Zębowice

Zębowice, known in German as Zembowitz, is a rural commune in the Opole Voivodeship, within Olesno County. The commune has a rich historical context, as from 1975 to 1998 it was part of the former Opole Voivodeship. The seat of the commune is the town of Zębowice. In 2007, German was introduced as an auxiliary language in the commune, highlighting the significant presence and influence of German culture in the region. According to demographic data, as of June 30, 2006, the commune was inhabited by 4,090 people, and by December 31, 2019, this number had decreased to 3,631. Zębowice also stands out in parliamentary elections – in 2007, the "German Minority" committee received over half of the votes here, indicating strong ties of the local community to German nationality. In terms of land structure, the commune of Zębowice covers an area of 95.81 km², of which 34% is agricultural land and 62% is forest land, reflecting the beautiful natural surroundings of the area. Zębowice constitutes 9.84% of the area of Olesno County. The commune has the highest share of people of German nationality in Poland, making it unique on a national scale – according to the National Census of 2002, 43.95% of residents declared German nationality. This gives the region a distinct cultural character, where Polish and German traditions intertwine. The commune's administrative structure includes villages such as Kadłub Wolny, Knieja, Łąka, Osiecko, and many others. Integral parts of the villages include Bąkownia, Borowiany, Draganie, and Kopalina, indicating scattered development and the diversity of small local communities. It is worth noting that the region also boasts diverse infrastructure and numerous natural attractions, which draw tourists and residents alike. An interesting fact is that Zębowice, as a commune with a large German population, plays a specific role in shaping national identity and attachment to local traditions, which is evident in organized festivals and cultural events. The blending of influences from both cultures makes Zębowice stand out among other communes, offering a rich historical heritage and the opportunity to explore local traditions.