powiát

Powiat is a fundamental administrative division in Poland, comparable to a county in many English-speaking countries. It represents the second level of territorial division within Poland, below the voivodeship (województwo). Each powiat is comprised of several smaller units, typically gminas (gminy).

Powiaty were reintroduced as part of the local government reforms of 1999. Their primary responsibilities include public services and infrastructure management that extend beyond the scope of individual gminas. These often encompass areas such as regional roads, public transportation, hospitals, secondary education, and some aspects of social welfare.

There are currently 380 powiats in Poland, including 66 city powiats, which are cities with the rights of a powiat. Each powiat is governed by a powiat council (rada powiatu), elected by residents of the powiat. The executive branch is headed by a powiat mayor (starosta). The size and population of powiats vary considerably across the country, reflecting diverse regional demographics and administrative needs. The system aims to decentralize power and provide more localized governance and service delivery.