voivodships

Voivodships, or voivodeships, are the highest-level administrative divisions in Poland. The term derives from the Polish word voivode, meaning a governor or warleader, with the suffix indicating a territorial domain. Poland currently has 16 voivodships, each with its own regional government and administration.

Each voivodship combines elected self-government with central government administration. It is governed by a regional assembly (sejmik) elected for four-year terms, which selects an executive board led by a marshal (marszałek). The voivode, appointed by the Prime Minister, serves as the representative of the central government in the voivodeship and oversees tasks assigned by the national authorities. The general administrative apparatus is organized in a Voivodeship Office.

The modern 16-voivodeship structure was introduced in 1999, replacing the previous system of 49 smaller units. The reform aimed to improve regional governance, facilitate decentralization, and strengthen the coordination of national and EU funds at the regional level.

Responsibilities of voivodships typically include regional development and planning, management of EU funds, coordination of regional transport, environmental protection, public health and culture at the regional level, and support for local governments and economic initiatives. They serve as a conduit for national programs and policies tailored to regional needs.

Capital cities are often the largest urban centers within each voivodeship, serving as administrative hubs. Examples include the capital of the Mazovian Voivodeship (Warsaw), Lesser Poland’s Kraków, Silesia’s Katowice, and Pomerania’s Gdańsk. The voivodeship system forms a key layer in Poland’s public administration, balancing local autonomy with national oversight.