Stargard County

Stargard County, located in northwestern Poland within the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, was established in 1999. Its administrative seat is the city of Stargard, previously known as Stargard Szczeciński. The county has a population of approximately 120,000 and features a diverse structure of municipalities, including urban, urban-rural, and rural communes. Its landscape encompasses the Pyrzyce-Stargard Plain, the Nowogard Plain, and the Ińskie Lakeland, with significant natural attractions such as the Iński Landscape Park and Lake Miedwie, the fifth-largest lake in Poland. The local economy is based on the food, machinery, and clothing industries, with a slightly higher unemployment rate of 7.6% recorded in 2019. The county has an average level of forestation, and 10.2% of its area is legally protected. In terms of transportation, it is served by active railway lines connecting to cities like Szczecin and Gdańsk, as well as numerous national and regional roads linking the area to major centers. Stargard County also has a dynamic administration, with a County Council in Stargard composed of 23 councilors, and falls under the jurisdiction of the Regional Public Prosecutor's Office in Szczecin. In 2009, the crime detection rate was 67%, and the county is supported by 13 volunteer fire departments. The region boasts rich traditions and a long history, with numerous architectural monuments and cultural heritage sites, making it an attractive destination for both residents and tourists. An interesting fact is that Stargard County is the most populous county in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship.