Szumowo

Szumowo is a rural commune located in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, within the Zambrów County, with its seat in the town of Szumowo. Between 1975 and 1998, the commune belonged to the Łomża Voivodeship. Across its area of 141.15 km², agricultural land (70%) and forests (24%) dominate. The commune constitutes 19.25% of the area of Zambrów County. In 1921, the commune had 4,435 inhabitants, and according to data from 2004, the population increased to 4,876. Szumowo stands out for its rich cultural heritage, reflecting the diversity of faiths among its past residents — Catholic, Orthodox, Evangelical, and Jewish communities were active here. Many villages in the commune, such as Paproć Duża, Kaczynek, or Ostrożne, have their own unique history and local traditions. The commune is divided into 20 village administrative units (sołectwa), each with its distinct character and serving as a source of local identity. Szumowo is surrounded by other communes, such as Andrzejewo and Zambrów, which fosters regional cooperation and cultural exchange. An interesting fact is the presence of a settlement without village administrative status — Mroczki-Stylongi — which may indicate specific demographic conditions in the area. With its rich agricultural and forestry traditions, the commune is an interesting example of a rural community in Poland where history and culture coexist with modernity.