The Bielsko Voivodeship was established on 1 June 1975, as part of the administrative reform, and was one of the voivodeships (provinces) of the Polish People's Republic. It was formed from the part of the territories of the voivodeships of Katowice, and Kraków. Its capital was located in the city of Bielsko-Biała.[1] In 1975, it had a population of 779,300 people.[3]
On 9 December 1989, the Polish People's Republic was replaced by the Third Republic of Poland.[4] In 1997, the voivodeship had a population of 924,000 people, and had an area of 3,04 km².[5] It existed until 31 December 1998, when it was partitioned between then-established Lesser Poland, and Silesian Voivodeships.[2]
Subdivisions
In 1997, the voivodeship was divided into 59 gminas (municipalities), including 8 urban municipalities, 10 urban-rural municipalities, and 18 rural municipalities. It had 18 cities and towns.[5]
From 1990 to 1998, it was additionally divided into five district offices, each comprising several municipalities.[6][7]