Proszowice County

Proszowice County, located in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, was established in 1999 as part of the administrative reform, with its seat in the town of Proszowice. The region is characterized by its agricultural profile, with farmland accounting for 88.8% of its area, while forests and woodland cover only 1.6%. Demographically, according to data from the end of 2019, the county had a population of 43,222. It comprises three urban municipalities: Proszowice, Nowe Brzesko, and Koszyce, as well as three rural municipalities: Koniusza, Pałecznica, and Radziemice. Over the years, the administrative structure has undergone changes; the county existed between 1954 and 1975 and was later reinstated in a modified form when municipalities were reorganized. Between 1973 and 1975, the municipal layout was altered under the new regional administration, and in 1976, four municipalities were abolished, which influenced subsequent administrative development. The county is home to several Roman Catholic parishes and congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses. An interesting aspect is the diversity of the municipalities, which have historical and cultural significance within Proszowice County. Architecturally, the region reflects a richly diverse heritage, including examples of local building traditions. The county also boasts numerous natural attractions that highlight its agricultural character, as well as important transportation routes connecting it with neighboring counties, such as Brzesko, Bochnia, and Kraków. The county's authorities, consisting of the County Council and the Board, have been led by successive starosts since 1999, influencing local development strategies and the cultural heritage of the region.