Olszanica

Olszanica is a rural municipality located in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, within Lesko County, with its administrative seat in the village of Olszanica. The municipality has an agricultural and forest character, with farmland accounting for 33% of its area and forests covering 61%. In 2004, it was inhabited by 5,070 residents, and according to 2017 data, this number decreased to 4,956. The municipality is demographically diverse, as illustrated by the age pyramid of its inhabitants. Olszanica includes the following village districts (sołectwa): Olszanica, Paszowa, Orelec, Wańkowa, Uherce Mineralne, Stefkowa, Rudenka, and Zwierzyń. The history of the municipality dates back to 1934, when a collective municipality was established, initially comprising eight village clusters. During World War II, Olszanica was incorporated into the General Government, and after the war, it returned to the Rzeszów Voivodeship. The municipality underwent numerous changes and divisions as part of administrative reforms, until it was finally reinstated as a modern local government unit on January 1, 1973. In the following years, the municipality experienced numerous transformations and border adjustments, leading to the loss of some village districts to the Ustrzyki Dolne municipality. As part of the Bieszczady region, Olszanica holds significant cultural and touristic importance, with numerous attractions related to nature and local traditions. The municipality is known for its picturesque landscapes, which attract tourists seeking nature-based activities and recreation. The area also features sites connected to the region's history, including remnants of the Boyko culture and wooden architecture characteristic of the area. Interestingly, the municipality includes forested areas and forestry districts, which serve as important natural resources and habitats for various species of flora and fauna. Olszanica is surrounded by other municipalities, such as Lesko, Solina, and Ustrzyki Dolne, which contributes to its development, touristic appeal, and integration within local social and cultural initiatives.