maopolskie

Małopolskie Voivodeship, commonly known as Małopolska, is an administrative region in southern Poland. Its capital and largest city is Kraków, a historic and cultural center. The name derives from the historical province of Lesser Poland (Polish: Małopolska), of which the current voivodeship forms a large part.

Geographically, Małopolskie covers a varied landscape that includes parts of the Carpathian Mountains, with the Tatra Mountains hosting Poland’s highest peaks. The Dunajec and Vistula rivers flow through the region, creating valleys and fertile plains. The area contains several protected areas, including Tatra National Park, Babiogórski National Park, and Ojcowski National Park, which contribute to its rich biodiversity and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Economically, the region combines services, industry, and tourism. Kraków is a major urban, cultural, and academic hub, home to Jagiellonian University and numerous research institutions. Tourism is a key sector, driven by historic sites, museums, and mountainous resorts such as Zakopane. The region also includes important cultural heritage sites, such as the Historic Centre of Kraków, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO-listed site near Wieliczka. The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum near Oświęcim is another significant historic site located within Małopolskie and recognized by UNESCO as part of World Heritage.

Administratively, the voivodeship is divided into counties and gminy (municipalities). With a population in the millions and a blend of urban and rural areas, Małopolskie is the most populous of Poland’s southern regions and a major contributor to the country’s culture and economy.