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Geography

West Pomerania is located in the northwestern part of Poland. On the west, the region borders with Germany. The Baltic Sea constitutes its northern border with Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Capital

Szczecin

Marshal

Mr. Zygmunt Meyer

Landspace and Population

The province is the fifth largest region in Poland with the area of 22.9 thousand sq. km. The population amounts to 1.731,8 thousand inhabitants, among which 70% live in cities.

History and Culture

West Pomerania plays an important role in cultural life of the country. Two major cities of the province, Szczecin and Koszalin are the regional centers with concentration of theatres, museums, galleries and philharmonics. Cultural activities of the region mainly take place in the Castle of Pomeranian Dukes in Szczecin. The Castle was built in the 16th century by Duke Barnim III. Nowadays, the Opera, concert hall and many exhibition are housed in the Castle. There are at least three places worth visiting in West Pomerania, that is, National Museum, Maritime Museum and Koszalin Regional Museum. Besides, West Pomerania is famous for remarkable cultural events which have been held regularly for years.

Port of Szczecin

Economy and Industry

West Pomerania generates US$ 7.5 billion in total GDP, 4,3 % of the national total. The GDP per capita is US$ 4330. The service sector is the most important in terms of employment (62%) and added value. Industry represents 23 % of employment. The conditions for agriculture are favourable, and 15 % of the working population work within this sector. Main industrial sectors are mineral fertiliser production, power generation, electrical engineering, wood processing, textiles and food production. Maritime-related industry is a major field in the regional economy, and has great importance on a national level. The most dynamic growth is however to be found within the service sector, notably in retail, repair services and tourism.

Establishment of Sister Province/State Relationship

On July 12, 2001, Mr. ZHONG Qiquan, Vice Governor of GD and Mr. Jozef Jerzy Falinski, Marshal of the West Pomeranian region signed the Agreement to establish the Sister Province Relationship in Szczecin.

Friendly Exchanges

In 1987, during the visit to China, the Polish Foreign Minister first proposed the idea of establishing Sister Province Relationship with GD when meeting with Chinese top leaders. While the initiative was suspended later due to the drastic changes in East Europe.

Marshal's visit to GD

In March 1998, the Marshal of Szczecin led a delegation to GD, during which the Agreement to establish the GD-Szczecin Sister Province Relationship was signed. The 1999 administrative reform of Poland annexed Szczecin into West Pomerania Region.

It was until July 12, 2001 that the Sister Province Relationship was re-continued when Mr. ZHONG Qiquan, Vice Governor of GD visited West Pomerania and signed the agreement to establish the Sister Province Relationship with West Pomerania.

As part of the follow-ups of the Vice Governor's visit, the "GD Culture Week" co-sponsored by GD Department of Culture, GD Foreign Affairs Office and the Press Office of GD Provincial Government was successfully held in West Pomerania in May 2002. The 122-people delegation from 15 organizations took part in the one-week art shows and live performances. The organizations were GD Song & Dance Theatre, GD Puppetry Troupe, Shenzhen General Labour Union Chorus, GD Modern Arts Exhibition, Foshan Folk Art (Paper-cut, Traditional Lantern Art and Ceramics and Pottery) Exhibition, etc.

Editor: Wing