprises 37 sołectwas (village administrative districts), which include 48 localities, and there are also about 100 registered business entities. Narew Commune has an area of 241.79 km², of which 25% is agricultural land and 65% is forested areas, forming part of the region's natural ecosystem. The Narew River flows through its territory, creating a natural valley 30 km long. The commune is also known for the Podlasie Stork Trail, which passes through several localities, including Narew and its sołectwas. Agricultural farms dominate the commune, with 1,599 farms primarily engaged in crop cultivation. Historically, according to 1921 data, the commune had a significant Belarusian population, which influenced its cultural and religious character—the majority of residents are Orthodox Christians. Today, the commune is home to the only Orthodox skete in Poland, as well as five parishes. It is also worth noting that Adventist communities operate in Narew Commune, which had a significant impact on the local community during the interwar period. The sołectwas of the commune include Narew, Tyniewicze Duże, and Puchły, while villages without sołectwo status include Bruszkowszczyzna and Hajdukowszczyzna. Together, they form a rich cultural and natural landscape where the history of local communities and their traditions harmoniously coexists with the beauty of nature.